PITTSBURGH HISTORY & LANDMARKS FOUNDATIONoNE STATION SQUARE, SUITE 450PITTSBURGH, PA 15219-II7O

Address Correction Requested

Non-Profit Org.U,S. POST,{GE

PAIDPittsburgh, Pa.

Permit No. 598

Iuly 1992

A New Bridge for Pittsburgh

Neighborhoods: Troy Hill;Mount Washington; Mexican WarStreets; Nlegheny West; Dormont,Crafton

Preservation Scene

Pittsburgh Architecture:Traditional Neighborhoods

Published for the members of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation No. 124

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Religious Buildings andTheir NeighborhoodsIn a country with no off,rcial religion,beliefand ritual are treated as purelypersonal matters to which the commu-nity owes nothing but non-interference,and whose claims to support from out-side the denomination carry no moreweight than those of, say, a social club.Thus, property used for purely religiouspurposes goes untaxed regardless ofsect. And yet, the National Register ofHistoric Places is reluctant to admitreligious buildings and cemeteries.Philanthropic foundations have no in-terest, almost always, in grants thatseem to further the expression ofone ofmany religious creecls. Religion is seenas one's personal business, and the re-pair and upkeep of a religious edificeare seen as the congregation's privateproblem.

But there are a few things to take intoconsideration:

As archíæcturg some churches andtemples have extraordinary distinction.A church of the past, constructed withan ample budget, offered its architectmore artistic freedom than any otherbuilding type. It was his mandate to belavish, to bring into being great spaces,towers, tracery, sculpture, and stainedglass. Actual artistic success varied fromplace to place, but the true successeswere great ones indeed. Thus great reli-gious buildings are as signihcant to thewhole community as are any works ofgreal art. Recognizing this, the NationalRegister will accept religious buildingson their architectural merits. In Pitts-burgh, Calvary United Methodist

Church, Emmanuel Episcopal Church,and First Baptist Church are outstand-ing elements of their City of PittsburghHistoric Districts, and Emmanuel ¿s onthe National Register.

As a ußual element of a street orneighborhood, a religious buildingoffers contrast ofform or scale. It isalso visible evidence of the neighbor-hood's history, its peoples and tradi-tions of the past. It may also mark ahistoric intersection or simply be soconspicuous that the neighborhood isidentified with it. The architecturalquality of the building may or may notbe high, but the visual importance ofthe religious building gives it sig-nihcance.

As a communityfacility, areli-gious property often reaches beyondsectarian boundaries. Other congre-gations may use the worship space, thesocial hall may be used for meetings,entertainments, classes, or elections,and the basement may be a shelter forthe homeless. For those who give tocharitable and public causes, suchplaces are worthy recipients; the dona-tions further the public good. To manypeople, this public availability of spaceis the best reason for helping religiousbuildings to survive in good repair. Intime, such buildings may be adapted fornon-religious uses, public or private.

As a spírítual presence and,snbilízing force, a religious buildingcontributes a sense ofgoodness, whole-ness, and order to neighborhood life.No matter what a person's religiousbeliefs may be, if any, the sight of achurch or temple can inspire personalfeelings of peace and hope. Again, acomplaint of the present is that peopleare ethically formless, and religious doc-trine is almost always ethical doctrine aswell. The mere existence of a religiousbuilding on a neighborhood block maymake a difference in a person's life.

Pittsburgh is so often described as acity of neighborhoods. And religiousbuildings are the visual, spiritual, andarchitectural anchors in many of ourneighborhoods. It is critical that as acommunity we encourage the restora-tion, maintenance, or adaptive use ofthese structures whenever feasible. Indoing so, we may be keeping fine art inbeing, preserving a community's senseof itself, or giving the community shel-ter, space, and a pleasant setting for itsjoint activities. The religious building inneed thus deserves an appraisal ofitspublic merits.

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Aboue: Church,es in th,e McKees Roclæ

Inútstrial Bottoms. W: Parh Place A.M.E.Church, Homestea.d.

Rose window, St. MøryMogd.alene, Homesæad

St. Michael Archangel, South

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Pa¿e 2 PHI"F News h:Iy 7992

ffiNEWS

A Intter of SupportIn each issue of PI{ZF l{ews we are pleased to publish a listing ofnew members. However, we rarely take the space to publish theletters of support we often receive from members. Now we aredoing so, with the permission of Rex Anderson, who wrote to uson February 20,1992:

Dear PHLF'l've enclosed a check for three yeors membership

dues and a smoll donafion. I will continue fo send smolldonofions fhroughouf the year ohead.

Pleose confinue wifh your excellence. Thonk youvqry much for helping fo make our beaufiful city ihe bestploce fo be in Americo.

Sincerel¡4,þ4MRex A. Anderson

Welcome l{ew MembercThe Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation welcomes thefollowing members who recently joined Landmarks. We lookforward to their participation in our work and special events.

Harold BiglerWalter BoykowyczMs. Sue BurtonMr. & Mrs. Samuel Chiodo

& FamilyDr. Sunda CornettiMr. & Mrs. Jerry Croushore

& FamilyJames J. CrowleyMrs. Andrew CumminsMr. & Mrs. Daniel J. DeadyMs. Laurie L. DelFrateMr. & Mrs. William EdgarThe Reverend George David ExooMs. Candice P. Gatens & FamilyLee Grimm, Esq.Mr. & Mrs. Peter E. Hackney

& FamilyHenry HansonHartwood Elementary SchoolLester HerrupNorman HochendonerMrs. Monika Jacobs & FamilyJames M. KellyJohn LubinskiAnthony L. Lupkowski

Corporøte MembersThe Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation welcomes thefollowing corporate members who joined in the last few months.

EPVHE&NLTFSColl Londmorks, Mondoy through Fríday between g:00 a.m. ond 5:00 p.m. aÍ(412) 471-5808, for further information on rhe events listed below, or to makereservalions.

Armstrong Group ofCompanies

Beckwith MachineryConti EnvironmentalDelta International Machinery

CorporationFrank P. Hess & Company, Inc.IESCONabisco Biscuit Company

Patricia M. Navarro, Ltd.Penn State University,

Beaver CampusPenn State University,

New Kensington CampusPittsburgh PiratesPoint Park CollegePort Authority TransitRennekamp Lumber

Wednesday, July 15 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Troy HillWolking TourMary Wohleber, a trustee of Landmarks anda native of Troy Hill, will lead this eveningwalking tour. The tiny lofty neighborhoodof Troy Hill overlooks the Allegheny Riverand much of Pittsburgh, but its streets arenarrow and intensively inhabited.Tour fare: $2 members; $5 non-members.

Wednesday, September 30 6:00-8;00 p.m.

Downfown DormontThis is the South Hills trolley suburb at itsfinest, still flourishing after eight decades.Tour the streets of Dormont with Land-marks'archivist Al Tannler, who is a resi-dent of Dormont.Tour fare:'$2 members; $5 non-members.

Five sessions: October 14, November ll,December 9, January 21, and February 16;varíous locations

Architectute AÞÞrenticeshio forSenior High Sch'ool StudenisStudents throughout Allegheny County whoare interested in pursuing a career inarchitecture can call the Allegheny Inter-mediate Unit at (412) 371-8484 to register forthis course offered by Landmarks for theninth consecutive year.

Fall 1992 (døtes to be announced)

Exploring Your Ciryïeqcher ln.serviceTeachers gain a fìrst-hand understanding ofPittsburgh's architectural and historicaldevelopment through a downtown walkingtou¡ historical slide shows, and instructionin research techniques and architecturalstyles. Call the Allegheny Intermediate Unitat (412) 394-5'761 to register.

Thursday & Friday, October I & 9Exploring Pittsburgh'sA¡thitectu ro I TreosurcsWalter Kidney and Diane DeNardo ofLandmarks will present an illustrated lectureon architectural styles and lead a walkingtour of downtown Pittsburgh featuringFourth Avenue and Grant Street. To registerfor this adult education course, call Pitt'sInformal Program at (412) 648-2560.

Donations to LandmarksThe Pittsburgh History & LandmarksFoundation wishes to thank the follow-ing for their generous donations:The Art Institute of Chicago, forAssociates Artists of Pittsburgh cata-logues from l9l2 and 1941.

