HISTORY & LANDMARKS FOUNDATION oNE STATION SQUARE, SUITE 450 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PITTSBURGH, PA I52I9-II7O PAID Pittsburgh, Pa. Address Correction Requested Permit No. 598

Published for the members of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation No. 120 October 1991 Around Town with the Preservation Fund a The Syria Mosque Site a Preservation Scene & Education News Pittsburgh Architecture: Moldíngs and the Like More Luck at the Neville House

The Penn syln:ünifr Presemsatinn, Crßß : As Wb See It rt the Moment We are, at the time of writing, still Bingham Street, and merely passed the uncertain of what resources historic staff reports on to City Council. preservation in Pennsylvania, or per- Councilman Jim Ferlo has spoken as haps anywhere in the United States, will well in favor of making the have in the future. The situation looks Civic Center a City Historic District, an 330 South Third bad for any sort of governmental land- act that would protect historic buildings Street, Phila.del- marking that uses an element of legal and impose design controls on the phia. Thc Hßnrí- force. Until three months ago it ap- Mosque site and other cleared areas: cal Commíssi.on peared that governmental police power but, wou'ld this be constitutional? plaqu.e ß just ner might extend to historic preservation, On August 23,the State Supreme thc ground-fl.oor and municipal bodies in Pennsylvania Court granted the "petition for reargu- uind.ow. such as the Pittsburgh City Council, ad- ment and petitions on behalf of amicus vised by the Historic Review Commis- curiae lo interyene": in other words, sion, ând the Philadelphia Historical consented to reconsider the question of Commission, which itself can designate whether designation of a property buildings, were operating in confidence. without owner's consent constitutes a No longer: things have, or seem to taking. The reargument is scheduled for have, changed. October, and the storm clouds may yet An interesting story appeared in the pass. Post-Gazette of August 8. The City of We are thus in a state of suspense. Philadelphia is being asked for $2.5 mil- When the matter of 901-ll Bingham lion by Old Original Bookbinder's, a Street first came before the HRC, there restaurant oflong standing in the was indeed a brief presentation of the historic waterfront area. Having built a proposed design, but the developer's replica of the Krider Gun Shop for representative was not there to talk cul- expansion a couple ofdecades ago, ture; he talked only of money jobs Bookbinder's wants to tear down the and taxes. There might have been- a authentic, and landmarked, Elisha more appropriate forum to present such Webb Ship Chandlery for a parking lot; an argument and have it considered the $2.5 million is apparently to be com- carefully, but the representative was pensation for not doing so. Since the perhaps clinging to reality as he per- changing only slowly, form tough seems to have been an amicable affair Philadelphia Historical Commission ceived it, was perhaps one for whom, in strands binding the past to the future, with effects similar to the grant of a has landmarked a staggering 13,000 in- such a situation, money was everything. leaving us the sense of remaining at facade easement. Landmarks, being a dividual buildings and two districts A similar attitude appeared in the HRC home. We entertain nightmares of an private charitable organization, devel- (with hve more districts pending), a city membership in the August 2 meeting, a absentee, or merely money-blinded, oped a program to accept several facade already in plenty of trouble may be fac- manifestation of the members' uncer- developer's architecture of indifference easements, and continues to be willing ing an avalanche of lawsuits or other tainty as to their purpose. spreading over land cleared of such old to do so. Such easements bind the such claims. A historical analogy is possible. The places; of a community adequate only owner and future owners to maintain This, ofcourse, is a consequence of Pittsburgh developers of the past built for semi-nomadic business types, here the affected parts of the building the State Supreme Court's decision of industrial plants devoid of amenity for a couple of years and more