Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation 450 The Landmarks Building One Station Square , PA 15219

Published for the members of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation

No. 107 Fall 1988 Portable Pittsburgh Begins Roadtrip a Historic Plaques Awarded a Steel Industry Heritage Task Force o Court House Publication Schenley Centennial

Schenley Park Centennial Committee Organized Landmarks' efforts on behalf of the resto- ration of have borne fruit with the creation of the Schenley Park Centennial Committee. Announced in June by Mayor Masloff, the Committee will as- sist in documenting the Park's history and planning a one hundredth birthday cele- bration, as well as developing a long-range plan for the Park, including physical improvements, maintenance operations, and Park programs. The Committee will be co-chaired by Louise R. Brown, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, and David Bergholz, Assistant Executive Director of the on Community Development. The approxi- mately 2O-member Committee includes representatives from local foundations, corporations, neighborhoods, and City government; Landmarks is represented by its president Arthur P. Ziegler, Jr. and staff member Christina SchmidlapP. At the Committee's first meeting on July 21, Landmarks presented a summary of the activities on behalf of Schenley Park in which it and others have been involved dur- ing the past three years, including research, documentation, fund-raising, and tours focusing on Schenley Park's rich history importance to Pittsburgh. and its continued Aboue: L¿ndmarks looks forwa¡d to participating Tl¡e entrøøce to Scy'tenley ParA øroand 1910, witl¡ Centennial Committee in this important Committee and contribut- St. Pìene Røaine still unrepløced b1 Scbenley Pla- l¡uise R. Brown, Co-Chair ing to the planning for Schenley Park's next za, tbe neuly-bailt to tbe right, and Depaûment ol Porks & Recreation hundred years. Carnegie Tecú under constraction to tbe /eft reør David Bergholz, Co-Chair in the Park," I-andmarks' "Planning A llegheny ConJerence on June 5 walking tour led-jointly by staff Rigltt: Communit! Development from Landmarks and the Department of lYould yoa belieue tltis fønziliør løødnør6 is ¡anz- Phyllis Baskin nering in Cleoelønd? The Scbenley Fountain y'ra.r City Planning, led 24 people through Jeanne Caliguiri been temporøri/y remoaed its bøse restora- Schenley Park's southern section. The tour from for Sylvia Clark tion by a Clercløndfirm. focused on the various uses of Schenley Mellon Bank Park over the years and how its design ac- Joseph N. Cogley commodated those uses. This was the fifth Department oÍ Porks & Recreation tour Landmarks has held in the Park since Deborah Dodds William Elkind 1986. Phyllis Moorman Goode With a grant from the National Endow- John A. Herbst ment for the Arts and a major gift from the Historical Society of Western CNG Foundation, Landmarks has commis- sioned several studies of Schenley Park Eloise Hirsh which are now underway. The condition of Henry P. Hoffstot the Park's vegetation, the paths and struc- Robert Lurcott Department of City Planning tures of , and the hydrology Carl A. Mancuso Hollow are being examined by of Panther Department ol Parks & Recreation consultants to provide detailed information Jake Milliones on the extent of restoration needed in these Pittsburgh School Boord areas. Additional funding from the Pitts- Sandra L. Phillips burgh Park & Playground Fund of the Planning and Development Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has John P. Robin enabled the firm of WGSM landscape The Urban Redevelopment Authority architects to examine three specific vegeta- Christina Schmidlapp Pittsburgh History &. Iandmarks tion areas of the Park in addition to Foundation Hollow: Flagstaff Hill, Overlook Panther Thomas M. Schmidt and Prospect Drive. To be completed Drive, Western Pennsy Iv ania C o ns erv ancy this fall, the studies promise to assist the Morton Stanfield Schenley Park Centennial Committee in I nro ads Pit ts burg h, Inc. formulating a plan for the Park's second George H. Taber century. Richord King Mellon Foundation Alfred rW. Wishart The Pit t s burg h Foundatíon Ben Woods City Council Rigbt: Nancy Zappala Steps bebind the Nøture Ceøter dating to 1939, Arthur P. Ziegler, Jr. þørt ofø collection ofsToneaorà built b1 the Pittsburgh History & Iandmarks IV(P.A. in Pøntùer Hollou ønd noø in need of Foundation reslorøtion. Page 2 PI{LF News Fall 1988 ffiNEV/S

Il/e/conze New Members

Ms. Rosemary MAIESTY TFIE Beynon OF LIilN Ms. Mary Jayne Kress Ms. Josephine Butz Ms. Diane LaBelle Ms. Ma¡ie B. Cellier Mr. & Mrs. Walter Lurie & Family THE COURT HOUSES OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY Mr. & Mrs. Dolph Chiste & Family Martin A. Marasco Mrs. Earl R. Clement Eugene A. March Equimark Corporation William B. Millard & Family Ms. Lila Decker Hon. Thomas J. Murphy Alan S. Fellheime¡ M¡s. Sue Neff Ms. Elizabeth A. Florek Ms. Barbara Pelkington Daniel Frederick Ms. Catherine C. Snyder Mrs. Ethel Hagler Dr. Vaughan Stagg Ms. Eloise Hirsh Ms. Linda A. Tarajos Miss Judy Hoffmann Ms. Mary Yo¡k & Family Thomas O. Hornstein

