People driving on Menoher Boulevard from Johnstown to Southmont Borough will notice an impressive stone arch standing on the opposite side of Grandview Cemetery. Named the "Chapin Arch" and built in 1910, the original structure served as an entrance to Grandview Cemetery. The cost of the construction was paid by Philip Chapin who dedicated the arch to the memory of his wife Anna. Over the years, the neglected arch began to deteriorate. In 1996, Southmont Borough and the cemetery association obtained a grant of $6,500 to repair the structure. Masonry work reinforced the arch, the wall around it was fixed, some landscaping was done and parking spaces constructed. PennDot fixed the road and curbing near the arch, placed signs for the entrance and exit, and added handicap parking spaces. The combined effort of these groups resulted in an attractive, historic site in Southmont Borough. Another grant from the Allegheny Heritage Development Corporation paid for the free standing sign showing the visitors a photo of the old road passing under the arch and a short history of the structure. In 1999, the arch and surrounding area were turned over to the Southern Allegheny Conservancy which will maintain it as part of the Heritage Route overlooking part of the Conemaugh Gap. The finished project shows what can be achieved with the cooperation of government agencies, nonprofit organizations and concerned individuals working together for the common good. |
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