Dateline September 30, 1911: 'The Dam That Could Not Break' Broke

On or about 2:00 PM on this date in 1911, the Bayless Dam burst destroying most of the community of Austin, Pennsylvania, situated two (2) miles south in the Freeman Run Valley.

This tragedy is currently the second worst flood disaster in the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The Johnstown flood being the worst.

At the time of the flood, Austin was a prosperous and growing community with a population in excess of 2,900 people. Employment opportunities were plentiful.

The  Dam Ruins located approximately two (2) miles north of the community of Austin on Route 872

Bayless Pulp and Paper Mill Ruins

Learn more about this fascinating community dubbed "The Town Too Tough to Die" by purchasing the following books, publications and media available at the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society Museum located on Main Street in Austin.

Read about Marie Kathern Nuschke

Read more about Paul W. Heimel

Read more about Gale Largey the author of The Austin Disaster, 1911.

DVD directed by Gale Largey

Today, the population of Austin is approximately 650 people.

The Austin Area School District is the smallest public school in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with a student population of approximately 200, including Pre-K through 12th grade.

Come spend a day with us and enjoy the beauty of the Freeman Run Valley.

Austin Dam Memorial Park Site of Potter County Democratic Party Family Picnic

The Democratic Party Is Reborn in Potter County

New Leadership at the Helm

All Are Welcome to Attend

                 

Note: Bring Lawn Chairs

Visit The Awesome Austin Dam Memorial Association Park Website by Clicking HERE.

Potter County Habitat for Humanity Austin PA Project Photo Update No. 5

POTTER COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

37 Thorn Street

Austin, PA 16720

Future Home of Amanda and Scott Crumrine

The First United Methodist Church of Clarion, Pennsylvania, In His Step Sunday School Class, came to Austin on August 19th and 20th, to begin siding the Habitat home on Thorn Street.

Some of the Sunday School class had been here during the month of June, while others were on their very first Habitat for Humanity Project.

See :

Potter County Habitat for Humanity Austin PA Photo Update No. 3 - The Clarion First United Methodist Church Youth Group Is Awesome

Below are some of the pictures I took:

Bryce

Howard and Nathaniel

Carl, Gavin, Scott, Bill and Brandon

Josh and Keith

Nathaniel, Carl and Spencer

Spencer, Amy, and Bryce

Grace, Shelly, and Carl

Carl, Bill, and  Gaviin

Tricia, Nathaniel, Spencer and Grace

Stephanie, Howard, and Amy

Bryce, Shelly, Gavin, Amy, Keith, Howard, and Tricia

Josh, Tricia and Grace

Stephanie and Nathaniel

Howard leveling platform frame

Keith, Grace and Stephanie

Josh

Nathaniel and Tricia Parker, Husband and Wife, First Habitat for Humanity Project

Volunteers from the local Potter County Habitat for Humanity would finish the siding.

Dr. Kistner delivering siding

Tink and Barry

Ivan

Scott, Ivan and Barry

Tink

Carl working on the plumming

Cooney's Redline Muscle Company Opens on Main Street

Hilary and Chase Cooney, Owners/Operators of Cooney's Redline Muscle Company standing outside their physical fitness center on Main Street, Austin, Pennsylvania

The Redline Muscle Company is open 24/7 by virtue of an electronic entrance system using a fob.

fob

Monthly membership rates are:

• Individual $30.00
• Married $55.00
• Married with one (1) child $75.00

Must be 16 years of age or older to join.

Tank top and tees can be purchased for $20.00 each. Stickers are $5.00.

For more information call: 814-203-1196.  They are also on Facebook.