Religious Properties Program Preservation of religious properties of architectural and historic impor- tance is the subject of concerted effort these days, with active programs under way in Philadelphia and New York. On May 13, Landmarks, the City's Historic Review Commission, and the South Side Local Develop- ment Company sponsored a day-long series of lectures on the topic. This meeting offered practical advice and general orientation on church and synagogue preservation, and on July ll a committee met to draft a proposal for a local program to provide technical preservation advice to congregations. Majesty of the Law: The Court Houses The proposal suggested that: of Allegheny County, by James D. Van . the program should benefit religious buildings of outstanding architec- Trump, will be released on September tural and,/or historic character in Allegheny County. 24by Landmarks and the Bicentennial Commis- . it should be an adjunct to Landmarks'Preservation Fund. sion of Allegheny County. The occasion . it should seek funding for 24 months initially, with evaluation of its will be the bicentennial of the Allegheny success beginning after 18 months. County and the Court of Common Pleas, . it should offer advice to individual congregations, hold educational and the centennial of the dedication of the workshops, make the names of professional consultants availablg make present Court House and the accompany- grants for professional services, and help with outside grant applica- ing Jail. The book is a condensation tions, but not make grants for construction work. of the full study that Jamie Van Trump wrote . it should be administered full-time by a project director who would some years ago, with material by Walter C. Aboue: H.H. Ricltardson's ofrtce in Brooh,line, examine the buildings, assess the needs, work with the congregations, Kidney to bring the account up to date. MassachuseIIs,.c. I886. Left: Ricbardson's uìnning and administer the program's operations. com¿tetìtìon Pittsburgh has had three court houses: a design for the Couøty Bøì/dings, . it should also have a technical review committee to screen and approve 1884. red-brick Georgian one of the 1790s, a proposals by the congregations, and an advisory panel to represent sandstone Greek Revival tectural historian William H. Pierson. church and community opinion. one of 1841, and the present, world-famous, granite one in The writing and publication of Majesty Church buildings of later than 1940 would ordinarily not be eligible Romanesque. Of the present County Build- of the Law was made possible through for full assistance, nor would churches the buitdings themselves, that - ings by Henry Hobson Richardson we grants from the 1988 Bicentennial Commit- is of no particular architectural or historic character. Adaptive use of - know the most, arrd their distinction war- tee of the Court of Common Pleas of Alle- underused spaces would be among the solutions considered. For further gheny County, the Edgar Kaufmann information, call Earl James (471-5808). Charitable Foundation, the law firm of Kirkpatrick & t ockhart, the Lawyers' Fund Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Vo/unleers: Association, and members of the Allegheny County Bar Association. The publication You Can Be One was designed by Thomas Stevenson of Landmarks Design Associates and the We are fortunate to have a membership that is vitally interested in the Allegheny County Graphics Department work we do - so interested that many members are willing to roll up donated typesetting and graphic art their sleeves and work hard, no matter what the job may be. services. Volunteers are involved at Landmarks in almost every aspect of our The publication is priced at $19.95, and work: they conduct tours of Pittsburgh's history and architecturg give can be ordered by members (at a l0% dis- lectures, help organize the tibrary and photograph file, research, prepare count) by completing the form below. bulk mailings, update various lists, and help with special events. The r lì [ filil illl three-day annual Antiques Show, scheduted this year on November 4 rants the extensive treatment given them in through 6, provides volunteer opportunities for close to 100 people. the publication. Their development is rflllläliiiiiliit Volunteer duties in advance of the event include selling ads in the pro- recorded in detail, from conception to reali- ll¡ gram, updating mailing lists, and preparing bulk mailings. During the zation, as are the actual and threatened show volunteers collect tickets, pass out programs, and assist the changes to them since their dedication in dealers. As a token of our appreciation, Landmarks gives complimen- 1888. tary Preview tickets and parking passes to all Antique Show volunteers. Prints and photographs (numbering 113) Mary Lu Denny, director of membership services at Landmarks, accompany the text, showing not only the li coordinates all our volunteers. We have jobs that can take months for successive Court Houses but the changing one person to complete alone or just days for a "palty" of volunteers. If city in which they rose. The pictorial you would like to become involved as a volunteer, please call Mary Lu documentation is most intensive for the Denny (471-5808) to arrange a schedule that suits your needs and present County Buildings: Richardson's de- interests. We would love to have you join us! You will have a chance to signs and those of others in the competition meet people who share similar interests . . and work hard to get a job of 1884, construction shots, exterior views done well. before and after the Hump reduction of 1913, interior views from the early years, renderings of projects that threatened both buildings, modifications that did occur, Donations and recent restorations. Of special interest are modern detail photographs by the archi- The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation thanks the following: o William J. Dixon, of Sarasota, Florida for 44 articles and clippings of the 1930s through the 1950s on Pittsburgh history. Many of these Reserve Your Copy Now pertain to industry. Mr. Dixon has given us other valuable material in Total the past. o Phipps Hoffstot, for four photographs from the Gwinner family; a caricature, with accompanying verses, of Frederick Gwinner; and the Yes, send me copies of Majesty of the Law $19.95 each engraving plate from which the caricature was printed.

tæss l09o member discount (- 82.00 per book)

PHLF News is a quarterly publication of the Pittsburgh History & - Landmarks Foundation. Plus 6Vo sales tax ($1.08 per book)

A¡thur P. Ziegler, Jr. ..president louise King Ferguson. . . .Editor/Executive Director Plus handling and shipping (82.00 per book) Mary Lu Denny . .Director of Membership Services Earl D. James .Director of preservation programs & Services Walter C. Kidney . . . . .Architectural Historian and Archivist Total: StanleyA. Lowe . preservationFund ...... Director of the Please make your check payable to "Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation" and reference it "Court Christina project Schmidlapp . . . .ipecial Associøte House." Complete this form, enclose payment, and mail to PHLF, 450 The Landmarks Building, One Station Susan K. Donley . . .Education Consultant Squarg Pgh., PA 15219. Books will be mailed at the end of September. Call Shirley Kemmler (471-5808) if you JeanHodak .....Art¡st have any questions. E.VE-NTS

Il/øtertouer base (/eft) øndpampl:oøse (be/ou) øt tbe ltistoric Honesteød IYorAl These øre two of the strøcTares p/ønned for presentøtion to noørÁ the lønding siie oftbe Pinäertons during tbe 1892 stiÁe/lockoat of tbe Anzølgønzated Associøtion of lron and Stee/ IYorþers.