inter- unaltered and in good condition. This July 10 in the Boyd Theater case, United though awesome in their size and force. ested in consumer goods than in streets obviously limits the uses to which the Art¡sts TheaÍer Circuit v. Philadelphia Had they bothered to justify themselves, and neighborhoods. property can be used, and its saleability Historical Commission, discussed in our they would have talked jobs and taxes. f$/- hat other resources might to a developer assembling a larger last issue. The question of whether Is not a modern developer who wants lf,/ there be? parcel, and the main advantage to the designation backed by a landmarks to break up a streetscape for an office Y Y For one thing, there is owner, apart from gratihcation at seeing ordinance is an uncompensated taking cluster in the middle of a parking lot, guidance andior pressure fiom organi- the building preserved, is in the tax under the Pennsylvania Constitution take a slice off the top of Mount zations such as Landmarks, publica- deduction available for a charitable has implications for such landmarking Washington for a hotel, or wreak some tions such as this one, and from a criti- donation. all over the state, and indeed nationally. other defacement simply acting in the cal public awakened to and vocal con- Scenic easements, used in Virginia, Our own current situation is a pecu- Pittsburgh tradition? cerning matters of quality in their com- seem unknown here. Yet even formid- liar one, with City preservation agencies Probably so, though the results are munity. Some developers, property able terrain like ours can be defaced: a operating in the subjunctive mood at almost bound not to be as heroic as owners, and tenants will be more acces- ravine made a parking lot, a hilltop best. Important issues such as those of they were in the industrial past. The sible to advice and comment than chopped down for a hotel. The grant of Syria Mosque, 901-11 Bingham Street, laissez-faire spirit u the same though, others, but the power of public opinion easements on a few critical places that and the Howe-Childs gate house have and we may know it to our cost if the is considerable. Our publications and are still largely wild might prevent some been handled as if the Historic Review preservation ordinance is voided. education programs will attempt to ad- nasty intrusions in the future. Commission and City Council had Suppose the State Supremç Court's dress both the public and the property Finally, in some cases outright pur- power over their destinies, even as the decision holds, and historic-preserva- owners. chase, by the community or by a private City Solicitor has been warning of City tion ordinances, insofar as they involve Again, there is the almost-untried foundation, may be possible and justi- liability for landmarkings of individual landmarking without owner's consent, resource offacade and scenic ease- hed by the unique quality of the proper- buildings, and of districts as well. are invalidated. Such a direct means to ments. So little has been done in this ty, its beauty, its historical value. This precipitated the famous HRC the preservationist end has been so areathat even lawyers interested in Remaining up in the air is the ques- session of August 2 in which the mem- tempting, and one looks about, anx- historic preservation do not know if the tion of whether any property can be bers showed themselves so unsure of iously, for something to take its place. City is empowered to accept such ease- said to belong to the people of a com- their obligations and powers in the pres- Out there are a few buildings that ments. Perhaps, until the controversies munity through their affection for it, ent legal situation - and perhaps un- would be works of art or shrines any- over St. Peter's and West Shadyside two rather than to its normal owner. But sure ofwhat they had been supposed to where. Moreover, there are many other years or so ago, there was no need to this had better be saved for another be doing all along - that they decided buildings and districts that probably know; landmarking before that time, es- article. nothing on Syria Mosque and 901-11 should not be frozen in time but that, in pecially as regards individual properties, Page2 PHLF News October l99l ffiNEV/S

