Gospel Hill Altoona
May 17, 2007 - 12:58pm — ecooley
Location(s)
Altoona, PA
We have in our office, courtesy of John Kazmaier, a framed star from the first flag that flew on top of Gospel Hill in Altoona, 
Pennsylvania. It has been a neat conversation starter for the people who visit our offices on Twelfth Avenue in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Visiting our offices you will find many pictures of the Gospel Hill Flag it is a source of pride for several of us in the office.
Pennsylvania. It has been a neat conversation starter for the people who visit our offices on Twelfth Avenue in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Visiting our offices you will find many pictures of the Gospel Hill Flag it is a source of pride for several of us in the office.The legend goes that Gospel Hill received its name in 1849. Before there were churches evangelists would climb the hill and preach the gospel from Gospel Hill. Then on October 9, 1907 at the dedication of Gospel Hill Councilman Walter S. Greevey, in his remarks, state that in the early 1850’s there were three churches located on the hill. St. John’s Catholic, not the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Methodist Church on the corner of 12th avenue and 13th street and the Presbyterian Church. For these reasons it is believed that the hill was called Gospel Hill.
Gospel Hill is a beautiful spot to relax and unwind. Today the park is in bit of disrepair. Overgrown grass, weeds, graffiti, and an abandoned playground, make for less the perfect experience at the park. America’s Stories, Incorporated is looking into the opportunity to assist with the maintenance of the park. Please come back for updates.
In the meantime, enjoy these pictures and videos. Please feel free to reuse the pictures, I would only ask that you give credit to StoryTrax.com.
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Comments
a pretty view
What a nice view of the city. It's a shame it's in such a state. Hopefully with some help it can be nice again.
My parents, who still work downtown, eat lunch there frequently. They were actually asked by a police officer what they were doing (b/c of course they sit in the car so daddy can listen to OReilly). I teased them that the cop prob thought they were fooling around....HAHAHAHA!
Do you remember the big penny drive all the school children in Altoona had to buy that flag? Selling those stars would be another brilliant fundraising idea....i'd buy one (within reason!)
I remember the penny drive
The star in the office is a hot story item. John Kazmaier has done a lot of work with Gospel Hill. It was a small reward for his hard work and dedication. I would not mind having one of those stars.
That is funny about your folks. One day Cory and I were walking by and we saw them at the stop light. We waved and Cory did most of the talking. I think they might have been on there way to Gospel Hill. I had not seen them since the nineties.
There is a couple who cuts grass and does a lot of trimming. I want to see if perhaps we can pay them to trim and cut the grass once a week. We might even try and trim some bushes. I know the city is tight for cash so I am hoping they will accept this opportunity.
Clay hardens by immobility – men's minds by standing pat. Both lose the power to take new impressions. (Pinchot 1910: 138)