More thøn 170 people toured the Friendshìp neìghborhood on July 13, íncluding representa- Steel Industry Heritage Task Force tìves from the Møyor's ofÍíce, City Council" major newspøpers, and several neíghborhood preservat¡on groups. Pørticipants saw the hontes of two former Píttsbutgh mayors' Chairman Selected museum purposes, identify potential his- Chrßtopher Lynan Magee ond David L. Lawrencq und toured 4lovely home of the early toric districts in mill towns, and describe just put and wøs sold that níght to a Løndmarks' At its first meeting on May 16, the steering 19(Ns that had been on the mûket strategies for attracting tourists to these - Committee theír enthusíasm ønd committee of the Steel Industry Heritage msmben We thank the Fríendshíp-Area Preservation for sites and towns, including transportation Task Force elected David Bergholz (Assis- leadershìp. linkages required and a multi-site promo- tant Executive Director of the Allegheny tion package. The plan will also include a Conference on Community Development) Private Group Tours schedule for ongoing development of these as Task Force Chairman. Doris Dyen, a Our tour program not only includes special sites. tours for members but tours and lectures Preview steering committee member, summed up the committee's sentiments: "David's strong for private groups, schools, community September Tour Series groups, and conventions. In the past eight interest in preserving the cultural heritage Federal Funding Be sure to tour with us on Sundays in Sep- Lu Denny has organized44 of our region and in enhancing the effec- months Mary tember. Our SeptemÞer lE tour features the and Iægislation group presented tiveness of our educational institutions private lours and lectures, work of Boston architects in Pittsburgh P. (D-PA), a volunteer of 14 made him the obvious choice. We feel that Representative John Murtha by our capable staff from the 1880s into the 1900s. On Septem- groups we have served the community leadership which he exem- member of the House Appropriations docents. Some ofthe ber 25 we will tour the Richardson Court- us July that our include: plifies is essential to the success of our Committee, notified in house in honor ofits centennial, and other efforts." request for federal funds to support site- ABC Travel of Greensburg Richardson Romanesque landmarks in the plans specific reuse at selected historic steel American Association of Museums downtown, North Side, and East End areas. Task Force Priorities sites had been approved by the House of American Association of Retired Persons 88 members 812 non-members Täsk Force priorities were hammered out Representatives and is expected to be American Society of Mechanical Engineers Bus tours depart the Station Squarc during two workshops led by the National approved by the Senate early this fall. This Baker Elementary School of from Upper St. Clair Township Sheraton øt 2 pm and return by 5 Pm Park Service, which is acting as advisor to action will allocate $350,000 to the Nation- Ben Avon Heights Top of the Hill the Thsk Forcg and in numerous committee al Park Service for two major projects in Garden Club October 9 Allegheny County: meetings. They include: Bloomfield Senior Citizen's Center professional . Fundrøising: Grant proposals have been . $150,000 to support the staff Brookline Senior Cente¡ Industrial Pittsburgh submitted to support further evaluation of of the NPS's Historic American Classic Car Club of America (See the adÍor details; below left). the Carrie Furnaces site in Swissvale and Engineering Record office to thoroughly Community College of Allegheny County, Rankin and a portion of the former USX document historic steel sites in Allegheny North Center Eleventh Annual Homestead Works as possible museums, County with large-format photographs and Daughters of the American Rwolution and to study the tourism/market potential measured drawings, as well as make an Executive Women International Antiques Show Hillel Academy for such a venture. In addition, the Task evaluation of the historic significance of Sat., & Sun. Nou 4, 5 & 6 Katonah Gallery of New York Fri, Force be seeking support for a major these sites from a national perspective. will Kings Daughters of the Brookline FYí. & Sat.: Noon-I0pm . to support the development of a publicity effort this fall. $200,000 United Presbyterian Church Sun.: Noon-6pm ¡ Hßtoríc Distrícts: Portions of the Munhall, Final Action Plan. This version of the Kittanning Township Elementary School Thirty-one dealers have been invited to this Homestead, and West Homestead areas will Action Plan will be site-specific and will Valley Historical Society Mahonning year's show that will feature miniature be nominated for a National Register include construction specifications for Arms Museum antiques, as well as period furniture, silver, Historic District, and other steel mill towns reuse of selected steel sites for museum Master Mason's Club china, painting, and glass. The Preview and neighborhoods will be surveyed to de- purposes, a proposed construction sched- Mt. l¡banon Public Library Party for members will be on Thursda¡ termine their National Register potential. ule, and lists of related historic programs North Star High School of Johnstown High School November 3 from 5:30 to 8 pm. If you Currently, Pittsburgh's South Side is the and tourist attractions, including those be- Oliver Order of the Eastern Star would like to volunteer at Landmarks' only steel mill neighborhood with a Nation- ing developed in the nine-county America's Park lodge #676 of Millvale largest fund-raising event, call Mary Lu al Register Historic District, which makes Industrial Heritage Project. Pennsylvania Society of Denny (471-5808). V/e'll see you at the the area eligible for both Investment Tax This $350,000 is included in an appropri- Professional Engineers show. Credits for commercial rehabilitation and ations amendment introduced by Represen- Perry Elementary School Admission donøtion: 84.00 for support from the National Trust for tative Murtha totaling $12.57 million for Peters Township High School Historic Preservation's Main Street Pro- America's Industrial Heritage Project. Pine Middle School Gifted Program gram. The success of the Maín Street on Obviously, this project has become popular Remaking Cities Conference 1988 Distinguished læcture fust Carson Project (see page 8 article) on the Hill. Sewickley YMCA Wed., Nou 16 I pm Station Square Festival Tent/Promotions shows what can result from the appropriate Also in July, H.R. 3313, Representative Stephen Foster Senior Cente¡ Statíon Square Sheraton preservation and of such Murtha's legislation to authorize America's revitalization of l¿wrenceville Industrial Heritage Project, was passed by historic resources. The Tkentieth Century Club Holiday Tour of t Action Plan: The Täsk Force and the the Subcommittee on National Parks and Toledo Automobile Club have set a target date Public Lands, the most important hurdle to Vista International Hotel, Pittsburgh Historic Properties of November 30, 1988 to publish its Steel jump on the House side. On the Senate VoTech High School Sun., Dec. II I to 5 pm Industry Heritage Action PIan. The plan side, Senator John Heinz's version, 5-1902, We "advertisd' our tour service through properties will be decorated will present specific proposals for the includes Allegheny County. A final version Four historic word-of-mouth and often rely on our Landmarks' holiday tour: the preservation and reuse of buildings and will be worked out this fall in a House- specially for "clients" to spread news of our tour service House (c. 1797); Old St. Luke's other structures at selected steel sites for Senate Conference. Neville to area groups. The Greater Pittsburgh (1852); the Rachel Carson Homestead (1870 Convention and Visitors Bureau and area and later); and Burtner House (1821). Par- hotel sales departments refer many tourists ticipants will tour each property and enjoy to us. The Station Square Fþstival Tþnt carol singing and feasting too. S our II\DUSTRIAL PAST offers a one-day "Station Square Vaca- $8 members 812 non-members tionj' which includes a walking tour of "" Bus tour departs from the Station Square by docents TOUR \ryITH Station Square conducted our Sheroton, and, sometimes, a guided tour of the LANDMARKS Station Square Transportation Museum. Sunday Oct.9 - 2-5 pm, depariing from Since April, when the Station Square vaca- Events at the Station Square Sheraton tion day was initiated, our docents have pavements HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF Toufae: $Sformenben; $12 uon-mbæ been walking and talking the between the Sheraton Hotel and Smithfield WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA Tour Hazelwood, Homestead, Braddock, and Street Bridge almost weekly. 4338 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 the South Side by bus, and en route see A typical bus tour of Pittsburgh, called Sept. 20- 'A rüy'ay to be Seen" remains from our steel heritage: the Canie the All-City Tbur is about three hours and bridges, the site of Dec 3l an exhibit of women's Fumaces, two hot-metal begins and ends at Station Square. Mem- the funrre Kennywood Park expansion fashions in Pittsburgh be- bers of Landmarks who are interested in project, and the boile¡house of the Eliza tween 1870 and 1920 arranging a bus tour ofPittsburgh, its Fumace. Through Homcwood-Brushton pho- ethnic neighborhoods and churches, or a Dec. 31 tographic exhibit continues walking tour of Station Square or down- ffiçsY for Reservations town Pittsburgh should contact Mary Lu Lectures will be presented on October 5, Novem- UP tironu"*h History & Landmarks Foundation (412) 471-5S08 Denny (471-5808). tæt us show you the ber 2, and December 7. Call the Society at town! 681-5533 for details. Page 4 PHLF News Fall 1988 Preservation Scene