Il'ednesday, October 14 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Thornburg in AutumnJoin Al Tannler of Landmarks on a walkingtour through this spectacular western sub-urb in the Chartiers Valley south of McKeesRocks.

Tour fare: $2 members; $5 non-members.

Sunday, Octoher 18 l:30-5:30 p.m.

AIbert Gqllotin's Friendship HillBoard the bus at Station Square and travelwith us to Uniontown, for a behind-the-scenes tour of the newly-restored home ofAlbert Gallatin. Friendship Hill was built in1789, and the house has just recently openedfor public tours. Tour fare to be announced.

Friday, Saturday & SundayNovember 13, 14 and 15Friday & Safurday: Il:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.;Sunday. ll:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Fifteenth Annuql Anfiques ShowThirty-one antique dealers from 14 stateswill display and sell quality 18rh- and lgth-century furniture, paintings, prints, china,glassware, jewelry, carpets, and fabrics in theballroom ofthe Station Square Sheraton.(Admission donation: $4.00 per person.)Members of Landmarks will be invited tothe Antiques Show Preview Party on Thurs-day, November 12 ($37.50 per person).

Saturday, December 5 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Brookville Victoriqn ChristmosCelebrofionCelebrate the holidays by traveling with usby bus to the festive Brookville VictorianChristmas Celebration in Jefferson County.We will tour the Main Street Project, anaward-winning model for successful revitali-zafion, and visit historic landmarks, homes,and shops. Tour fare to be announced.

o An anonymous donor, for f,rve post-cards of Pittsburgh and Ellwood City inthe 1900s.

. Rosemary Meyerjack Campbell, for abuilder'sjournal of 1852 relating to thesecond St. Paul's Cathedral.

John MandersMiss Marion L. McCulloughThe Pittsburgh Daguerreian ProjectPleasant View Elementary SchoolPlum Boro School DistrictMrs. Bonnie RentonMrs. Mildred E. RickelRandy RothAdam SchneiderMs. Kathleen Vincent SechlerMs. Velma SharpskyMs. Johanna SholderMr. & Mrs. Ronald E. SmithMs. Liz SmithsonMs. Helen SpirnakWilliam G. SwainMs. Carol Campbell SwinstonMrs. Albert TannlerMrs. Rose S. TarasiScott Truex, AICPJack UrbaniDennis M. WeberMrs. Elaine WertheimWest Jefferson School

DistrictMs. Doris Ztnawka

Sp ecia,I Ea enÍ Spon sors

The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation is pleased torecognize three businesses for their recent sponsorships:

On April 12, Associates Litho, Inc. sponsored a fashion showin the Sheraton Hotel at Station Square, benehting Landmarks.

The Church Restoration Group and Allegheny Millwork &Lumber Company, affiliates of Mistick, Inc., generously con-tributed to the Saving Religious Properties conference on May 16.

Alvin D. Byrd, associate vice president of Dean Witter Rey-nolds, Inc., and LCI International sponsored the reprinting of abrochure featuring the work of Landmarks' educationdepartment.

PHLF News is publíshed six times each year for the members of the PittsburghHistory &. Landmarks Foundation. It îs supported through membership dollars,proceeds from Station Square, and advertising revenue.

ArthurP. Ziegler,Jr. ....PresidentLouise Sturgess ...Editor/Executive DirectorDiane C. DeNardo ........Dircctor of Education&. MarketingMary Lu Denny . . . . Directir of Membershíp ServicãsEricF.Dickerson...... ..AdvertßingSalesManagerWalter C. Kidnev . . . . . . Architectural HistorianStanley A. Lowe . . . Director of the Preservation FundAlbertM. Tannler ......ArchivistGregPytlik ....Designer

hny J992 PHLF News Page 3

Education News

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A thnnh'you noæ from third-grade students at l{eil Armstrong Schnol in Bethel Park.

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The education department has updatedand reprinted its "Resources for Educa-tion" brochure describing the educa-tional programs available to schools,community groups, civic organizations,and the general public. The printing ofthe brochure was sponsored by a gener-ous grant from Alvin D. Byrd, associatevice-president of Dean Witter Reynolds,Inc., and LCI International. To receivea copy of "Resources for Education,"call the education department at(412) 471-s808.

Student InternThis summer Landmarks' educationdepartment will be sponsoring a studentintern through the Píttsburgh Promiseprogram for high school students. TheCarrick high school student will assistthe education department in its summerprograms and will gain experience inmarketing, public relations, and the on-going functions of the department.Pittsburgh Promise, oflering student in-ternships and employment to area highschool students, is a program ofPartnerships-ln-Ed ucation.

Library Open to MembersDuring the past year, much work hasgone into reorganizing the James D.Van Trump Library at the PittsburghHistory & Landmarks Foundation so itis more accessible to our members. Thelibrary is located in Suite 450 of theLandmarks Building at Station Square.The library specializes in Pittsburghhistory and architecture.

Members of Landmarks have unlim-ited reference use of library materials, inperson and via telephone consultation.Non-members will be assessed a fee ofs10.00.

The library is open during Land-marks' office hours, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m., Monday through Friday. It isclosed on major holidays. Since theIibrary reorganization will continuethrough this yeaç causing inconveni-ences at times, visitors should callAlbert Tannler at Landmarks (412)471-5808 to arrange their visit.

Pittsburgh Heritage andHands-On HistoryTeachers from across Allegheny Countywill be exploring Pittsburgh's historyand architecture with Landmarks thissummer through the Pittsburgh Herïtage and Hands-On History courses.Participants will tour downtown Pitts-burgh and surrounding neighborhoods,work with primary source documentsincluding historic photographs andartifacts, and meet with professionalhistorians. Both teacher in-servicecourses are offered through the Alle-gheny Intermediate Unit's departmentof continuing education.

PA Heritage ParksProgram ConferenceNational, state, and local heritage parkadministrators and staff met in Altoonain May for a conference. DianeDeNardo, Landmarks' director of edu-cation, was invited to speak as part ofthe "Education and Interpretation" ses-

sion to discuss the programs andresources of Landmarks' educationdepartment.

I.'IISTORY ANI]Resources for Education

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Resources for Education

Portable PittsburghLandmarks' eleven Por table Pittsburghdocents presented 154 sessions ofthe in-school program to 75 elementary andmiddle schools, four senior citizencenters, and two adult groups duringthe l99l-92 school year. Landmarksextends a hearty thanks to the docentsfor inspiring so many school children -more than 4,000! - during their livelyand energetic presentations about thehistory, architecture, and heritage ofPittsburgh. The Portable Pittsburghdocents are Scott Baird, Judy Belmont,Kit Boyle, Lili Bryer, Mary AnnEubanks, Bob Jacob, Jeanne Kauf-mann, Verna McGinley, Betty Pakula,Linda Pelan, and Nancy Stewart.

Anyone interested in receiving infor-mation about becominga PortablePittsburgh docent can call Landmarks'education department at (412) 471-5808.A training course will take place thisfall.

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Members receive a IOo/o discount.

Boorc about the visual arts usuallyrequire enlarged or unusual formats andhigh quality illustrations; not infrequent-ly, binding and typography are carefullychosen to complement the subject matter.The result is an expensive book.

At the Cornerstone we keep an eye outfor special values in books on architectureand design. At any time we cany a dozenor more titles - usually one to threecopies of each title - which we are ableto price far below the original retail cost.Here is a sampling of some titles, original-ly 540.00 to $85.00, that we are offering for$16.00 to $30.00 (As a bonus, members ofthe Pittsburgh History & LandmarksFoundation receive an additional 10%discount on the sale price.) All are amplyand beautifully illustrated. Art and Designin Europe and America 1800-1900(Dutton, 1987), $18.50; Architecture Trans-

formed: A History of the Photography ofBuildings from 1839 to the Present (MIT,1989), $29.98; Robert A. M. Stern's Mod-ern Classicism (Rizzoli, 1988), $17.50;Towers: A Historical Survey (Rizzoli,1989), $25.98; The History of Glass (BlackCat, 1984), $16.00; and Martin Battersby'snow classic studies, newly revised, IåeDecorative Twenties and The DecorativeThirties (Whitney Library of Design,1988), $19.95 each.

Please note that these are but a selec-tion ofavailable titles, and there are onlya few copies of each available for sale.

