In late April 1903, forest fires raged at several locations on Wopsononock Mountain and throughout parts of Cambria County. Earlier in the week, according to Wopsononock Hotel housekeeper Mrs. Ellen Joy, strong winds had kept the fires safely away from the hotel.

On April 30, 1903, however, while Mrs. Joy was once again alone at the hotel—which had not yet opened for the 1903 tourist season—the winds suddenly shifted. Flames reached the rear of the fourteen-year-old structure. Mrs. Joy immediately telephoned for assistance, but the fire had already advanced too far. Within a short time, the blaze completely destroyed the well-known mountain landmark.

Contemporary news accounts reported that the loss exceeded $20,000, while the hotel was insured for only $2,000. The Wopsononock Hotel was never rebuilt. A detailed account of the disaster appeared on the front page of the Altoona Tribune on May 1, 1903.

Following the loss of the hotel, the resort’s owners shifted their focus to other attractions, eventually expanding the picnic grounds and constructing a large dance pavilion.

Addtional newspaper coverage, including coverage from Pittsburgh and Philadelphia:

Finally, this item from the August 8, 1903 Altoona Tribune poetically describes the plants growing over the ruins.