“The enjoyment of scenery employs the mind without fatigue and yet exercises it; tranquilizes it and yet enlivens it; and thus, through the influence of the mind over the body gives the effect of refreshing rest and reinvigoration to the whole system.” -Frederick Law Olmstead

Roxbury Bandshell and Park Gallery

The last time I posted a photo of the Roxbury Bandshell, it was, literally, moments away from destruction. But then, something wonderful happened. A group of local citizens was organized, and, for the first time in decades of landmark demolition and parking lot construction, declared, “Enough!” The Roxbury Bandshell Alliance, shovelling against a rising tide, and against all odds, managed to scratch up the necessary resources, and, with demolition equipment lurking in the parking lot, saved this historic structure from the wrecking ball.

The group continues working tirelessly to this day to preserve this bit of Johnstown, PA’s heritage, but, in this observer’s mind, they did more than secure this piece of local history. From the day the Bandsehll was saved, a recreational domino effect has rippled along the Stonycreek and Conemaugh Valleys and up over the surrounding Laurel and Allegheny ridges. Since this watershed moment, the region has seen:

• development of a whitewater mecca along the Stonycreek River
• a growing trail system, locally reaching from Riverside to Johnstown’s Sandyvale Cemetery, that will eventually stretch through Mineral Point and South Fork to Cresson, and downstream through the Conemaugh Gap, someday to join with the developing Pennsylvania Greenway;
• progress on river access and a recreation area along Johnstown’s Somerset Street
• development of a cultural and historic district in Cambria City

…and many more initiatives that, when all added together, mean a much improved quality of life for local residents.

Now, certainly, we’re finally seeing fruition of labors that were already in progress before the formation of the Bandshell Alliance, but, it seems that, since that remarkable day in the city’s life, the region has finally seen more things being built than are being torn down.

And so, I have added the following heroes to my personal pantheon. It’s also worth noting that many volunteers involving themselves in community efforts have no idea of the actual work and commitment that will eventually be required. In spite of that common under-estimation, the people below, and many others, have worked tirelessly to preserve and maintain the Roxbury Bandshell, and to provide the community with a continuing slate of first class family entertainment.

I am, and the community should be, humbled by, and proud of, this group’s achievements: Chris Verbano, Mary Borkow, Joe Balon, Joseph Guydo, Lester McDaniel, Luke Speicher, Helen Speicher, Debbie McDaniel, Matt Danchanko, Ron Heinlein and Tim Burns.

A couple of other names worth mentioning: I don’t shoot much at the Park. Bill Rogers (ishootmuscians.com) and Brian Krise (johnstowncafe.com) do outstanding jobs with event coverage. If you haven’t seen their work, check it out now.

I got down to the creek about 7:00am and found a couple of folks and 2 dogs camped on the banks, but no fishermen. My original assumption was that fishermen don’t get up as early as photographers do. It was only when I got to work the following Monday that I learned Opening Day doesn’t start till 8:00am. It was my first jaunt down the 1/4 mile long Fisherman’s Path (accessed from Clear Shade Road) and I found myself about 50 yards further upstream than I had ever been. So this was the splash dams that my brother and his buddy, Larry Kmeil, had talked about: a broad glade of ponds, reeds and shrubs right in front of my camera. With no fishermen around, I took a few shots of the Creek and the adjacent John P. Saylor Trail and headed out. Ascending out of the glen, I finally saw my first fishermen of the day, on their way down to the creek.

The photo of the Flight 93 Memorial is certainly the non sequiter it appears to be in this gallery, but I wanted to scope the fishing action along the Stonycreek, and thought, while I was in the area, I’d try to reshoot a photo I had taken a couple years before and wasn’t happy with. Who knew they had moved the Memorial across the road and completely altered the composition? As for Opening Day, anglers dotted the Stonycreek from Shanksville, near it’s source, down through Kantner, Hooversville and at least as far as Hollsopple. Thirty years ago, this river was orange and dead. Now look at it. Hollsopple looked like a real fine party going on, and I regret I didn’t have more time to spend there.

One more point to make (okay, a couple more): heading back to Johnstown along 403 and feeling a little peckish, I was trying to work out a scenario for lunch. Cheap and lazy as I am, with my time as well as my money, I hesitated to stop at Sheetz or some other “fast food emporium (there’s a reason they call it JUNK food). Well, God bless the Conemaugh Township Fire Department. Making my way through Tire Hill, there stands a woman at the side of the road waving a sub in my face. Hallelujah! Good food cheap AND quick. Pretty smart having a sub sale on Opening Day,

Finally, if you’re interested in learning more about trout fishing in the highlands, check out the Mountain Laurel Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Good info and pics and a chance to join up.

Enjoy the photos.