National Trust Conference St. Stephen's Church The National Trust Annual Conference, to As of early August, the dispute over St. be held in Cincinnati this year, is to include Stephen's Episcopal Church in Sewickley, an October 22 session on "Preserving reported at length in our Spring 1988 issue America's Industrial Heritage." was continuing unresolved. Citizens for Pennsylvania is gratifyingly represented. Preservation was making the following David L. Salay, director of the Anthracite points: Museum Complex, will speak about the . institutional expansion ofthis kind is Pennsylvania Statewide Industrial Survey. impairing the character of Sewickley as a Gray Fitzsimmons will lecture on Historic residential town, and weakening its tax American Engineering Record,/Society for base. Industrial Archaeology surveys of Pennsyl- . two historically important houses would vania coal and steel sites, Landmarks' Earl Byers-Lyon House have to be destroyed ifthe new "Sanctuary James will tell of our recent survey of steel This summer the Byers-Lyon house, now is built. plants in Allegheny County. Sandy Walter, owned by the Community College of Alle- . the style of the "Sanctuary" is inharmoni- director of the Lowell National Historical gheny County, was a place of furious activi- ous with the street scene. The Pennsylvanian preservation Park, will tell of and interpre- ty, as a full exterior and modified interior r the size ofthe "Sanctuary" still violates The ongoing metamorphosis of Union tive success in that Massachusetts textile restoration progressed. Brownstone detail- zoning laws. Station into the Pennsylvanian was so town. Then back to Pennsylvania for an ing of the Flemish Renaissance houses had ¡ the parking situation, already unfair to resi advanced that a grand party opening was account by John Albright of the National been cut away where badly deteriorated, dents and other churches near by, would be given on May 23. Outside, the building Park Service of the America's Industrial and cast-stone replicas that will weather to aggravated. looked most handsome, its brick and terra just Heritage Project, developing to our the same shade were being installed. The . a poll ofthe congregation, although it cotta clean and repaired, its rotunda cupola east with Johnstown and Altoona its major two arcades that form a picturesque feature showed strong support of the new building once more admitting daylight, and light- foci. of the entrance court were down for com- project, is invalid because only 1,220 of the bulbs outlining the rotunda arches, as they plete reconstruction. Much of the wrought 2,000 membership were polled (the poll, in did originally, in soft light. The main wait- The Oldest Extant Buildings iron was away for repairs. Insidg reproduc- any case, is not binding on the Vestry). ing room was not far along in its refinish- At the beginning of August the The Planning Department of the City of tion millwork in oak stood beside the origi- affair ing, its great skylight still covered, and only was quiescent, and Landmarks was await- Pittsburgh has identified 3l extant build- nals in doorframes and mantelpieces, new a specimen of its ceiling painted work, be- ing a call to testify on the matter and a ings from before the end of the Civil War hardware and fixtures were on order, and ing done by Victorian Interior Restoration, meeting with representatives from St. period; they may receive a thematic nomi- consultations on wall colors had begun. on view to show the delicate effect it will Stephen's. nation as is Our board member Dr. Frances Holland eventually have. City Landmarks. It very likely had been to Landmarks as early as June to Bower læwis Throwe¡ the Philadelphia that others exist, and will be added to the Iist. Seven others already have borrow furniture and a 1900-period mantel- Neville House architects, have introduced necessary new City designa- tions. piece to equip the house suitably. Donations to the Neville House Auxiliary's features with a light hand in the public In general, the social rooms of the first lSth-Century Furniture Fund have made spaces. The242 rental apartments them- floor are to be fully restored, as are the possible the purchase of two Windsor chair selves, apart from two in restored executive lVeber House and Barn upper stair halls. Bedrooms will have reproductions documenting a Pennsylvania spaces, are completely modern in detailing In April, Walter Kidney (PHLF) and dropped ceilings to accommodate wiring style ofthe lSth and l9th centuries. These and finish, in appearance unconventional William Joyce of Landmarks Design Asso- and ductwork. The basement is being hand-made chairs were purchased for the only in their ceiling heights. ciates went to Hartwood Acres to see the completely remodeled, apart from the old dining room which the official Nevilte This ends Landmarks' long worry over house and barn of the old Weber farm, billiard room, for day care and music family inventory lists as having 18 such the future of this great building, whose whose future was in doubt. They recom- instruction, and the tall attic will be a Windsor chairs. preservation we tried for so many years to mended preservation of both. The house is mechanical space. Jane Nylande¡ director of Strawberry ensure. a conventional but handsome Mid-Vic- Bank, a collection of40 lSth-century torian structure with its ornamental work Reed Hall houses in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Fourth Avenue Mall intact and without major deterioration. The Ben Avon Area Historical Society is visited the Neville House in early June to In April, Landmarks joined 14 other The barn, a Pennsylvania bank barn ofthe campaigning to save Reed Hall, the original advise on lighting, carpets, and decoration. individuals and organizations, representing beginning ofthe l9th century, is quite main building of 186l at Dixmont State The third annual Neville House Antiques cultural, civic, and commercial interests, in unusual, with a massive structure of sand- Hospital. This is an imposing four-story Show was held on the grounds of the house addressing a letter to the late Mayor stone piers, logs, massive joists, heavy Italianate block, one of many buildings on on Memorial Day, May 30. More than 500 Caliguiri. This was inquiry regarding the planking, and pole rafters. It could be read- people a 357 -acre site overlooking the Ohio River attended the event and toured the recently-announced mall proposed between ily restored or re-erected elsewherg minus in Kilbuck Township. The hospital was house. Proceeds from this show, coupled Grant and Wood Streets, Forbes and Fourth two easily-removable additions. designed on the progressive Kirkbride Plan, with funding from the Colonial Dames, Avenues. The signatories, who had ob- with an administrative block between moved Landmarks closer to acquiring the tained few details from the newspaper extended patients' wings. It was sited and carpet for the great room of the house. The accounts, were uneasy on a variety of planned with close carpet is being woven in Brussels using a grounds. supervision by Dorothea Dix, the famous reformer of public institu- design incorporating point papers from The mall, in which Oxford Development tions, and until 1907 was a branch of 1794. The colors of the loose laid wall-to- Company would be a partner, is supposedly Western Pennsylvania Hospital. wall carpet, not unusual for the period of to contain a department store and possibly Oddly enough, alarge model of Reed the house, will compliment the blue of the a hotel facing the City-County Building, Hall is undergoing preservation as well. living-room walls and the bright verdigris and a department store at the other end, Built with help from the patients, the model of the dining-room walls. The wallpaper in and is to cross Smithfield Street on a bridge was discovered in bad condition in the these rooms, similar to the original, will be several stories high and presumably quite building itself. The West Penn Foundation installed in September. The carpet is broad. had financed the restoration, and will expected later in the fall. Downtown business interests were natu- display it. rally wondering about the effect of the Burtner House commerce planned to fill these spaces on A new addition to the Burtner House extant businesses. Those concerned with grounds is a large millstong unearthed by the quality of life downtown had other Mt. Washington the local gas company when pipes were laid concerns: Would retail be wholly turned Visitors'Center by the Route 28 roadway in Harrison inward, with only blank walls along the The Mount Washington Branch of the Township. streets? What would happen to the historic Carnegie Library has opened a Visitors' October 8 will bring the annual Harvest buildings on Fourth Avenue between Center in its basement. The present Festival: rifle demonstrations, a blacksmith Smithfield and Wood Streets? Would arrangement is temporary, but already shop, hand-woven basket demonstrations, Smithfield Street be turned into a tunnel? includes take-away,literature, a reading dulcimer concerts, home-canned preserves, The Clio Group, a Philadelphia historic- table with books on Pittsburgh, and an funnel cakes, dried flower arrangements, research organization, made what appeared exhibit of historic photographs. This fall, etc. Interested members can call 226-2970 to be a thorough inquiry into the historic construction work is to begin for the.per- for details. architecture ofthe area. Its presence was to manent Visitors' Center in the Library, with some extent reassuring, but did not guaran- a two-story elevator as a prominent feature Deed Preservation tee that the buildings, which are not pro- at the east end of theöuilding. The design tected by City designation, would not be will be by Damianos and Associates. Landmarks has supported a proposal by obliterated or their facades reduced to Michael A. Della Vecchia, the County death masks set against new construction. Duquesne{ncfthre recorder of deeds, to establish a fund for Nor would historic-preservation considera- preserving dockets of deeds kept by his The Veterans' Memorial, globe tions of the usual sort affect the visual a of office since the founding of the County in polished granite on an obelisk, walling-off of Smithfield Street that would has been 1788. These documents, valuable for histor- completed at the Grandview Avenue station seemingly be inevitable in a mall plan. The ical research, would be kept in a safe and of the Duquesne Heights Incfine. The work fall of ground between Grant and Smith- orderly manner. The fund would be raised on the station and new overlook is now field is about 25 feet, and a passage level fin- Gwin¡rer-Harter by a dollar added to the fee for recording quite House ished and handsome indeed. each with Grant would thus give somewhat less In early summer, it appeared that the City deed. than25 feet in clearance over Smithfield, West End United would have to take legal action to force a and, ofcoursg it would have to be fairly decisionon the fire-damaged Gwinner- broad Methodist Church to accommodate the kind of com- Harterfiouse at 5061 Fifth Avenue. Minor Will Power mercial space that is presumably intended. The West End United'Methodist Church, a work would be adequate to stabilize the Preserve our region's Until we are reassured otherwisg there is Frank Alden design of 1887, is in safe condition of the house, which is sounder history and land- marks for future generations. reason to fear an oversized, self-centered hands although it has been given to another than it appears, but repeated efforts by the Add the Pittsburgh History intrusion into the center of the Tiiangle. congregation, A.M.E. Zion Church. The building inspector to obtain a commitment & Landmarks Foun- dation as a beneficiary your Nothing had appeared in print on the new minister, Norman Walker, is said to from the owner had had no results. Neieh- under Will. project If you would like for a couple of months, as of eariy have every intention of preserving the bors were complaining about the appear- to discuss this giving August, option, please call louise and Landmarks and the others are church, and of continuing its previous ance of the ruined mansard roof and the Ferguson (471-s808). awaiting more concrete and detailed occupancy: church, Head Start, and Food derelict condition ofthe house, and a information. Pantry. demolition order was quite possible. Fall 1988 PHLF News Page 5

