THRIVING CITY: Here’s more about Johnsonburg from the article “A Thriving Young City: Why Johnsonburg, Penn., Is Prosperous,” published in the New York Times on May 4, 1892.

“In the matter of railroad connections, that other necessary factor in the making of cities, Johnsonburg has been peculiarly fortunate,” the author states, describing the several rail lines in the borough.

“There is not a minute in the day when from any point in this neighborhood moving trains may not be seen,” the writer says.

Also, “The hills surrounding Johnsonburg are rich in soft, pure spring water free from lime” — good for industry such as brickmaking.

“Besides this spring water, which for domestic purposes cannot be excelled, the water supply furnished by the Clarion River is very abundant, being alone sufficient for a population of 500,000 persons.”

The natural resources of the area make it quite attractive, according to the author, who explains, “Fuel, water, and transportation being thus permanently established, the prosperity of this little valley would seem to be assured.”

In addition, the local means resources to build homes and manufacture glass.

“Among the new homes on the hillside one observes a quantity of brick and stone work. The National Bank, for example, is built entirely of stone, and all the business blocks, unlike those of embryo cities else, are of brick. This is because the hills about Johnsonburg contain a great quantity of white sandstone, while the valley is rich in clay.”

What would an article about Johnsonburg be without mention of its paper manufacturing?

“By far the most interesting feature of the place, aside from the general facts of its sudden growth and its immense possibilities, is the New York and Pennsylvania Company’s group of big paper mills, which stand on the bank of the river,” the writer states. “These mills are the largest in the world.”

Its industry and growing population made Johnsonburg a bustling borough.

“Thirty freight cars run in and out of the New York and Pennsylvania Company’s yards every day, and the hum of the company’s machinery, mingled with the buzzing of saws in a neighboring lumber yard, where 100,000 feet of hemlock and pine are turned out every day, give to this picturesque valley an air of animation pleasing to the eye and ear. The man who enjoys the study of the creation of great cities will find no object lesson more striking than this town of Johnsonburg, 1,400 feet above the sea level, with its pure air, its animation, and its wonderful resources.”