The CornerrtoneThe Shops at Station Square

Balcony lævel (4I2) 765-1042

A Centuryof Weddingswith TiffanysSeptember 19 - 1:00 p.m.Calvary United MethodistChurch, Allegheny West

The Allegheny Historic Preserva-tion Society, Inc. (AFIPS) is plan-ning a benefit on September 19,

beginning at 1:00 p.m., to assist inthe restoration of the historic Cal-vary United Methodist Church atAllegheny and Beech Avenues onPittsbuqgtls Northside.

In the chapel, there will be anorgan recital and display of wed-ding gowns too fragile to be wom,followed by a champagne gardenreception at the handsomeþrestored Victorian home of Benand ]oedda Sampson at 939 West-em Avenue. Reservations arelimited.

For ticket information and fur-ther details, call Mrs. Fritz Page at(412)343-s211..

Page4 PHLFNens JuIy 7992

A NewBridge forPittsburgh

If Pittsburgh is ø haae another stnel arch to Sntinn Squørq let us Inok ø the lþht, strong grace of th.e McKees Roctæ Brid*e (aboue) or the WestEnd' Brid'ge þelow, rþht). Thnse are six d,ecades old, and probabty øo labor-intensiae to reproduce and møintain in netn colstru,ction, but theirbeautyßøbeemulaæd.

The Smithfi.eld, Street Brídge,whnse first t1tßses u)ere

completed. in 7883: Iimber,hnnd,-assembled. pinned andria eæd, const¡t tction. Thelþhnrcss of effect and boldsilfuiuetæ giae us a aßua,I but notøtcchnicøl æa.mple.

The Fort Pía Bridge, 7958, passes through Støtinn Squa,re. hs silhauettn, form.ed of arbulnrm.embers and, with a stiffening truss behaeen the m¡o d.eclæ, is tno h.eauy.

he new Monongahela Riverbridge intended by the PortAuthority is of direct interest

to Landmarks since its southern ap-proach would pass through, and over,new developments in Station Square.(Landmarks is the prime developer ofStation Square.) In addition, Land-marks is concerned with the designquality of any Pittsburgh bridge rhatwill be so conspicuous.

The thought ofa new bridge hasstirred up a rich mixture of possibilitiesand desires, and a huge potential forconflict and discontent, that are mademore acute by the imminent closing ofthe Fort Pitt Bridge. The Port Authoritythinks of the bridge as a bus route. Butifbuses, why not any high-occupancy

vehicles? And a bridge is a bridge, andwhy not all cars, at least - in theory -as an emergency substitute for the FortPitt Bridge? How many lanes shouldthere be? Where, up or down the river,should the bridge cross? Should itssouthern outlet be through the old two-track Wabash Tunnel, or along the hill-side, or both? What about in town?How should the bridge connect with theTriangle street system? Should there bea direct connection with the ParkwayEast, and if so why? Should there be awalkway from downtown to StationSquare? What form should the mainspan take: what structural system wouldbe handsome/economical/fast to build

- any or all ofthese?

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The wabash Briag", 7904-47, whnse ghnst, in thcform of two pi.ers, a possible aligwnert, and,euen ø loosely reapplied. namq h.aunts thn current bridge project. The left-hand pier nø1s standsby thc Gaæu:ay Clipper Doch, thn rþht-hand before th.e Westinghnwe Buildinç. This delicaæ-boking strt"ccture carried traitæ on tloo tracl$.

July 1992 PHLF News Page 5

Landmarks has taken the initiative,therefore, in trying to bring togetheranyone who has a legitimate interest inthe bridge project in order to outline theoptimum solution for the engineers torealize. So far, the Wabash Bridge De-sign Group includes Landmarks, thePort Authority, the City of PittsburghDepartment of Planning and Fine ArtsCommission, the Engineers' Society ofWestern Pennsylvania, the PittsburghChapter American Institute of Archi-tects, the Golden Triangle Association,the Building Owners'and Managers'Association, Preservation Pittsburgh,and the Mount Washington Communi-ty Development Corporation. A meet-ing was held in mid-May, with represen-tatives from some of these groups. OnJune 23, 130 people attended a synnposi-um at the Station Square Sheraton onmodern bridge design.

Landmarks' attitudes regarding thebridge are these:

As regards the use of thebridge, Landmarks feels that itshould be for buses only, with car poolsadmitted under special conditions suchas the closing of the Fort Pitt Bridge; itshould not be another congested all-purpose crossing with trucks and single-occupant automobiles. We feel that atwo-lane bridge will suffice, but we alsofeel that there should be a pedestrianwalk between the Triangle and StationSquare.

As regards the placement ofÌhe bridge, Landmarks would like tosee it exactly between the Fort Pitt andSmithfield Street Bridges, so that itssouthern approach comes in just to thewest olthe present parking garage atStation Square. If the main span crossesat right angles rather than askew, itsnorthern end would thus be slightly eastof Stanwix Street, though we feel thatMarket Street would be a better pointof contact. Such a placement wouldpass through Station Square at a pointwhere no construction higher than 60feet is planned (in order to keep viewsfrom Mount Washington to the Trian-gle and vice-versa unimpaired), andwould thus allow full development,within height restrictions, to the west.This intensive development is plannedacross the old Wabash Bridge right-of-way, whose piers stand so temptinglybut whose re-use would clash withLandmarks' plans for Station Square.The piers also lead directly into the sec-ond floor of the Westinghouse Building.

Landmarks has been interested andsurprised to learn that the minimumvertical clearance allowed by the CoastGuard is only 40 feet, two feet less thanthat of the Smithfield Street Bridge.This clearance would have to be in-creased to accommodate the streetsystem in town and the railroad by theriver; but if the roadway could turnbelow the Conrail line this would stillbring the lowest edge of the bridge steel-work into Station Square not far aboveground level, say three stories up. SinceLandmarks is planning on a StationSquare bus stop, such a height, ifpracti-cal for the southern connections to thebridge, would be acceptable.

As Îo the form of the brÍdge,and particularly its main span: Land-marks feels that a light, strong, simple,bold form is called for. Pittsburgh hasreceived just about every older type ofbridge that does not actually move.Many of these bridges were technicallyprogressive in their time, and many weredesigned as works of art. Both theprogressiveness and the artistry need tobe maintained, and very possibly Pitts-burgh should have a type of bridge asyet unknown in the region, a cable-stayed one perhaps. What Pittsburgh

mvst not tolerate is anything remotel','resembling the recent Veterans' Bridge;nothing so crude, so merely expedient,must deface the river. Pittsburgh needsan elegance ofform equal to that oftheWest End or McKees Rocks Bridgesand superior to the form of the Fort PittBridge.

As regatds the color: no morevulgar Aztec Gold. Let the bridge havesaturated, intense color: deep red,green, or blue that will make strongconstruction look strong. StationSquare is to continue as a golden-brownand red development, and a stroke ofdeep vivid green across the river couldbe splendid.

Pittsburgh is at a point where eithernew beauty can be added or the beautythat there is can be wrecked. And whatis built will be part of Pittsburgh forseveral generations to come.

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Troy Hilk ASpecial PlaceMaryWohleber

If you come to the Heinz plant on theNorth Shore of the Allegheny River andfollow the sign at Chestnut Street and goup the steep hill, you will be on Troy Hill,andthat is my living place, my home.

Troy Hill is an in-city neighborhoodon a plateau above the Allegheny River.It is a community of narrow streets linedwith well-kept, closely built homes. Afterthe Civil War there was an influx of Ger-man immigrants, and many found workin the mills, tanneries, breweries, and rail-roads that lined the Allegheny River.Conditions being crowded on the flat-land, they took to the hills, and Troy Hillwas one of them. The first church andschool were established by the people ofMost Holy Name Parish in 1868. Mygrandparents helped build the school, myparents attended there also, my husbandand I, and then my children. Itaught24years for the same school; each roomheld a special memory for me. On TroyHill one does not brag about this as it isnot unusual. Some of my friends haveseen their great grandchildren go throughthose doors. We are not a transient peo-ple - we tend to stay put.