Otd St. Luke's: The \ü/ork Is Nearly Done

This summer, the return of Old St. Luke's from its abject state of 20 years ago was nearly complete. There was work to do out- side, but the fabric was basically sound and the interior handsome. The church is known to most of our readers: a simple stone Gothic work of 1852 with a wooden exterior vestibule. It stands in a churchyard in Scott Township, in a place used for Anglican worship since 1765 and for burial since 1795, with the earliest restored by Dr. Zuck, was reinstalled in tombstone dating from 1802. Early in the 1982. The plain glass windows of 1955 century, St. Luke's was used for summer yielded to multicolored diamond panes the ceniury services only, and later only for Sunday next year, and new lamps similar to the Old St. Luþe's eørly in the tuentieth (øboue)' evensong. Its condition was deteriorating original oil lamps came in 1987. The few (right), ønd as tt is todaY despite partial restoration in 1949, and it original pev/s, returned from the basement, was entirely closed in 1955, its wooden ves- stood with enough new copies to fill the Rev. Victor Zuck, who was with the tibule gone. In that year the original arch church on a handsome floor of random- church as rector throughout the restoration braces of the roof were replaced by new width boards from an old mill in Tidioute. campaign, is about to retire, and Canon wooden struts, and its organ and stained Oddly enough, the church does not qualify, Richard Davies is to take over. glass were removed. ln 197 5, Archdeacon according to the State, for National Regis- Minor work to the exterior, tomb restora- garden "& William Lewis convened the Rev. Victor ter certification: the roof members of 1955 tion, and a memorial in the church- Zuck and 15 others to discuss the problem, and the interior walls, left stripped of their yard, about $31,000 worth of work, will and the result was an incorporated body of plaster, are held to have compromised the complete the rehabilitation. The Auxiliary l9'76 that changed in 197'7 to the Old St. building's integrity. is to be commended for their fine work to Luke's Auxiliary of Landmarks. Today, Old St. Luke's is ecumenical date, particularly for their skill in raising Donations of money and work by many though still in the possession of the Epis- funds locally, little by little for specific individuals, with some help from Land- copal Church. There is no congregation as projects, and in finding a use for Old St. marks' work crew, bit by bit reversed the such, but there are holiday services, Luke's that serves the community. Members situation. The Easter sunrise service of 1977 weddings, and baptisms, as well as concerts who attend our December 11 holiday tour still had to be held outside, but the bad and meetings of historically-oriented of historic houses will be able to tour Old times were largely over. The 1822 organ, organizations. St. Luke's. PreserYùtion Lo an Fund Pro gress Home Ownership for 1"09 Million for the Working People Neighborhoods The first phase of the Home Ownership for Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Founda- Working People has resulted in the rehabili- tion's Preservation Loan Fund Director tation of five vacant buildings in the Stanley A. Lowe and Union National Bank Central North Side for low- and middle- representatives announced June22 that an income famities. The North Side Civic historic $109 million community reinvest- Development Council was developer. The ment agreement has been negotiated Preservation Fund has lent $186,000, as well between the bank and 18 city neighborhood as technical assistance, for the $228,000 organizations. The document is a first for project. Pittsburgh's inner-city communities, including five National Register Historic Manchester Restoration Districts (Manchester, Mexican War In Manchester, Landmarks is providing Streets, East Allegheny, Allegheny West, restoration assistance in two ways. A and Southside). The agreement captures the $40,000 loan from the Preservation Fund substance and spirit of five months of and technical assistance from Landmarks negotiations and includes the following are helping in the restoration of six vacant highlights. buildings for low- to middle-income fami- As part of the Pittsburgh Community lies, in a development by the Manchester Reinvestment Group-Union National Bank Citizens Corporation. Total development Agreement (an 18 city-wide neighborhood costs are $346,000. Monthly mortgage group), Union National Bank will offer payments will be $325-425. The project is zero-point, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage to be completed in 12 months. loans to low- and moderate-income resi- leases. The four buildings will open, it is E & O Brewery Landmarks' Historic Standards for New dents at a rate which is at least one-half of anticipated, with half the space leased. The Brewery and its principal tenant, the Construction are being used as a guide in a one percent below Union National Bank's Sixty percent of the space will serve as a Allegheny Brewery and Brew Pub, are to $1,280,000 MCC/Tom Mistick & Sons pro- prevailing rate, and depending on case-by- business incubator, easing the overhead of open this month. This is the realization of a ject that will result in as many as 20 new case reviews Union National Bank may new companies by supplying joint support plan made almost three years ago; to trans- housing units by the middle of next year. offer other deeper discounts. services. A lease provision also requires that form the Eberhardt & Ober Brewer¡ not- These units will be for middle-income Union National Bank will make $55 mil- the Neighborhood Employment able against the background of Troy Hill tenants use families with funding support from the lion available over a five-year period for Program in finding workers. The whole and of historic interest, from a deserted and URA of Pittsburgh. first-mortgage financing. lf -a larger people, some shabby building group into something live complex is likely to employ 95 amount of good business can be guaran- again. 35 at least living close by. teed, Union National Bank will exceed pleased by the For the purpose E & O Associates was Architecturelovers are these limits. the brick buildings, formed, a partnership whose members are rejuvenation of old Union National Bank will provide train- Thomas V. Pastorius of the Pennsylvania beerlovers are anticipating the first swallow, ing and technical assistance to cornmunity groups proud this Brewing Company, the Gateway Financial and neighborhood are of development organizations and other non-' local From Group, and the Northside Industrial symbol of continuing vitality. profit organizations to assist them in points view, this project is a preserva- Development Company, a subsidiary of the all of purchasing and servicing loans. North Side Civic Development Council. tion triumph. Union NationalBank will make availaüe The total project cost of $3.6 million came the principal amount of $40 million over in loans and grants from the Local Initia- five years to non-profit organizations for tives Support Corporation, the Urban construction financing at a lower effective Redevelopment Authority, Mellon Bank, intereSt rate. These funds can be used for the Ben Franklin Partnership, and private housing restoration, new construction, and parties. Landmarks lent $50,000 from its commercial development. Preservation Fund. Union National Bank will make available Allegheny Brewery is a 100-seat restau- l4l7 E. Carson Street the principal amount of $8 million over five rant that will serve a variety of beers brewed Reconstruction of 1417 East Carson Street years for small and minority business loans. in the rear of the main building. The mood was well advanced this summer, and all I-oan purposes include building construc- and food will be German, and the beer it- four levels were signed up. Blooms, a florist tion, improvements, rnachinery, equipment, self will be traditionally made from barley, 901-05 Western Avenue shop, has taken the basement and first and and working capital. hops, yeast, and water alone. The brew pub By the end of next year, 901-05 Western second floors, and the South Side l¡cal Union National Bank will make available will take up 7,500 of the total 55,000 square Avenue, some of the oldest houses on the Development Company will be on the third. $6 million over five years for second fixed- feet. Professionals, a food manufacturer, street, are to be restored fcr commercial Behind a restored shop front, Blooms will rate or variable-rate loans for up to 15 an umbrella maker, a computer company, and office use. The North Side Civic incorporate an original hexagonal-tile floor years. The Union National Bank-Pitts- and a medical-instrument maker are among Development Council is the developer. The and some other original features into a burgh Community Reinvestmeni Group those who have either expressed strong Preservation Fund is lending $80,000 of the light, open, and frankly modern interior by loan agreement is now in effect. interest in the spa.ce or have already signed $597,000 budseted. Landmarks Design Associates. Page 6 PHLF News Fall 1988 EducationNlews

