Busy new year ahead for Austin Dam organization

The Dam ruins from the access road.

The new year should bring continued development of the Austin Dam Memorial Park into a popular tourist attraction and community gathering place.

Located along Rt. 872 between Austin and Coudersport, the park combines outdoor recreation with an appreciation of history. Park property surrounds the tall concrete columns of the Bayless Pulp & Paper Company Dam, which gave way in 1911, unleashing a torrent that claimed upwards of 80 lives and nearly wiped out the town of Austin.

Austin Dam Memorial Association, an organization made up of volunteers, has overseen property acquisition and development.

ADMA has another busy year planned, with a return visit by Pa. Conservation Corps (PCC) workers and the Dam Show music festival among the highlights.

During their reorganizational meeting, association members re-elected Tracie Gordnier as president. Also reelected were Susan Boucher, vice president, and Andrea Ebbert, secretary. Rhonda McInaw was elected treasurer. Members expressed their appreciation to Michelle Valenti for her dedicated service as treasurer during the past year.

McInaw, Boucher and David Brooks were elected to threeyear terms on the board of directors. Valenti and Bucky Blanier also serve on the board.

Last year, PCC members under the leadership of Jerry Crumrine made several improvements to the Austin Dam Memorial Park, which

was chosen as the PCC’s statewide “signature project.” Gordnier reported that there’s a good chance PCC crews will return next year to pick up where they left off. A long task list has already been compiled and other suggestions will be considered by the board.

Association officials are also working on a plan to acquire heavy construction equipment for the dam site at no charge. Additional details will be released in the coming weeks.

Plans for the Dam Show, held in cooperation with the Potter County Fine Arts Council, must also be nailed down.