Grace Lutheran Church was organizedin 1893 and Troy Hill Bohemian Pres-byterian Church was chartered in l90l

Voegtly Cem,etnry

In the Spring I99L issue of PHLF Nerus l¿ndmarl¡s published"Small History: What the Bool¡s Will l.{ever Kno',q' by V/alær C.Kidney. From this essay about the minute andintimate changes,with time, in the places we knov/ arose the idea of asking someof otr memberq trusteeg and friends to write about their neigh-borhoods.'We asked them to write about the intimate and subtlequalities of a neighborhood: to gve some idea of how it feels tolive there and to describe the qualities that distinguish theirneighborhood from all others.'We are no\\¡ pleased to publishthese essays.

and is at the promontory of our little hill-top. All of these churches are very activeand are the centers ofour social life.There is a camaraderie amongst all three,with everyone attending, helping, or par-ticipating. If the Lutherans are having adinner all the Holy Namers attend, andvice versa. When Most Holy NameSchool suffered a disastrous fireín1979the whole "HilI" grieved with and for us.The Grace Lutheran Church immediatelyopened its doors for classes to continuefor the children, just as North CatholicHigh School (at the top of the hill) madespace available. This close interactionamong my people shows their care andconcern for their neighbors and the com-munity as a whole. Character: oh yes,we've got it.

Our forefathers worked and playedhard. They organized a Turnverein (phys-ical fitness club) and built Turner Hall in1890. Then came the Liedertafel, a sing-ing society for those who did not wish tolift anything heavier than their voices and

a glass ofbrew. A benevolent society, theDeutscher Unterstützenbund, was found-ed to help their own in need. I dimlyremember going there with my grandpar-ents and sitting at the tables in the back-yard, which overlooked the AlleghenyRiver. Perhaps it reminded them of theRhine River and their homeland. Thesebuildings still stand, but are now theAmerican Legion Hall, the Veterans ofForeign Wars Post, and a private home.These service clubs are always at the fore-front when there is a community activitysuch as the Memorial Day Parade. Onthat day Voegtly Cemetery, which is anopen oasis in our congested little town,comes to life. The band plays, marchers,friends, and neighbors lining the streetcalling and waving as everyone knowseverybody. Then at the cemetery we allcome together for a program to honorour veterans and servicemen, living anddead.

Many of the people who serve us are"our people." Two of our doctors'fami-lies have been on Troy Hill for over 100years, as have mine and many others'.Our dentist was a student of mine; ourdruggist's mother was born in the housenext to my birthplace, which I pass everyday. Continuity: we have it!

A aien alnng Inutric Street

ln l97l a civic group was formed: Tro.Hill Citizens, Inc., an active group withstrong community support. It has goneto bat many times to protect the neigh-borhood.

We did have a Public School (1888-1960) demolished because of decliningenrollment. That site has been developedby Troy Hill Citizens into a communitypark without any City monies. The parkis supported and maintained by Troy Hi1

Citizens. Every year a Community Day iheld there with all community groupsgiven an opportunity to advance theirprojects. Our "Great Race" draws par-ticipants from various parts of the city.Dedication: we have that too.

We try to take care of what we haveand protect it as much as we can. In l96fmy efforts were rewarded, and the Pitts-burgh History & Landmarks Foundatiordesignated St. Anthony's Chapel ahistoric landmark. Then followed in suc-cession, a portion of Allegheny CityReservoir (1842-49), the rectory, MostHoly Name of Jesus Parish (1875-76), theOber-Guehl house (1877), and the upperstation, Troy Hill Incline (1887-98).

The star in our crown is the Chapel,but that is a saga of its own. A sense ofhistory: oh yes, we live with it.

Troy Hill is a closely-knit, stable com-munity. Names in the early churchrecords are still heard in the streets. Thehill is practically self-sufficient in theservices provided by its businesses, andthe storekeepers know most of their cus-tomers by name. When there is a need inor for the community, all band togetherto achieve what is right. There is always ichurch or club affair to attend, some-where to be together and have fun - inGerman that is called Gemùtlichkeit.There is a quiet, secure feeling when onewalks the neighborhood and knows atthe turn of every corner exactly what wilbe there. That is belonging, that is roots,that is HOME!

?{)ffiMary Wohleber is a well-knoaØn preservationist, d trustee oJ Inndmarks, and ølife-lont resident of Ttoy Hill.

The untsn cenÍer, utith th,e nnin spires of St. Antlwny's Chnpel in thn background,

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rivers, hills, horizons, neighborhoods,and all, there was still an element of theuncanny; the South Side especially, 400feet below and a mile-and-a-half away,seemed to exist in a dreamlike perspectiveand be a purely imaginary place.

The views from my successive apart-ments, in adjoining houses, have also hadtheir spatial thrills though the grandpanorama is out of my sight. The landback from the face of the bluff is roughlycombed back into ridges and valleys, andI am on a ridge. Merrimac Street, the val-ley street nearest me, is two blocks awayand 60 feet below, while the next ridgeover is level with mine. None of what Isee amounts to much as architecture, butthe undulations of the land and the abun-dance of trees make it a rich display, aspectacle of many facets to catch themorning sun, a fancy silhouette againstthe twilight. Walking around enlivens theexperience through parallax, the illusionthat distant objects move when you do.The objects themselves are usually ordi-nary houses, but two of the ridges aregrandly crowned by schools, serene palemasses with the houses crowded set upagainst them.

Life on a ridge has its penalties; whenthe winds are furious and the thundercrashes, one really gets an exposed, eventemporary, sort of feeling. Now and theneven the birds, sweetly though they sing,are dubious; why are a couple ofhundredof them circling about, screeching likemad? Or, say, a hundred of them arestanding in the back yard, not doingmuch of anything; suddenly, with a kindof muffled boom, they go into the barebranches ofa tree; then down in the nextyard: what was all that about? They alsotend to bounce off the window panes,recovering nicely for the most part.

Grandview Avenue continues in theprocess ofacquiring restaurants and ex-pensive apartments, becoming more andmore a sort of Gold Coast. Living as Ido, 400 feet into what might be called theNative Quarter, I am little influenced bythis increasing glamour. I get the spatialluxury twice a day, simply by walking toand from the Incline, and my rent ismoderate in a place full of sunlight. Atthe appropriate seasons the sounds ofsummer - birds and lawnmowers -penetrate my windows, but in winterthere is a luxurious silence.

MountWashingtonWalter C. Kídney

I had been up Mount Washington manytimes before, but only when I came thereto live 14 years ago was I fully impressedwith the sky-dwelling quality of life there.A look along Shiloh, our little businessstreet, revealedjust the tops oftall build-ings downtown, while a red-and-white ra-dio tower, rising near the street's end,reached up to trap the sky in its open-work. The pavement under your shoesseemed not quite real in this aerial exis-tence, and the commonplaceness of thestreet - the radio tower excepted -made the circumstances all the morebizarre: a dry cleaner's in the sky! the skyhas a little basement, and in it is a barbershop! The oddness ofthis has never quiteleft me. And when you got to GrandviewAvenue and the skyscrapers appearedfull-length with a proper entourage of

The South Sid,qÍar belout a,nd. auay

Shilnh Street,

up in thn øir

Walter C. Kidney is the a,rchitecturøIhistoria,n of the Pittsburgh llistory &l¡tndmarl<s FItundq,tion, and a 14-yearresident o;f Mount Wøshington.

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AlleghenyWestMark Fatln

It is easy to understand the physicalappeal of Allegheny West. All it takes is aslow walk through the neighborhood toexperience the varied spirits of Victorianarchitecture, from middle-class homes toprosperous commercial buildings to themansions of the rich and famous of an-other century. Romanesque arches,Italianate porches, Gothic gargoyles,brick sidewalks, and period streetlightscreate a physical aesthetic of unique qual-ity and appeal. Indeed the quality of thebuilt environment now attracts film crewsseeking a Victorian streetscape.

But this is not a movie set. There ismore to this neighborhood than thephysical manifestation of architecturethat so excites the movie makers. In avery real sense, this is a living community.It loves and fights, wanes and prospers,and without appropriate care and protec-tion it can die.

The built environment in large meas-ure defines the community. Many resi-dents have come here out of a love forold houses and things Victorian. With allour differences this is the common bondthat unites many of us and has made thisan active community, willing to work to-ward common goals. We in turn def,rnethe buildings, giving them life and vitali-ty, love and sorrow, creating the memo-ries that personalize the architecturallandscape.