Fall Programs This fall, Susan Donley will be teaching Pittsburgh two courses for Landmarks: Heritage ¡ Exploring Your City, a teacher inservice on Tuesdays: October 4, 11, 18, and 25, from 4:45 to 8:j0 p.m. Call the Allegheny Summer-fun in the City Intermediate Unit (394-576Ð to register. ¡ Architecture Apprenticeship Íor hish Twenty-eíght teachers and students explored Píttsburghß heritage this June during Landmarks, school students on Wednesdays: October summer y9r\s,hop. Sue Nffi course ínstructor, led the students and teachers oi the eight-day 12, November 9, December 7, and Febru- adventure. HÍghlights íncluded walkíng tours of McKees Rocks, the Mexicun Wør Streetsi down- øry 22. Call the Gifted and Talented Pro- town Píttsburgh, and Støtion Squøre; scavenger hunts; rides on the Gatewøy Clþper ønd inciine; and gram of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit buildíng bridges, printing a townscape out of block prínts, møking scrapbooks, and sculþtíng (371-8484) to register three-dimensional buildings out of paper. 1989 Festival 1r, leachels commenting on the course said: "The møterials presented were excellent.', f "Pittsburgh.Heritage gave me ø better sense of the city; I learnbd many things about the Landmarks' t hird ønnual Hands-On Histo- ¡ city's history ønd ørchítecture that I hød never known beþre." "I was an;azed that we ry Festival will be held on Saturday, April covered so much ground. . . so thoroughly.,, ìn such a short tíme.,, 15 at the Station Square Festival knt- Any teochers or students who want to partici- pate in the Festival should call Mary Lu Denny (471-5808), l4te are planning to make the 1989 Festival bigger and better than the Iast two successful Festivals . . . details forthcoming in the wínter issue of P}JLF News.

Lìbrøry Open to Members Landmarks' library, on the fourthfloor of the Landmarks Buîlding at Station Square, 4 is open to members Monday through Friday from I0 a.m. to 5 p.m. The holdin4s include books on the Pittsburgh areø and Pennsylvania generally; books on industry and engineering; Pittsburgh Blue Books and city directories; clippings and ørticles on the Pittsburgh area and elsewhere; manuscripts, tapes, and published articles by James D Van Trump; architectural and shelter magazines ofthe I9I0s, '20s, and '30s; drawings by the Pittsburgh engineer Samuel Diescher; designs for buildings in the Pittsburgh area; photographs and art work of documentary value; pencil sketches by Edward B. Lee; plat-map andfire- insurance atlases; National Register nomi- nations; and forms for our Allegheny County Historic Resource, Steel- Site, Frederick Scheiblef and Downtown Surveys. Persons wanting to use the library should cøll lilalter Kidney (471-5808) to be sure that he will be in the office.

S cheíbler Artícle Avøilable Løndmarks has a limited number of copies of Pøt Lowry's long article on the homes of Frederick Scheibler, "More Than Just an Environment." This appeared in the Sun- day Press of last June 5, and contains both historic information and enthusiastic com- ments by present-day dwellers in Scheibler homes. There are eight color illustrations. Copies are available at 82.00 each. Call Shirley Kemmle4 471- 5808.

Researching Your House's History A newfive-pøge papeq "Researching the History of your House," is available to members for 81.25, to non-members for 82.00. It is a practical guide to its subject for the Pittsburgh area. Call Shirley.