Welnome ['{eus Memberc

Allegheny Historic Preærvation Society, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. John R. McMorris Mrs. Lois Monahan Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Nock Mr. & Mrs. Elmer R. Pohl & Family Mr. & Mrs. Michael Taylor

New Corporate Members Allied Security, Inc. The Genix Group Bell ofPennsylvania SmithKline Beecham Consumer Brands Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania T&T Hardware Company, Inc. Fisher Scientific The Westin rWilliam Penn Hotel

I¿ornre R Elkw

We deeply regret that a long-time member of our Board of Trustees, Leonore R. Elkus, died on August 7. Active at WQED Mrs. Elkus con- ceived of our Bicentennial lecture series and then edited the lectures into the popular book Famous Men and Women of Pittsburgh, which we pub- lished in 1981. She was deeply committed to Pittsburgh and to civic af- fairs. She conceived of and hosted progmms such as "Key to the City" and "Let's Explore Music," and was a Distinguished Daughter of Penisylvania. Mrs. Elkus was rvell known to many of our trustees and she worked closely with several members of our staff. We will miss her warmth and guidance, and extend our sincere sympathies to her family.

Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation Fourteenth Annual ffiÍquoB g¡boh 1403 Sffield. Street, Manchestnr l25I Líoerpool Street, Manchestcr

AT STATION SQUARE Smithfield Steet Bridge and E. Carson Street THE GR,A.ND BALLROOM OF THE STÆTION SQUARE SHERATCIN NOVEMBER 8o 9,r0,19y1 Friday & Saturday: lI am to 9 pm Sunday: 1l am to 6 pm Partial List of Dealers Cormecticut Ohio Lynda Willauer Bill & Betty Cowden Massachusetts Kembles Martines' Antiques 1753 House Antiques Wahnr Kid,nq taking rnæs, Mongenas Antiques Duxbury Galleries MæicønVar Streeæ Michigan Pennsylvania Peter W. Chillingworth Robert & Cynthia Baker East End Galleries Thomas Forshee Antiques Mark Evers Antiques Bette & Melvyn Wolf, Inc. John Kroeck New Hampshire WilliamG. Mayer Constance St. Clair Antiques Merryvale Antiques New Jersey Margaret Mutschler Charlene M. Crosby Perdue & Podner Antiques Lighthouse Antiques Squires Antiques of Sewickley Charles Lloyd Virginia NewYork Vivian Vy'ilson Cohen Webb & Brennan John Murray American Antiques Washíngfon, DC North Carolina Coleman & May Willow Antiques

Sugesæd Admissíon Conaibution #4.M Munger: J ack Squíres 4n / 7 662111 Prcceedsben$t thc cottti,ru,fug restoratìan of tIæ l,isotio NeuiLIc House in Collier Township.

PHLF News is published six times ea.ch year for the members of the Pittsburgh Hístory & Landtnarks Foundation. This year, the newsletter has expanded, both in the number ofpages and in the number of ßsues. It ß supported through membership dollars, proceeds from Station Square, and advertising revenue. We have been pleased with the early responses to the sabstanlive essays by Walter C. Kidney, and appreciate your continuing comments and suggestions.

Arthur P. ZieSer, Jr. . . . .President Louise Sturgess .. .Editor/Execative Direclor DianeC.DeNardo ...... DirectorofEducation&.Marketing Mary Lu Denny . . . .Director of Membership Setvices EricF.Dickerson...... AdvertisingSalesManager Walter C. Kidney . . . Architectural Historian Stanley A. Lowe . . . Director of the Preservation Fund AlbertM. Tannler ..... 'Archivist Gregþtlik. ...Designer 901-05 Western Auenue, Alleghcny West October l99l PHLF News Page 3