It is this sense of community and therole of the built environment within itthat has been most difficult to convey tothe casual visitor. To many, AlleghenyWest is only a collection of "pretty build-ingsj' but this simplistic assessment ig-nores the memories and daily experienceof its inhabitants. On these streets withall their rich details, often the most wel-come sight to residents is the beat-up

A lian guørds the street

truck of a contractor, because it meansthat another new family is restoring theold house they always wanted. The stoneRomanesque porch on a Beech Avenuehome is an architectural treasure, but tothe neighborhood children it is a castle, aspaceship, a grocery store, or whateverthe fantasy of the day's play requires.Brick sidewalks provide a warmth ofcolor and tone that concrete cannot pro-vide, but beyond their aesthetic appealthey bear inestimable value to the com-munity because they were laid brick-by-brick by the residents themselves. Tenyears later, neighbors still recount storiesof bad backs and aching muscles, thepain softened now with laughter and thepassage of time. Calvary Methodist ischurch architecture in all its Gothic glory,but to the neighborhood it is Thursdayluncheons and community meetings, thejoy of weddings and the shared sorrow ofa neighbor's funeral.

A uelcome sþht on Beech Auenue

This confluence of community andarchitecture is well illustrated in thedemolition of an old house. The buildingis mourned not only for its aestheticvalue but also because it represents theloss of the people who would have livedthere. Every vacant or deterioratinghouse, regardless ofcondition, has thepotential some day to attract a familythat will restore and care for it, and inturn care for the community. On theother hand, an empty lot offers littleexcept weeds, trash, and parked cars, andthe only people it attracts are those whodeposit the latter two items on it.

Community and architecture, then, aretwo threads entwined in the same fabric.If one is weak and not cared for, theentire garment suffers. In AlleghenyWest, the built environment and the com-munity are strong, reflecting the caregiven both.

Mark Fatla is a,n dttorney in pri,od,tepracticA chøirs two conxnxitteesfor theAllegheny West Cipic Council, andrepresents the Council to the PittsburghCommunigt Reinrsestment Group. He isan Allefheny West resident of eifht years.

The MexicanWar StreetsRandry Zotter

Why do so many people call the Mexi-can'War Streets home?

In 178$ â surveyor named DavidRedick described the Central North Sidqan area that includes the Mexican WarStreets, as basically unfrt for human habi-tation and compared the landscape tothat of the moon. This survey \ryas com-missioned by Benjamin Franklin and waspart of a plan to form Allegheny Countyfrom segments of Westmoreland andWashington Counties.

The Mexican War Streets area tookshape around 1850. Streets were namedafter individuals (Taylor and Jackson)and towns in Mexico (Monterey, Resaca,Buena Vista, and Palo Alto) where bat-tles took place. Today, neighbors enjoycelebrating these events by getting togeth-er for pot-luck dinners and holding streetparties. Although some streets and alleyshave changed names and asphalt hascovered most of the stone, the exteriorarchitecture of the homes is still much asit was 140 years ago.

The question most often asked is,"Why would you live in the Mexican WarStreets and spend all that time fixing upan old house?" To find the answer, onemust go back to the urban pioneers whostopped the "planning experts" fromdemolishing the area in 1954 in order tobuild a new highway and "garden apart-ments." These residents discovered thatthey had a love affair with this communi-ty and that they were only the caretakersfor the next genoration. Over the years,more and more people have become in-volved with the preservation movementand discovered thejoy and convenienceof living in our neighborhood.

The Mexican War Streets is a 20-blockarea made up of a variety of people, fromjunior to senior, singles and families, newand old, with an economic and ethnicdiversity that adds vitality to everydayliving. Over the years, people have seenthe benefits living close to work, hospi-tals, downtown, the Carnegie ScienceCenter, Pittsburgh Children's Museum,and being able to walk to Steeler and Pi-rate games. (Did you know that you canget in for free at the start of the seventhinning?)

The residents and cornmunity groupsof the area have made a long-term com-rnitrnent to the "quality of life" issue. The

Central Northside Neighborhood Coun-cil and Mexican War Streets Society haveprovided the spark that has kept the spir-it going. From high-rise senior-citizensbuildings, house tours, block watches,and community gardens to street fairs,zoninghearings, and economic develop-ment, the work of the people is extensiveand determined.

In our neighborhood, you will findseveral churches, day-care centers, aYMCA, mom-and-pop grocery stores, anationally-recognized art gallery, theoldest park in the city, and wide tree-lined streets. A favorite pastime of resi-dents is "stoop sitting," where yourfriends sit on their front steps enjoyingthe neighborhood and all it has to offer.

Historic preservation in the MexicanWar Streets has meant more than justsaving the architecture and buildings; ithas saved a neighborhood, and a way oflife that many now seek.

Røndy Zotter, a retired communityacti,rsist, wasfortner president oJ the Cen-trøI Northside Neighborhood Council andof the Mexican War Streets Society. He isproprietor of a, pottery on the South Sid¿He and his wiþ hatse lir¿ed in the Mexi-cøn Wør Streetsfor 70 yeørs; they hcrrre

one child.

Living inCraftonCarol M. Herrle

"One of the best-kept secrets in Pitts-burgh" is a phrase Crafton borough resi-dents often use when referring to theircommunity. An excellent location, fivemiles from downtown Pittsburgh and 15

minutes from the airport, plus convenientaccess to several major shopping areasexplain only part of the secret. Primarilya residential community, this one-square-mile borough has two other features thatmake living there special: itspeople andits homes.

Crafton's heterogeneous populationincludes diverse economic backgroundsand all age groups. Many families aresecond-generation Craftonites, a factwhich strengthens neighborhood bondsand adds a sense of stability to the neigh-borhood. The population supports ninechurches, several social organizations, aswimming pool, and its own library. Awide range of community activities,including Performing Arts in the Park, afive-day "Crafton Celebrates" festivalevery July, and a full children's sportsprogrâm, brings residents together andenhance community spirit. A successfulcrime-watch program helps makeCrafton a secure community where walk-ing the treelined streets is a favoritepastime.

Most of Crafton's homes were built inthe late l9th and early 20th centuries,when downtown professionals discovereda new suburb serviced by 54 daily trains

carrying commuters to their workplaces.They built large three-story homes withgracious proportions, intricate stainedand leaded glass, carved woodwork,ornate fireplaces, and oak flooring. Mosthomes retain their original features andsell quickly when placed on the market.They range in style from Victorian,Queen Anne, and English to Stickley,Colonial Revival, and PittsburghFoursquare.

Crafton was founded by Charles Craftin 1868 and incorporated as a borough in1892. Like many coÍìmunities its age,Crafton experienced a transition after1950 as families sought newer homes far-ther from the city and left large Craftonhomes to be converted into apartments.

Crafton is celebrating its centennialthis year, and another transition is underway. People looking for a convenientlocation and hand-crafted qualityunavailable in newer homes are redis-covering the value of selecting a historichome in Crafton.

A historical society was formed in 1986

to promote community awareness ofCrafton's past and work toward ensuringits future. A Crafton history is being writ-ten so that people can understand andappreciate the past. Efforts have begun toalert residents to the value ofpreservingtheir homes, and an annual Christmashouse tour showcases Crafton's homesand draws hundreds into the community.

The Campbell Building, in the oldcommercial district, is on the NationalRegister of Historic Places. CreightonAvenue, a street of stately old homes, wasawarded a Historic Landmark Plaque bythe Pittsburgh History & LandmarksFoundation in 1991. A "House of theMonth" program recognizes preservationefforts among Crafton homeowners."Preservation Day in Crafton," held dur-ing National Preservation Week, has for-mally honored these preservation efforts.On June $ a new group formed for thepurpose of preserving wooded areas andwetlands around Crafton.

The most unusual aspect of living inCrafton today is that residents are work-ing together to shape the next phase ofthe community's evolution. A renewedsense of community pride is evident inthe way residents are painting, restoring,and decorating their homes. As Craftonmoves into its second century, residentsare making certain that Crafton's historiccharacter and exceptional quality of lifeare secured and strengthened for futuregenerations.

Action Committee of the Crøfton Histori-cal Socieryt She is a Crøfton resident of77 yteørs.