At Home in Pittsburgh: Art ønd Furnßhingsfrom Clayton September ú0-October 30 A selection of the paintings and decorative arts from the Pittsburgh residence of Henry Clay Frick will be displayed at the Frick Art Museum in Point Breeze at 7272 Rey- nolds Street. Included will be a group of Next year, Pittsburgh Herr,tage wíll be offered tune 21 through June 30for ele- Mn Frick's earliest recorded acqußitions; mentary ønd secondary teachers only. And, Landmarks wílt ffir a specíaisessíon later acquisitions of notable works by ma- in lyly lor oarents and chíldren. Interested members canïørl Møry Lu Denny jor masters; furniture, silve4 and ceramics (4 71 - 5 80Ð for detaí\s., from the 1880s and 1890s; and turn-oÍ-the- The pílot program o/Pittsburgh Heritage was offered in I9g2 century clothing and accessories - all care- withfundìng supportfrom the Henry C. Frick Eduiational Com_ fully preserved by Miss Helen Clay Frick at mission. since then, Lsndmarks has offered the summer workshop six tímes. Clayton until her death in 1984. The exhibi- ¡TÞ.r tion will be accompanied by an illustrated lf l r-r I-1¡¡ booklet. Members of landmarks might be partic- ularly interested in attending the exhibition ftlll'.I opening on Saturday, September 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be musical entertain- ment and refreshments typical of a Victori- an reception that the Fricks might have had. Members of Landmarks who are in- terested in attending the opening (tickets are 825) may call 371-0600. The exhibition is free to the public. Fall 1988 PHLF News Page7

POMBLE PITTSBTJRGH A Treasure Chest of llistory

Who would have thought thøt 200-plus years of Píttsburgh hís- tory could be packed in ø treas- ure chest? Well, wíth a bit of skill and lots of imagínøtìon, Landmarks' educatìon depart- ment has done it. The treasure chest is packed full of hìstoric city vìews, mapg artìføcts, costumes, and lots more . . . and the lid just barely closes. The treøsure chest will open and the contents can be díscov-- ered by any school or com- munity- group beginníng ín November, simply by callíng Mary Lu Denny (471-5808).

Program Development Portable Pittsburgh, a docent outreach program, was modelled after the successful in-school program of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. It was developed primarily by Susan Donley, education con- Aboue rigbt: Unrollìng tbe 100-foot scrolling tinzeline paper sultant for Landmarks, and funded by the Below (/. to r.): ø detøil of the linìng in the I¿te-Victoriøn treøsure chest; a boy's søilorsait of Henry C. Frick Educational Commission. the 1890s; and ø "Cøts ønd Mica" gømcboard and The goal of Portable Pittsburgh \s to spinnex demonstrate in an active, fast-paced hour- long program how and why Pittsburgh has changed over its long history. Various aspects of work, leisurg everyday life, ar- chitecture, transportation, education, eth- nic groups, heroes, and inventions are traced throughout six eras of Pittsburgh qF history, divided according to easy-to- remember themes and named after various nicknames Pittsburgh has had in the past: Forks of the O/¡io.'Native American Cross- roads (before 1755) Fort Pitt: Frontier/Military Outpost (1755-1795) Gateway to the West: The Commercial Town (1796-1851) Iron City: Early Industrial City (1852-1876) Steel City: Manufacturing Metropolis Teacher's Guide (1877 -1945) Several weeks before a Portable Pitts- Renaissance Corporate Center (1946- City: burgh presentation is scheduled in a class- present) room, our volunteer coordinator, Mary Lu general goal translates into specific This Denny, will send teachers a copy of the instructional objectives: Portable Pittsburgh Teacher's Guide to help Knowledge Objectives them make the best use of the program as Students will: an integral part of their curriculum. The understand that history is a tool to help us teacher's guide provides an outline of the table at the Pittsburgh Fund for Arts in trace change over time. program goals, an overview of each era, Education,4rlists' Showcase on October be able to name and briefly describe the six suggestions for pre- and post-visit activities, 22, 1988. Bookings can be made through eras of Pittsburgh history. and a reading list for further study. Landmarks (471-5808) beginning Novem- Skill Objectíves ber l, 1988. To help defray the program's Tieø¡are cúest ørtifacts (øboae): glats bottles, a sad Students will: iron, ønd tlte innerworäs of ø toaster; and ø mid- Available November L administrative costs and maintain the kit compare and contrast parallel aspects of Vic torian p l: o to al b am. pub- a nominal fee of per session different time periods. Portable Pittsburgh wlll be debuted materials, $35 Below: aieøs ofPittsbargh, ønd a leøtlterfire ltel- will be charged. ntet. begin to analyze cause and effect in histori- licly in a workshop session and exhibitors' cal trends. Attítude Objectives Students will: a develop an interest in history. a develop a sense of community pride. O develop a sense of anticipation about the future of Pittsburgh. To actively involve students in drawing their own conclusions about Pittsburgh's history, we have assembled the raw material of historical research in the form of the Portøble Pittsburgh Treøsure Chest full of artifacts, reproductions of historic city views and maps, architectural photographs, and historic newspapers from each era. The docents will be trained to use these resources in their classroom visits to create an atmosphere of discovery where the stu- dents take an active part in learning about each period in Pittsburgh history. A giant 100-foot scrolling timeline will graphically illustrate the chronological order and rela- tive time span of each of these eras. Page 8 PHLF News Fall 1988

