“The industry that was the life-blood and livelihood of family generations before my own created their monopolies and made their profits. In the true spirit against today’s meaning of environmental justice they used our people, consumed our resources, destroyed our environment, and then just disappeared. Not only did they leave, they left quite a contaminated mess behind. This mess has affected and taken the lives of many of my family, friends, and neighbors and caused much damage to the environment. It will last for many future generations.” - Scott J. Thomas
Vicinity - Middle Taylor Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania (shown in yellow) is located just north of the Cambria City, Minersville section of the City of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Location - Middle Taylor Township is located just north of the Cambria City, Minersville section of the City of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. On this map, the Conemaugh River is below (south of) Middle Taylor Township. It is shown in blue color in the bottom left-hand corner (southwest). The crossing of the river at that location is the 4th Avenue bridge at Iron Street. The Hinckston Run Reservoir (dam) is situated in the upper-right hand corner of the map (northeast) and the Hinckston Run stream valley comes down through the middle of the map from top to bottom (north to south) from the reservoir to empty into the Conemaugh River.
This website is dedicated to past and current residents of Middle Taylor Township, Cambria County (Johnstown) Pennsylvania. It’s purpose is to chronicle and document more than thirty years of compiled data, information, and research into surface water and groundwater contamination within the Hinckston Run stream valley and it’s effects to residents of the Benshoff Hill, Valley View, and Linkville Road sections of central and southern Middle Taylor Township.
The surface water and groundwater contamination was caused by pollution from industrial wastes and coal refuse dumped at the nearby, upland area known locally as the “Rosedale” dump site. From a regulatory perspective, it is identified as the Riders Dump Disposal Area; however, I will refer to it in this website as the Riders Dump (Rosedale) Disposal Area . This site was the end location for transported and dumped coal refuse, slag, industrial and other process wastes and materials, and who knows what from past operations at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation (BSC) Rosedale coke plant. The coke plant is now gone - the smokestacks were razed, buildings were demolished, and site soils were remediated through various Brownfield grant programs.
This website provides a summary of research and documentation for information purposes only. It is meant to inform past and current residents of Middle Taylor Township and family, friends, and former neighbors of the author. It is based on sound science, engineering, and technological research. The purpose statement and goals are listed in the “General” section of the web page.
Important Note: The entire website is set up to view like a book. The best way to navigate through it is to use the menu at the top and logically work your way in order from left to right and also from top down. Start with the “About” section, then go to the “General” section, then go through each of the four “Introduction” and each of the six “Research” sections and end at the “Conclusion”. The five “Image” sections are maps and photographs provided in support of and as referenced in the “Research” sections. The “Epilogue” section is meant to give updates on any progress or inquiries received about this information. A mapping and then three extra and a contact me section are tacked on at the very end for good measure. GOOD LUCK!
General boundary and road map of Middle Taylor Township, Cambria County (Johnstown), Pennsylvania. The Hinckston Run Reservoir (dam) is the large blue color feature shown at the top right (northeast). The Conemaugh River is the skinny and windy blue color feature at the bottom left-hand corner (southwest).
Historical marker dedicated in the Cambria City section of the City of Johnstown and outlining some of it’s history with immigrants.
Welcome sign coming into the township from the south from the Cambria City, Minersville section of the City of Johnstown up along the main state road through Middle Taylor Township which is known as Benshoff Hill Road.
A landmark structure of Benshoff Hill, Middle Taylor Township is the Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren. (Note: Source of photograph and date unknown).
Perhaps the most famous geographical feature of Middle Taylor Township, Cambria County (Johnstown) PA is a water fall situated just below the Hinckston Run Reservoir (dam). Below the falls the Hinckston Run stream reforms and traverses in a south direction to Johnstown to empty into the Conemaugh River. The stream is severely polluted.
Another popular landmark feature of Middle Taylor Township, Cambria County is the Hinckston Run Reservoir and dam (Note: Source of photograph and date unknown).
A landmark feature of Benshoff Hill, Middle Taylor Township is the Benshoff Hill Cemetery which is located near the Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren. Many of my own family members and friends are buried in this cemetery.
This is an aerial image of the Benshoff Hill Cemetery and the Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren. Benshoff Hill Road is on the right side. (Google Earth 2019).
Another landmark structure of Benshoff Hill, Middle Taylor Township is the fire hall for the Middle Taylor Township Volunteer Fire Company situated at 718 Benshoff Hill Road (Google Earth 2021).
This is an aerial photograph of the Middle Taylor Township fire hall (left - west) and the municipal (old school) building. Benshoff Hill Road separates the two buildings (Google Earth 2019).
This is an amazing vintage rendering of the “Stutzman” school building and adjacent parking area, playground and sports field area on Benshoff Hill, Middle Taylor Township, Cambria County (Johnstown) PA. I went to this school from K through 4th grade. This is how I will always remember this school in my mind. (source unknown)
The above three pictorials are courtesy of my friend, Mr. Ron Shawley, who is a stringent advocate, steward, and protector of the history and environment of Middle Taylor Township, Greater Johnstown and beyond. He has been instrumental on several successful initiatives in and around Middle Taylor Township including the Veterans Memorial Park at the Hinckston Run Reservoir (dam) and the Honan Avenue Community Hiking and Biking Trail. The above are photographs of commemorative, educational and historical marker signs (courtesy of Ron Shawley) placed along the trail which memorialize the former site of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation (BSC) Rosedale coke plant and the plight of the minorities associated with the Rosedale Village work camp, shanties and school. For more information, visit the website for the Laurel Highlands Historical Village – Be Proud of Who You Are – Be Proud of Your Heritage (lhhv.org) at www.lhhv.org