Fromf)ormontMark Stephen and Pat Bibro

Our 14 years in Dormont have made usbelievers that Dormont is really an over-looked jewel. We outgrew our three-bedroom house in Greentree and "loadedup" our four children and began lookingfor the "right house." Two years lateqafter touring hundreds of homes incountless neighborhoods, we saw a smallad in the Sunday paper, placed by theowners themselves, for a big old Dor-mont home. We looked at the house,walked through it, and fifteen minutes

later, bought it. For less than the sellingprice of our three-bedroom house inGreentree, we bought our six-bedroom,four-frreplace dwelling in Dormont.While the architecture may be artless, theconvenience is unbeatable. Within sevenminutes, we can walk to: two movietheatres, two high schools, Z7 retailstores, sixpizza stores, three gyro places,seven restaurants, nine taverns, a grocerystore, a butcher, four churches, two den-tists, a general practitioner, and achiropractor. Within minutes, we can beat the running track, tennis courts, twoCoGo's, two banks, or a Mac machine.Our four children have grown or aregrowing up in the Dormont community.We think it's a great place to live.

ry^4The Bibros høÐe been lirsinf in Dormontfor 74 yeørs. Mark Bibrq La,ndmarks'Tfeøsurer, is d,irector oJ lnuise ChildCare, ønd has seroed q,s & trastee oJ rnorethctn 75 community or$aniaations.

Marh ønd Pat Bibro with thcir fumíly

Aføaoriæ brealfast spot along Poømrtc,4aenue in Dormont

Page l0 PHLF Neus JuIy 1992

Preservation Scene

Another Arsenal Building GoneIn late May a demolition permit was issuedfor the so-called Machine Shop of the oldAllegheny Arsenal in Lawrenceville. TheMachine Shop was in lact a remnant of amuch-larger U-shaped building of 1820 orbefore, one of the original Arsenal buildingsthat are tenuously attributed to BenjaminLatrobe. Though a residence and the Pow-der House remain on the former Arsenalgrounds, this was the last of its purely indus-trial buildings, and one of the very oldestbuildings in the city. The building wasdocumented in Landmarks' survey ofAllegheny County. Nevertheless, it had nolegal protection as a landmark, and sadly,was not even on the National Register ofHistoric Places.

A Bite Out of Market Street'I'he Pittsburgh City Planning Commissionhas been requested to approve demolition of106 to ll4 Market Street, the fìve Mid- andLate-Victorian commercial buildingsbetween Froggy's and the Boulevard oftheAllies, outside the Market Square HistoricDistrict. These would be replaced by a park-ing lot, as would be the empty lot across thestreet where the St. Charles Hotel oncestood. The buildings are vacant despiterenovation, and window sash is missing inthe corner building, which looks old enoughto be a replacement for one lost in the Fireof 1845. Landmarks opposes the demolition,not so much because of the architecture ofthe buildings as because of their scale andthe way they frame what is really an extraor-dinary little street close to its termination. Aparking lot, however veneered with planting,is going to tear a hole in the street scene. Arethe buildings really unusable?

Engine Companry Na 7

2701-07 Firth Aaenue and Robinson Street

Three Dubious FuturesAt the time of writing, it is too early to tellwhat will happen to these places of land-mark quality, but Landmarks wishes torecord their present situations.

Engine Company No. 1, a dark presence

on the Boulevard of the Allies in downtownPittsburgh since 190Q has been closed, andthe City will probably sell it. There was noclear view in late May of the building'sfuture, but it is a handsome and familiarfeature of the street and a good re-use wouldbe welcome.

Mid-May saw a number of Pittsburghartists trying to save their quarters in the oldDuquesne Brewery on the South Side. TheBrew House Group is trying to negotiate apurchase with the City, which seized thebuildings in April. Voluntary repairs in thepast and hazardous-material removal in thefuture will amount to a vast effort, but theartists love the spaces, and Landmarkswishes them success.

There was a fìre in mid-May in the pic-turesque eight-house brick row that stands

at the top of Soho Curve, at Fifth Avenueand Robinson Street in Oakland. The threehouses furthest uphill burned out, and we

can only hope that they will be repaired,not razed.

Landmarks' Place in HistoryThe spring issue of Pir¿sóurgh History, plb-lished by the Historical Society of WesternPennsylvanìa, had an article by Roy Luboveof the University of Pittsburgh, "City Beau-tiful, City Banal: Design Advocacy andHistoric Preservation in Pittsburgh." Thiswas an adaptation of Lubove's address at aconference last November, and in both thearticle and address Landmarks receivedextensive and detailed praise.

Landmarks' Plaque ProgramThe Pittsburgh History & LandmarksFoundation began its Historic Landmarkplaque program in 1968. Its purpose is toidentify buildings and other places in Alle-gheny County that. are af least 50 years old. have architectural interest or are illustra-

tive of our history or culture;. have not been seriously marred or allowed

to deteriorate beyond likely repair.Landmarks' Historic Plaque Committee

meets annually to review nominations sub-mitted by home owners or organizations. IfCommittee members vote to award a His-toric Landmark plaque, then the owner pays

for the cost of the plaque. The plaque gives

Landmarks no legal powers over the proper-ty; Landmarks has only the right to removethe plaque ifthe property is badly altered.

Of the 300-some plaques installed since1968, almost all have been solicited by own-ers. The presence of our plaque has givenmoral support for a building's preservation;but the Syria Mosque episode brought outthe drawback: the absence of the plaqueseems to imply a lack olinterest on the partof the public and of Landmarks, whereas theowner never thought of a plaque or simplydid not want one.

Recently, Landmarks suggested that thePittsburgh Board of Education apply for 16

of its handsome schools and that the pastorsof Catholic and Presbyterian churchesthreatened wiih redundancy apply forHistoric Landmark plaques. In taking suchinitiatives, Landmarks will lend moral sup-port for preservation efforts on behall ofplaces under threat. In Pittsburgh, itparallels the Historic Review Commission'sefforts to record comprehensively the places

about the city that ought to be preserved.

Pittsburgh on ShowOn April 7, the National Building Museumgave a banquet in its great hall in Washing-ton, D.C. to inaugurate its show "Making ItWork: Pittsburgh Defines a City," and topresent its Honor Award. About 225 Pitts-burghers were there, including ArthurEdmunds, Anne Genter, Mr. and Mrs.James Edwards, Eric Dickerson, and ArthurZiegler of Landmarks; Mr. and Mrs. ArthurJ.Ralph of Manchester; Ellis Schmidlapp ofLandmarks Design Associates; and StanleyLowe, who represented Landmarks, thePittsburgh Community Reinvestment Groupand neighborhood organizations, creditedwith contributing to the progress of the lasthalf-century. Landmarks was praised as amoderating force that resisted needless oblit-eration of the remains of the past and as anagency that helped the neighborhoods takean active part in their future rather thanbeing thrown into a passive role.

The photographic exhibit will come to theGreater Pittsburgh International Airport forthe October I opening of the MidheldTerminal.

Pittsburgh in the MoviesPittsburgh's flattering and lucrative status as

a filming location - for 23 movies in thelast two years - is due in part to our city'slong-held architectural resources, fromproletarian streetscapes to monumentaledif,rces. Doro Bacharach, producer ofCitízen Cohn, is quoted in ihe Post-Gazetteas "stunned at the sense of architecturalpreservation in this city." Economics hasmuch to do with the film companies'choiceof Pittsburgh, but we have the essentialscenic and architectural resources too.

Saving Religious PropertiesOn May 1( the Allegheny Historic Preserva-tion Society, Pittsburgh Historic ReviewCommission, Pittsburgh History &. Land-marks Foundation, and Preservation Pitts-burgh hosted the Saving Religious Proper-ties conlerence at the Calvary UnitedMethodist Church in Allegheny West. Fifty-flve people attended the Saturday confer-ence, representing 38 organizations (see thelist below). As a result of the conference, aconstructive dialogue among preservation-ists, clergy, religious-property owners, andpublic-policy makers has been initiated, andconference sponsors intend to continue thatdialogue. Follow-up meetings are beingplanned with the Catholic Diocese of Pitts-burgh and Christian Associates to discussthe possibility of developing an early-warning system for architecturally-signifìcant religious buildings facing difficul-ties, and to further explore techniques lorsensitively reusing religious buildings. Con-lerence sponsors are also organizing a groupof representatives from the foundation,neighborhood. and religious communities inPittsburgh to travel to Philadelphia to studythe successful model for aiding historic reli-gious properties created by Partners forSacred Places. A master mailing list of peo-ple, organizations, and religious propertieshas been created at Landmarks; please callMary Lu Denny (412) 471-5808 if you wouldlike us to add your name, religious property,or organization to the mailing list.