Bauhaus rigor on the other are both very apt to be mistakes in graphics, street furni- Main Street turg and paving, since both extremes at- tempt to force a character on the street that uMain Street" is not alwøys what it 184 building renovations ($2,520,000 it is unlikely to have. Nor should planting used to be; often it is neither the residential cost). be done arbitrarily; it should offer shade, principal 15 public-improvement projects contrast its forms and colors with those of road through town nor ($1,397,200). the buildings, and give good spatial effects; the principal place for shopping. $11,119,450 total investments of which further, it should be readily maintained and Still, if functions of the old Main $8,653,800 was private money. be capable of enduring prevailing condi- Street slip away, the architecture 72 business starts, 34 business closings, tions. All this is fairly remains. Nor is it that Møin equaling 38 net new businesses. obvious. Sensitively fated a l19 net jobs gained. treated, Main Street can be a pride to its Street go into a steady commercial a 72Vo owner-occupancy ratq June 30, 1988. town or neighborhood: not as a historical decline. In this ørticle we discuss a 6090 retail, 2790 professional,9t/o miscel- clisplay, but as a living place with a sense of three local Main Streets, two in laneous uses, 490 vacancy on ground floors, history about it. communities now absorbed into June 30, 1988. Caroline Boyce, the director of Main Pittsburgh, one ín ø neørby bor- Tbe Pilgram Bai/ding, A//eg/:eny Rùer Bouleøørd ough, and their progrøms møk- Street on East Carson from its inception for until 1987, is very pleased with the project's Allegheny River Boulevard íng Møin Street a better place. success. So is the State's Bureau of Historic The centennial of the Borough Preservation, which on April 29 of this year of gave the project its Preservation Initiative Oakmont is coming up in 1989, and the East Carson Street planning Award. Borough is a general beautifica- In 1985, the National Trust selected East tion of its open, rather domestic main Carson Street, between South 9th and street, Allegheny River Boulevard. Land- South 25th Streets, as the subject of a three- marks has offered advice, and plans are year Urban Demonstration Program. Thus under way. At the suggestion of the Garden far, the Trust's Main Street Center had Club of Oakmont, a landscape architect is operated only in small communities; with being selected to do a long-range plan. The this project it was moving into the city. The Garden Club has been selling flowers, with South Side Iocal Development Company, success, to aid the effort. Brick paving is in conjunction with the City Planning being laid on the Boulevard roadway itself, Department and with Landmarks' support, block by block, with County help. The had applied for the Program and estab- Pilgram Building is to be restored; this, a lished a new organization, Main Street on picturesque story building ofthe 1920s, is tust Carson (MSOEC), as the local one of the most conspicuous on the Boule- administrator. vard. The Oakmont Library, an Alden & The architecture of the street is Harlow work of around 1910, has recently predominantly commercial, mostly late East Ohio Street been restored. The hope is that other build- l9th century, and all in all a handsome dis- ings, which present The Public Space Improvement Project a disunified scene play of the builder's art. A recent remodel- today, be restored of the East Allegheny Revitalization Corpo- will or remodeled into ing (see "Iætdown at No. 1705j'this page) greater harmony. proposed ration (EARC) has somewhat similar inten- Plaques are for is all the more poignant because of its good tions to those of the Mdin Street on East Oakmont houses over 100 years old. Na 1705 øs (øboue); I environment. Commercial prosperity and commercial remo&led Nol 1701-11 Carson project. The present untidy appear- before the remodeling (below). The project began promptly in October mix are not problems ance of East Ohio Street between Cedar in Oakmont; here, 1985, aided by State funding that con- visual Avenue and East Street is to be lessened by amenity is what matters, and a mod- tributed heavily to staff salaries and design putting wiring underground and removing est, long-term effort is likely to accomplish services. The Trust sent in advisory teams the task. utility poles, installing a mixture of tradi- to organize and inform Carson Street mer- tional lamp posts and high luminaires, lay- chants and help organize promotional ing new concrete walks with brick banding, Restoration Principles l events. MSOEC had designs created for the and allowing for trees if owners desire Giving Main Street a fresher coun- street itself, the fronts of buildings includ- them. These will give the close-packed com- tenance, improving its economic substance ing signs, and some interiors. A strong mercial fronts, Late Victorian and poten- where necessary, is a delicate task. As a Business Assistance Teams Program was tially very attractive, a chance tci display preservation group we of course advocate established to help strengthen existing themselves to greater advantage. Detailed looking at building fronts and the interiors business. The program provides individual design work by the engineering firm of behind them with care and imagination, assistance with financing, design, and Gannett Fleming will begin after formal seeing them in a restored state as a basis for preparation of business plans, as well as an approval by City Council, expected in late the street's new or renewed character. We 5;',, ongoing workshop series. The City, the July. Completion is expected next spring. suggest, too, that new signs, shop fronts, or Allegheny Foundation, and the Howard Another program provides 50-50 match- indeed new buildings be constructed so as Heinz Endowment contributed service and ing grants for facade and sign improve- not to clash with these older places, and money. Iætdown at No. 1705 ments. This is to be financed in a public- that street furniture, paving, planting, and An aspect of the project was the ensuring private partnership, two-thirds of the so on unify the whole street and be visually Until this spring the 1700 block of East of a commercial mix that would serve the money from the City's Urban Redevelop- compatible with its components. And yet, Carson Street displayed a row of handsome long-time residents of the South Side and ment Authority, the remainder from private there has to be room for the truly creative Victorian fronts from l70l through l7ll. also the newcomers businesses, residents, 1703 through 1709 were especially sources. design; nor do we advocate outright imita- Numbers and visitors. The artists- and art and antique Promotional events will be in the hands tion of period forms in new construction. handsome, with identical upper floors in dealers were treated as a special asset. The Number 1703 was an early of EARC, as is the merchant support pro- Each historical period, including our own, Italianate. old question ofindustrial traffig congestive project, gram; the latter, which has established a has a place on Main Street. Landmarks an illustration in the and noisy, has been a serious problem, resource library and held seminars for A good general principle for new work is 1970s of how a modern commercial front since it has discouraged both visitors and merchants, has recently received an award that, unless a building has a special sig- could harmonize with a Victorian facade. upstairs apartment dwellings. A route has glance, from the City Planning Department and nificance to the general public, it should be At first what happened to the front been proposed that would relieve East the URA. subordinated to the character of the sur- of 1705 this spring appeared as a dismal Carson Street of this traffig but it could rounding architecture: follow it, in a hallucination; one had to return to believe take up to l0 years to open. general way, in height, scalq proportions, one's eyes. Here are Before and After views. The project, success of the Main Street materials, and intensity of ornamentation, We find it incredible to see that the owner from August 1985 1988, l, through June 30, while being modern in its detailing. thus refaced the handsome building facade can be told by a few figures: As to the character of the overall urban in this commercial district that is listed on a facade changes ($2,304,850). ll2 design, it should respond to the character the National Register and is enjoying a a 65 building renovations ($4,897,450 com- of both the architecture and the uses of the successful restoration rebirth through the mercial cost). East Ol:io Street, Nortû Side, øs it could be. street. Cuteness on the one hand and Main Street on East Carson project.

Awards of Merit Historic Plaques Awarded The time is here to nominate individ- uals and groups for Landmarks, Awards of Merit. Any citizen of Landmarks has awarded its Historic Land- unknown, 1903), 1400 Boyle Street, North Allegheny County may make such a mark Plaques to the following: Side. nomination. For award criteria and . St. Mary's Priory (Henry Mosbr, 1888), Several other sites were declared eligible nominating procedurq call Earl 614 Pressley Street, North Side. for Historic Landmark status in the Plaque James (471-5808). The awards will be . Ingram Elementary School (Press C. Committee meeting this year; their names presented on the Distinguished Iæc- Dowler, 1914), Vancouver and Macross will be announced when the owners have ture evening, November 16. Avenues, Ingram. ordered their plaques. o Allegheny Cemetery (John Chislett and In addition, a special plaque is being af- others, chartered 1844), 4734 Butler Street, fixed to the house at l20l Buena Vista Lawrenceville. Street as a marker for the entire Mexican Donøtions ønd . St. Bernard's R.C. Church (William War Streets area. Its text gives a brief ac- Richard Perry, 1933-47), 3ll Washington count of the history and architecture of this C a n Tri b u rio n s lWe / c o nze Road, Mount Lebanon. If you would like to donate ¡ National Register District, and of Land- any architectur- Lawrenceville Branch, Carnegie Library marks' involvement in its rehabilitation. al materials - or if you would like to make (Alden & Harlow, 1898),279 Fisk Street, Any members interested in submitting a tax-deductible contribution to support Lawrenceville. nominations for the i989 Historic Plaque our library effort call Walter Kidney Iøurencetille Brøncb, Cømegìe Librøry . Brown Chapel A.M.E. Chr¡rch (architect meeting should cali Earl James (471-5808). (471-58C8) for further- information.