Around, Tint:n u)ith the P r e s e r v ati o n Fund

The Preseruation Fund of the initial loan of $80,000 from the Preser- Pitæburgh Hisøry & Landmarlæ vation Fund to the Northside Civic Development Council and the Alle- Found,ation wos established in its gheny West Civic Council. preser*form in 1985. h has lent well Darlington House ouer million neighborhood #I ø Work at the Harry Darlington house, at associations in Allegheny County for Brighton Road and Lincoln Avenue, has been proceeding briskly. Some of project stortup costs and brid,ge fi.nanc- the exterior brownstone had been ing, property acquisition, pffission al cleaned by early summer, though only a seraices, and cotutruction. The Fund, test patch or two had been made on the red brickwork. Inside, reconversion also proaid,es technical assistance of the 2l-unit building into a single-family This yea6 the geographical distribu- one left strange mixtures of construc- tion of projects ß sligfuly d.ffirent tion and furnishing, but the owneq Dr. David Spence, was certain that he could hereøfore, with one in the South from move in in Septembe¡ while the restora- Sid,e and three in the East End,. tion process continued. Dr. Spence and John DeSantis, who is restoring the Edwards Court house next door, will help stabilize what The Fund has lent 551350 for the has been a desolate part of Allegheny construction offive row houses on West. Dr. Spence received a $165,000 South Thirteenth Street near Breed, on stopgap loan from the Preservation the South Side. Developer is the South Fund through the Allegheny West Civic Side Local Developmeñt Company, and Council. the total cost per unit is about 580,000; the present units were sold before com- 940 Beech Avenue pletion. Completion of hve more houses A loan of $15,000 was made through the is anticipated this fall. Allegheny West Civic Council to buy and allow work to begin on this three- 1251 Liverpool Street story house, alleviating the owner's Here, the Fund has granted $1,500 half problem with slow sale of his former the closing cost, under Union National house. Bank's Closing Cost Assistance Pro- gram, for the Manchester Citizens l22íMonterey Street Corporation's construction of three This house had been condemned when 1225 Monterq Street, MæiranWar Streeæ inhll houses. Brick walls, lintels, and a large part of a rear wall collapsed. decorative gables are intended to blend The Mexican War Streets Society and these new buildings with those near by. the Central Northside Neighborhood Council went into partnership to rescue 1403 Sheflield Street the house, aided by a $1J000 grant from This is a small Mid-Victorian Italianate the Preservation Fund, recoverable house of brick. Here, tINB's Closing from sale of the house, which is now Cost Assistance Program will be using a owned by HUD. grant of$1,600. 6û7 North ffomewood Avenue l0ui:17, l0lg,1025 Landmarks has made a loan of $45,000 Manhattan Street for the Brushton property now under These six houses are being sold to commercial development. Acquisition moderate-income persons with salaries costs were paid through a loan to beginning at $22,000. The price per Landmarks from Union National Bank home is from $6&294 to $7Ç898, with to the Homewood Brushton Revitaliza- 33-lo-50% subsidy available. This is tion and Development Corporation. Phase II of Landmarks'involvement 1û74 Wheeler and with Manchester's Home Ownership for Working People. Landmarks will pro- 7212Race Streets vide up to 50o/o closing-cost assistance These two small houses, HUD property for eligible buyers through Union since foreclosures, were bought by the National Bank. Homewood Brushton Revitalization and Development Corporation with an 901-ffi Western Avenue $11,000 stopgap loan from the Restoration of these very old buildings Preservation Fund. is complete, as is the new offrce row on Galveston Avenue around the corner, For further information on these which is in a similar style. The Western projects, call Stanley Lowe, director of 940 Beech Aoentq Alleghcny West 7212 Race Street, Homeuood Avenue restoration was assisted bv an the Preservation Fund, at(412) 471-5808.

Dr. Spence in th,e Darlhgnn hause, AheghcnyWest

1074 Whcelcr Streeto Homewood.

TTæ Dørlingøn house in Allegheny West (rþht), with th,e DeSantis Inuse ø iæ Left. 607 Nonh Homeuood Auenu¿ Homeu:ood Page 4 PHLF News October 1991 Preservation Scene