Saving Religious hoperties ConferenceThe following organizations, businesses, andcongregations were represented at the Reli-gious Properties conference on May 16.

Acorn SpecialliesAllegheny Historic Preservation SocietyAllegheny West Community CouncilAmerican Institute of Architects, Pittsburgh

ChapterTom AueVConst¡uctionCalvary Episcopal Church, ShadysideCalvary Uiìitcd lúcthodist Church, Alleghcny" West

Catholic Diocese of PittsburghChristian AssociatesChurch Restoration Group, Inc.City of Pittsburgh, Planning DepartmentCommunity Loan Fund of Southwestern

PennsylvaniaCommittee on Pittsburgh Archaeology and

HistoryEmmanuel Episcopal Chu¡ch, Allegheny WestEpiscopal Diocese ol PittsburghFalk Medical FoundationFirst Lutheran Church, DowntownFirst United Presbyterian Church, BraddockHeinz Chapel, University of PittsburghHiland Presbyterian Church, North HillsHoly Spirit Lutheran Church, ClairtonOld St. Luke's, Scott TownshipPartners for Sacred PlacesPittsburgh Community Reinvestment GroupPittsburgh Historic Review CommissionPittsburgh History & Landmarks FoundationPittsburgh Stained Glass StudiosPreservation PittsburghRodef Shalom Congregation, ShadysideSt. Anthony's Chapel, Troy HillSt. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church,

South SideSt. Nicholas Church, MillvaleSt. Stanislaus R.C. Church, Strip DistrictSt. Vincent's Archabbey, LatrobeSacred Heart R.C. Church, ShadysideUnited Methodist Church UnionWilson and McCrackenWoteur Woods

Getærous contriburtons from the Chur chRestoratìon Group and Allegheny Millwork &Lumber Company, ffilíates of Mistìck, Inc.,the Píttsburgh Historíc Review Commission,the Pittsburgh Hístory & Landmarks Founda-tion, the Allegheny Hístovic PreservationSocíety, ønd Ben and Joedda Sampson pro-vided fundíng þr the Saving ReligiousProperties evening reception on Møy 15 andconference on May 16.

City LayoffsOn June 5, eight people in the City of Pitts-burgh Planning Department were laid off,effective immediately. One was Lauren Uhl,the genial and able person many ofus knowwho was one half the staff of the HistoricReview Commission. In mid-June, after sixand a half years in her present post, Laurenwas job-hunting.

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African-American Survey UpdateThe African-American Historic Site Surveyof Allegheny County continues to identifyand record places important to blacks from1760 to 1960. The survey has covered a varie-ty of black communities, including inner-city neighborhoods, steel towns, and oldmining districts. These coal towns are ofparticular interest: they are becoming rare,and are remnants ofa once-extensive net-work of "coal patch" developmentsthroughout southern Allegheny County.They were the first step in the massive indus-trialization process of Western Pennsylvania.

One small mining town, Horning, stillexists in southern Baldwin Township. Thiscollection of one- to two-story wood-frame,turn-of-the-century houses is a uniqueexample of a company-dominated operationburied among hilly slopes. The paint haspeeled from the homes, and the old schoolhouse in which numerous coal miners'chil-dren were taught is now an auto repair shop.One house on Oak Street used to be thecommunity church, complete with baptismalpool. Today it leans with neglect. On a near-by hillside, a white, wood-frame house onceserved as the local "moonshine house,"providing an outlet lrom the rigors of under-ground work. When the company store setprices unfavorable to many Horning resi-dents, they created their own general store atthe end of Oak Street. It is simply a homenow - its original function unrecognizable.Many more mining communities like Horn-ing exist in Allegheny County.

The location of these black mining townsand their institutions is important to thesurvey. Many local residents have providedassistance in finding some of these commu-nities. But many more communities are stillunknown and may continue to succumb tosuburban development without anyoneknowing their function or importance. Ifyou have any information concerning min-ing districts, please call Eliza Brown atLandmarks Design Associates (412) 391-'7640.

Visitors from PolandThis May, three Polish preservationists visit-ed the United States to study U.S. preserva-tion programs and policies on the local,state, and federal levels; in the private sector;and in academic preservation curricula. On}day 26, Landmarks hosted the Polishpreservatìonists in Pittsburgh. They first metwith Arthur Ziegler to learn about Land-marks' nationally-recognized restoration ofPittsburgh's inner-city neighborhoods, andabout Landmarks'ideas to make old build-ings economically viable. After touringDowntown, the group went to the NorthSide to tour the Mexican War Streets.

The Polish visitors spent the rest of theday discussing preservation programs withcommunity groups in the Pittsburgh area.

1992 Lwards of MeritOn Tuesday evening, April 21, the Pitts-burgh History & Landmarks Foundationpresented Awards of Merit to:. Calvary Episcopal Church: for remodel-

ing and restoration of the highest quality;o St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic

Church: for excellence in restoration;. Allegheny Committee, National Society

of Colonial Dames of America, and theNeville House Auxiliary: for the ongoingrestoration of the Neville House in CollierTownship and its authentic interior resto-ration;

o Teutonia Maennerchor: for preservationof a distinctive building and maintenanceof neighborhood traditions;

o Hill Community Development Corpora-tion: for restoration, adaptive use andencouragement of neighborhoodrehabilitation;

o Ben and Joedda Sampson: for residentialrestoration and renovation in the NorthSide;

. Steven G. Hawkins/Architects: for facaderehabilitation and morale-building;

o Father John Jendzura: for perseverance inthe restoration of Immaculate Heart ofMary Church;

r Sue Nefl for teaching students and fellowteachers about the art, architecture, andhistory of this region;

¡ Douglas Martin: for supervising highschool students in the creation ofLandmarks' audio-visual presentationLandmark Survivors;

¡ Architects-in-the-Schools: for volunteer-ing to inform area students aboutarchitecture;

. Dom Magasano: for devoted volunteerservice to Landmarks since 1986;

. Anna Belle Doman: for devoted volunteerservice to Landmarks since 1985; and

r Sam Levine: for devoted volunteer serviceto Landmarks since 1990.

The Awards were followed by the 1992Distinguished Lecture, delivered by Jamesvan Sweden ofOehme, van Sweden &Associates, landscape architects for thefurther development of Station Square.

Heathside Cottage for SaleOne of Pittsburgh's truly Romantic homes,"Heathside Cotfagel'is up for sale by itsowner of nine years. A little stone plaque inthe front bay window suggests that thehouse was always called "HeathsideCottage" since its construction around 1860.

The house speaks more of Early VictorianEngland or the East Coast than of Pitts-burgh, though its elevation 390 feet aboveriver level in the Fineview neighborhood istypically enough Pittsburgh. The house hasbeen on the National Register of HistoricPlaces since 1974, accepted on the basis of itsuniqueness as a Gothic Revival cottage inthis area.

Hn¡rssnr CortecnIS ON THE MARKET!

Iocated in the Fineview section ofPittsburgh, Heathside Cottage (Nationa1Registry # PH0064955), built circa 1855, isall that remains of the Col. James AndrewsEstate. One of the few pre-Civil WarGothic Revival style structures in this area,it is believed to have been the estate'scariage house. Irom its commandinghilltop view of the Pittsburgh skyline, thisquaint three bedroom brick cottage boastsa 60 x 100 foot corner lot, elaboratebargeboard, pendants, finials, latticewindows, extensive landscaping and a

detached garage, plus three fireplaces andcrystal chandelier. Restoration to dateincludes a new roof, kitchen, bath,laundry, furnace, wiring patio, picketfence and repointing. Ail that remains isyour interior decorating talent to add toits charm.

Inquiries should be made toKenneth A. Barker, 416 Catoma St.,Pittsburgh, PA 15212or call (412) 23+2295 (days).

Price $ 115,000

Good value I

Casino Restoration AnnouncedThe Westmoreland County town of Vander-grift has enjoyed a modest reputation as a

model industrial community with a plan bythe firm of Frederick Law Olmsted. But, inthe last couple of decades, Vandergrift hasbeen in something of a decline. New indus-try recently has helped change thingsaround, though, as has the VandergriftBorough Preservation Committee.

