History (Southmont Borough Home Page)

History

Southmont History Historical Sites in Southmont

Southmont History:

The Borough of Southmont was incorporated in 1919 as a Borough under the provisions of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Historical Sites in Southmont:

Chapin Arch:

People driving on Menoher Boulevard from Johnstown to Southmont Borough will notice an impressive stone arch standing on the opposite side of Grandview Cemetery. Named the “Chapin Arch” and built in 1910, the original structure served as an entrance to Grandview Cemetery. The cost of the construction was paid by Philip Chapin who dedicated the arch to the memory of his wife Anna.

Over the years, the neglected arch began to deteriorate. In 1996, Southmont Borough and the cemetery association obtained a grant of $6,500 to repair the structure. Masonry work reinforced the arch, the wall around it was fixed, some landscaping was done and parking spaces constructed. PennDot fixed the road and curbing near the arch, placed signs for the entrance and exit, and added handicap parking spaces. The combined effort of these groups resulted in an attractive, historic site in Southmont Borough.

Another grant from the Allegheny Heritage Development Corporation paid for the free standing sign showing the visitors a photo of the old road passing under the arch and a short history of the structure (see following photo).

In 1999, the arch and surrounding area were turned over to the Southern Allegheny Conservancy which will maintain it as part of the Heritage Route overlooking part of the Conemaugh Gap.

The finished project shows what can be achieved with the cooperation of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and concerned individuals working together for the common good.

Grandview Cemetery:

In the early 1880's, it become apparent to a group of prominent Johnstown citizens that the capacity of the local cemeteries was nearly exhausted. A Location Committee was organized and the group began searching and exploring sites suitable for a new burial facility. A 100 acre plot located on Kernville Hill in Upper Yoder Township, owned by the Cambria Iron Work was offered to the Location Committee for $75.00 per acre.
It was agreed to purchase the 100 acre plot and to form a Charter Member and General Committee who called a meeting on January 26, 1885 and adopted the nave of the Citizens Cemetery Association. The Association's affaires were to be managed by a board of seven trustees, the officers being President, Secretary and Treasurer. This Association remains in effect today. The Board decided upon "Grand-View Cemetery" as the official name of the facility. Southmont Borough was incorporated in 1919 from Upper Yoder Township and acquired Grandview Cemetery with the incorporation. Grandview Cemetery has 235 acres and is one of the largest cemeteries in Pennsylvania.
Thousands of people visit the cemetery each year, in search of and to locate the gravesite of their loved ones and friends. We commend the Cemetery Association for their outstanding planning and dedication in keeping the Cemetery in its excellent condition.