Preservation Law Workshop Where Are the Sycamores? to Be Held in Pittsburgh Schenley Farms in Oakland has held its own years. On Thursday, November 14, the National all these It is a distinctive, well- Center for Preservation Law, the Pittsburgh defined, and elegantly preserved neighbor- History & Landmarks Foundation, and the hood. Houses have not been carved up into Allegheny County Bar Association are apartments, and most seem to have loving sponsoring a preservation law workshop. orvners. Speakers will report on oral arguments But where are the sycamores? For years, delivered on October 25 before the Penn- one of the principal ingredients contributing sylvania Supreme Court on the "taking " issue to the elegance and distinctiveness of that arose this July in United Artists Theater Schenley Farms has been the sycamores a Circuit v. Philadelphia His torical lining each street. They frame view up each Commission. block to a fine house at the head ol the Anyone interested in historic preservation street. issues or in the "taking" issue under Penn- In recent times the sycamores have been sylvania law is encouraged to attend this failing, one by one. In a few cases a tree of workshop. For location, time, registration another species has replaced them; in many fee, and further details call Mary Lu Denny cases there is painful blank space. On a at Landmarks (412) 471-5808. recent stroll we lound two huge stumps as reminders of the great life that had been lost. Let us remember that landscaping also endears the architecture that it sets off, and in these greening times we should urge that The New Grunad.øTheater on Centre Auenug the sycamores be replaced. from the glary days of Blaclt entertøínnlent on Roof Returned Brandt at Calvary th.e Hill. This spring the rectory of St. Mary of the Susan E. Brandt, a Landmarks trustee, has Mount on Grandview Avenue caught hre, been hired by the Allegheny Historic Preser- burning much of its upper part. When vation Society to devise and execute a $3 repairs on the rectory began, we worried million restoration fund campaign for over the fate of its clay tile roof, almost a Calvary United Methodist Church at rarity these days. In a steep front gable with Allegheny and Beech Avenues; her title is a Gothic window the house reveals Mid- restoration director. This April she received Victorian origins, but it was greatly added to a Landmarks Award of Merit for a similar Favoring a Civic Center and altered in the early 1920s. Until around and very successful campaign at the We made the following statement at a meeting 1980 the stuccoed upper stories were marked Braddock Carnegie Library, and has a total of the City of Pittsburgh's Historic Review off with dark slats in a quasi-half-timber of 12 years experience in development con- Commission on September 6: fashion that, like similar Stick Style fronts of sultation, fund-raising, and non-proht man- agement. The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foun- 1870, organized windows and other elements Some necessary stabilization work has dation wishes to state that the proposal for that otherwise would seem to drift. When already been done at Calvary, and the $3 an Oakland Civic Center City Historic Dis- new siding was applied, though, the slats million is in addition. A report on the trict, made by Councilman Jim Ferlo, has were not put back and the windows do in- church by Landmarks Design Associates very great merit. The Soldiers'and Sailors' deed now drift. When the tiles were stripped calls for an immediate S500,000 for initial Memorial, the former Schenley Hotel, the away, then, one expected to hear them crash repair to stonework; about million for Cathedral ofLearning and the late 19th- and into the dumpster and see asphalt shingles $2 Bnmn Chnpel A.M.E. Church, on the be hoisted up. But no, the tiles are back on further restoration which would result in the early 20th-century buildings surrounding Cenrral Nonh Sid,e. return ol the church to its condition alter its them form a remarkably grand and har- the roof as a weicome sight. Now, shouìri ihe remodeling in 1941;' and a hnal 5800,000 to monious ensemble, and in several cases have present plain siding be marked off with Black History Proiect return the church to its original condition in great individual distinction. To say that a slats . The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum 189s. proposal to preserve this district, at least Commission has granted Landmarks Design Ross Township Church Conversion from casual destruction, has merit is Lo state Address donations to: Associates $30,000 for a year-long African the obvious. St. Têresa's Church, on Perry Highway, is Allegheny Historic Preservation Society American Historic Sites Survey for Alle- undergoing conversion into offices as well as 971 Beech Avenue gheny County. The Pittsburgh History & a rental public hall. The developer, alawyel Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Landmarks Foundation will provide a has already converted the adjacent rectory $14,000 match in cash and staffsupport. For inquiries: (412) 323-1070. into ofäces. The church is a very simplified The importance of such a survey became Gothic work of 1934by William P. Riverside Commons evident during an LDA historic-site review Hutchins, best known for St. Mary of Mercy in the Hill District's Crawford-Roberts "Great The old and mysterious industrial buildings Sch.enley Farms Church downtown. The Hall," the Redevelopment Area. The work product will at Lacock and Hope Streets on the North Cíty Histnric church space itself, will remain much as be fourfold: a thematic narrative of Black Shore, long May-Stern warehouses, may originally, with aisles, pointed arcades, and history within the county; Pennsylvania D^trict have been parts of Pollard, McCormack's an open-timber roof. Between the arcades Historic Resource Survey forms for all sites Hope Cotton Factory of a century-and-a- and the roof, howeveq horizontal ductwork and districts identified; a list of National half ago. Whatever the case, they will hence- will run the length of the Hall; this will be Register-eligible sites; and a bibliography for forth be the Riverside Commons Innovation boxed in, with an outer surface of sand- further research. finish plaster, but whether this long projec- Cente¡ a business incubator and office tion just under the corbels will look all right building that will include its own day-care remains to be seen. At any rate, Perrysville center. The two buildings will be united by a Center as the St. Teresa complex is called glazed linking element. The North Side adds- to the list of adaptively-used Civic Development Council is the managing T -churches. general partner of Riverside Commons Associates, the developers. Architects are Design 3 Architecture, of Monroeville. - rockw?vconstructlon lnc. t I I The perimeter of the district as proposed Marshall r - = 3-'f--- I by Councilman Ferlo needs to be altered in Finishing several details, however. ,4il buildings on Conservation K&S Company I University Place, including the University Dedicated to the Art and Club and the buildings to either side, make a Science of Conserving Historic Furniture, C o mplete re storatíon & pre s erv atíon noble contribution to the group around the Collectables and Three Dimensional Art of chandeliers, lamps, and other . General Contractors Soldiers'Memorial, and the University Club arc hite c tur al e s. gives an example of how a rather tall build- fixtur ing with a suitable setback can harmonize Refinishíng of gold, sílver, brass, . Concrete Work with ones built lower. copper, and other metals. Allen and Thaw Halls across O'Hara Street, the latter especially, might be consid- Top cluality workmanship and . Site Work ered for inclusion. is a handsome møteríals. fragment by Henry Hornbostel, and gives a 25 years experience in metal . Asphalt northern frame to the Soldiers'Memorial refinßhíng. group. Another nearby Hornbostel building along Parkman Street, State Hall, was Free estimates by George L. Martz, owner demolished around 1970. 3315 Hermar Drive Neither the Holiday Inn nor the trio ol Murrysville, PA 15668 600 Greentree Road 412 733-8685 Crawford, Langley, and Clapp Halls seems / Pittsburgh, P A 15220-521 1 worthy of inclusion, nor does the building (412',) 921-2722 Shop locatìon: immediately sorìth ol the First Baptist Route 22,West (412) 921-2299 Church. It may be said, of course, that in- Delmonr, PA 1562ó FAX cluding these simpiihes the perimeter and Conservator f'or Private Hire 4t2 t 468-3349 may prevent worse architecture from being 412-935-52t3 (412) 921-0678 built in their stead. October 1991 PHLF News Page 5

