Alma Hall was one of four buildings that survived the Johnstown Flood in 1889 , being shielded by the First Methodist Episcopal Church ( now Franklin Street United Methodist Church ) . While the first floor was under water and debris , the remaining floors were quickly occupied by 264 survivors . The survivors included Dr. W.E. Matthews who helped those who needed medical attention ( including delivering two babies ) while suffering from three cracked ribs . Another survivor was Attorney James Walters , who was carried by the flood waters and thrown through the window into his own office . The building was used as a headquarters for relief distribution following the flood
Johnstown Flood
Johnstown Flood
Alma Hall