The great symbol of the town, other thanits Romantic hillside plan, is the Casino, atemple-fronted building of cream-coloredbrick that terminates a formal vista from therailroad station. It has long been the town'stheatre and also its municipal building.Good things have been happening to thetheatre part of the Casino. It has attainedmembership in the League of HistoricAmerican Theaters, and in consequence isentitled to free expert consultation on itsworking parts and restoration. Some moneyhas already been raised for restoration, andreopening late this year is possible.

Landmarks has given consultation on res-toration efforts in Vandergrift, and is gratihedto see that this prominent feature ofVandergriftis headed for full and significant use.

What Emmanuel Church NeedsA recent examination by Landmarks DesignAssociates, architects, of Emmanuel Epis-copal Church at Allegheny and NorthAvenues suggests a church and rectory inreasonably good repair but with somedeterioration olwindows, finishes, and anelectrical system that time can only worsen,and with some desirable improvements thatmight be added. The estimate for improve-ments is about $249,000. If two adjoininghouses were to be externally restored, givingthe church an architectural context nowlacking, an additional $65,000 would beneeded. If 10 percent is allowed for contin-gencies, the grand total comes to 5346,000.Emmanuel is a rather small church with veryfew complications of form to induce struc-tural failures or roof leakages; H. H.Richardson's massive construction hasendured well. Yet at least a quarter of amillion dollars would be well spent puttingin shape a building that cost a tenth thatmany dollars in 1886.

The Rev. Richard A. Kunz asked Land-marks for hnancial help in conducting theinitial study and drawing-up of a budget.Landmarks granted $1,000 from itsDeWinter/Ziegler Fund, on a matchingbasis, for the purpose.

Homestead BricksThis spring, the Carnegie Library olHome-stead raised $45,000 for operating expensesby selling the bricks, or rather people'snames incised on the bricks, of its Centen-nial Walkway. One thousand seventy-sevenbricks in the Walkway now bear names: 991

four-by-eight-inch bricks at $30 to $35 each,86 twelve-by-twelve-inch bricks at $140 to$1s0.

For the Purest!

Historically significant(with "Landmark Designation"),

"Period correct" 2Vz story GrenkRevival mansion on high acreage in

prominent South Hills location.

Sensitively updaæd by current owner.

4 Bedrooms, 2Vz baths.

Glorious detailing, lawns and

gardens.

$ 349,900

Call Howard HannaReal Estate Services

Mary Eve Kearns

(412) 833-3600

lnteqra Bank reallvunderstands tñe preseruation business.After all, we'vq beçn preseruing a great

tradiíion in bankinþ for 131 feais.

Bank staff durins the 1 880s at the corner ofFourth Ave"nue and Market Street.

with'your next project, or how we can

trust and other banking needs.

At lntegrao Bank, we

really understand the con-

cerns of the local community.

And we are always working

to help in whatever way

we can.

Recently, lntegra Bank

made a $500,000 loan to

the Pittsburgh History and

Landmarks Foundation to

help finance several local

projects. And we provided

important funds for the

restoration of the award-

winning Dorothy Day

Apartments.

Call your nearest

lntegra Bank office to find

out how we can assist you

help with your brokerage,

lntegra Bank wants to help preserve the history of this area. After

all, as the oldest commercial bank in Pittsburgn, Inte4f1::j::Paftor

it -----zhÛnlf

Page 12 PHLF Neus IuIy 1992

PITTSBURGH ARCHITECTURE : irradirinnnl lYeighhorlnod;Wølær C. Kid,nq

A few months ago, Landmarks learnedof the Foundation for TraditionalNeighborhoods, headquartered inMiami. This organization advocates,not the segregation of land uses im-posed by conventional zoning, but rath-er a controlled return to the mixture ofhomes, institutions, retailing, and evenlight manufacturing found in a pre-zoning neighborhood. The benehtspromised are ready accessibility ofworkplaces, and so on with lesseneddependence on the automobile and amore neighborly neighborhood.

Such a mixture worked well enoughin Germantown, a Philadelphia neigh-borhood where I lived for a good manyyears in a row house set far in fromJohnson Street. As one might expect,churches were scattered among theVictorian houses, punctuating the streetscene in a random way, but there wereother facilities banned by modernzoningin residential areas. To one sideof the approach roadway was a largeand blocky old stable, and in front of it,on the street, a one-story hip-roofedreal-estate office in the yard ofa largewhite house, the f,rrst of a series withconventional front and back yards. Tothe other side of the roadway was asmall woodworking plant. This wasseparated by back yards from theColonial and Victorian houses onGermantown Avenue, many of whoseground floors were shops. AcrossJohnson Street was what was left of"Cliveden," the wooded estate that isnow a National Trust property. It was amotley set of land uses to be sure, butthe woodworking plant was silent in theevening, the old houses accepted theirground-floor commerce without toomuch visual clash, and "Cliveden's"house of 1761 stood well away from theAvenue, rising grandly over bourgeoishouses of a century later. It all workedout.

Pittsburgh's first Zoning Law wasenacted ín 1923. It imposed a measureof order on what could be a chaos ofill-assorted uses. The advantages, espe-cially for home-dwellers, were obvious,but the results in new developmentscould be a little sterile, and some peopleare not at all sorry to live within an easywalk of workplaces and stores.

The "traditional" neighborhood idea,tempting though it is, needs to beapplied with caution. Will theeconomically-large supermarket be analien, defacing presence among thehomes? Vy'hat about a parking garuge?Will the little restaurant make troublewith the noise and stench of its kitchenexhaust? A "traditional" neighborhood,it seems always to be assumed, containsdwellings whatever else may be there.The art of creating new ones would be,then, to f,ind what facilities a neighbor-hood needed and which ofthese couldbe lived with comfortably, then give theneighborhood as many of the latter aspossible.

Here are a few examples of the"traditional" mixture of property usesin Pittsburgh, little grandfathered non-conforming places that predate theZoning Law or lhaf. are legitimized as

miniature zoning districts.

Ciailized comnlerce onth,e edge of Ch.a,thntn

Village: only a linlq ønd, the originøl shap

uind,ou:s are largelyfiIled in.

Belut: A resta,urarú in a baclt, basement onDu4uesne Heþhts.

r,.,:-*¡il::i ¡

f,r.JJJJ

Small shops and apa,rtmerrrs øround thc old South Si.d.e Marlæt House

A u.sefuI shapping cenær has replaced an industríal planton th.e South Side, but th.e conÍra.st with thc hauses ß just

as abru.pt as before

Potomac Au erulq DormnnÍ,with apartments ùuer

shaps. Good, intimatescalq rnadc all the

pl,easanter by a careful weof trees ønd la,mps, andnstcfuI focade rernodel-

ing. West Liberty Auenue

at the bottont of the street

- bi.gger, busier, more

purellt commercfuI - is

bleah by contrast.

Exhaustively researched and opulently illushatedwith more than 400 photographq most in color, thislavishvolumeiscertain tobecome thestanda¡dworkon the fabulous chateau of the French monarchy.Versailles will be irrestible to anyone interested inFrench history, architectüe, design or cultwe.

The elegant Chateaux, luxurious estates, and statelyp,rivate residences built in France over the past sev-

eral centuries are spectacularly presented in thisvolume. The reader is taken on a photographic tour,withvisits to the Loire, Brittany, Paris, BurgundyandProvence, among others. Accompanþg the mag-nificent photographs is text describing the fascinat-ing history of each locale.

Paris, the beloved Gty of Light, is caphued here inunsurpaæed photos. Here are the ile de la Cite and

Nohe Dame; the Eiffel Tower, Montmarhe, the im-posing Paris Opera andthenewglass pyramid of theLourve as well as quiet sheets, elegant shop frontsand literary cafes.

The Paris Ritz is a unique irstihrtion. The name thatCesar Ritz gave to his original hotel has acquired a

resonance throughout the world for excellence. Inthis splendid, beautifrlly illushated book, the in-triguing history of the Ritz is haced with anecdotes

about its most famous visitors.

The Splendor

j'-.**

F,Ètllrlr1,,

il-.4-l

THE C ORNERSTONEBook and Gift Shop of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks FoundatÍon

On The Balcony . The Shops at Station Square .412-765-lM2

Members of Landmarks receive al07o discount

Støy Home ønd See Frønce!

Versailles$9s.00

of France$110.00

Paris$60.00

The Paris Ritz$60.00