GT\IE A MEMBERSHIP 1n LANDMARKS

Innad,uce yourfriends n the world, of hisørir preserua.ti.an and, n thc worlc of the Pittsbwgh Hisøry & Land,m,arls Founda,tìan

Please send a gift membership to:

Name

Address

. ._i:: . . -:: .. City State Zip _ Point View Residences Thn library at "Sunnylndge" (aboue) ønd. the parlnr þehnn)- This summer the future of Point View - Residences, the Frank Lloyd Wright Name apartment house design of ß52, was still - undecided. The chances appeared good but Address construction was waiting on further buyer commitments. Would it be a good thing for our skyline if this were built? It probably would, though with a plan virtually free of right angles the City-State-Zip building's shape is impossible to imagine in perspective. The location is on Grandview Avenue in Mount Washington, about 200 feet west of the top of McArdle Roadway Total number of gift memberships where a deserted school now stands. The x 515.00 each building would rise 103 feet above its entry floor and descend the northeast-facing slope Total payment enclosed $ some 40 feet. Its flattest aspect, facing - northerly, would be about 32 feet wide but would be angled so as not to present the look of a slab. Its narrowest aspect was that Your name chosen for the only exterior rendering made (as it should appear on the gilt announcement) available, a view from the northwest, on the slope parallel to Grandview Avenue, that shows the building as a great prow. Its least Address interesting aspect, unfortunately, would be that facing Station Square, with l0 broad City-State-Zip identical window strips. Exterior materials are to be red brick a cheerful strong red, we - hope bandings of white limestong and CIip and mail to: copper awnings- (which would probably turn ooSunnyledge" pale green) over most windows. Pittsburgh History & The interior plan is quite unconventional, Landmarks Foundation In October, the fate of this excellent near- heirs cannot maintain the house, and the mainly 60- 120-degree angles, and offering a One Station Square, Suite 450 mansion of 1886 is still in doubt. The home Historical Society of W'estern Pennsylvania, living room facing north and southeast, a Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1170 of the Mcclellands and of Rachel though interested, apparently cannot southeast-facing dining room, a north-facing McClelland Sutton, the artist, contains the acquire and maintain it. (The Historical porch, and two bedrooms with baths facing (412),171-s808 tangible evidence of a hundred years of Society was one of several organizations southwest. This arrangement would afford family life, and is as natural a museum as named in the Will as a beneficiary.) An good views toward Three Rivers Stadium "Clayton." Its historic value is in addition to organization such as our Neville House portions and the of the North Side beyond, CIJSTOnlT its value as a work of architecture. The som- Auxiliary may be the best hope, and Station Square, the hillsides, the South Side, ber beauty of the Longfellow, Alden & Landmarks has offered help in .A'R.CIIITECTfIR.AL organizing and Mount Washington, a somewhat less MILL\TOFII( Harlow house at Fifth and Wilkins Avenues such a group for "Sunnyledge." good view of the Triangle, and very little of in Squirrel Hill has been noted by many Persons interested in the house and with a view down the Ohio Valley except from the passers-by, and in the lifetime of its late ideas or oflers of help should write: porch. There is also to be a two-story studio owner, Rob Meyerjack, many Pittsburghers Gretchen Hempen, cio May, Long & penthouse. Floor levels are typically nine saw the house inside. Sanders, 3030 USX Tower, Pittsburgh, PA feet apart, allowing maximum ceiling heights But now its days are apt to end unless a 1s2t9. of 8'8'i A curiosity of the plan is the sympathetic buyer is found. Rob Meyerjack's presence of 11 servants'bedrooms above the hillside ground though below street level. If built, Point View Residences will be at least an interesting addition to the Mount Washington skyline, and at a guess will probably remain the bestlooking multiple THE CORNERSTONE dwelling there, and the most sympathetic to The Shops At Statíon Square the terrain. Balcony Level 41217 65-1042 Storage Space Needed Various neighborhood organizations have Books on Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania History been collecting artifacts from buildings that Architecture, Design and Preservation, are demolished. These artifacts could be sold Gardening, Transportation. to people who need them for restoration purposes, thereby reclaiming some of the Gifts from area crafts people/ including costs of the original salvaging. Westerwald Pottery, Wendell August What is needed, recommends Nick Kyriaz| a resident of the Deutschtown Red Forge, Clay Tileworks. Historic District, is a centralized storage facility available on a long-term basis at no Home furnishings, including sculpíüe, prints, cost. Possibly neighborhood volunteers wall hangings, glassware/ brass. could staffit on Saturdays to handle the sales and it would be a good service to the Wilson & McCracken, Inc. community. 5255 Butler Sheet Pittsbrugh, PA 15201 Affiliated with Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (4121784-t772 Call Nick Kynazt at (412) 323-2569. PHLF Members receive 107o discount on all purchases' Page 6 PHLF News October l99l The Syria Mosque Site

The Syria Mosque is going, and we edge of the property on all sides. The ject, should be an architect who is liter- have lost an institution with fond construction cannot be higher than 45 ate in and comfortable with Classical associations for many of us. Accepting feet or three floors, whichever is less, for architecture. What he should do can this, though, we should be thinking the first 200 feet from the opposite only be expressed in negatives at this At the ¡nrth end, of Uniaersity Place is the about what will go up its place. The property line in in the Schenley Farms point: he should not straitjacket or Concord.kt Club, a less-polßhnd. work of Mosque has been a slightly untypical Historic District. Beyond goes that, con- make a nonsense ofwhat goes, and crea,rn-colored, brick, built rþht on th.e prop- but harmonious part of a harmonious can go 85 struction up to feet or nine on, inside the building; he should not erty lírq about as hþh as th.e NationøI urban group that is itself one of the floors, whichever is less. Thus, zoning design a shrinking, mousey exterior; he aníon Fire Insurance Cornpa,nry, and 110 feet three components of the Civic Center permits a mass 310 feet of long and spread- should not design an especially showy alnng U nia ersíty PInc e. our early twentieth century. V/e should ing 210 feet between Bigelow Boulevard one. We should be glad that whatever is articulate our desire for a replacement and Lytton Avenue, 85 feet high oppo- there, is there. building at least equal to what is being site the entrance ofthe Soldiers' Let us hope for good architectural removed, and make positive recoÍrmen- Memorial, and situated as little as 140 intentions in those who build here, and dations as to how this can be done. feet away across Bigelow Boulevard. competent advice to guide those inten- First, let us have a quick look at the Without constructing perspectives noth- tions. Civic Center. It has the form of an L, ing is certain, but it seems that such a composed of three lawns. Joining the mass, rising to its full height from the P.S.: a propos of a style choice, see the two arms are the grounds of the old building line, could diminish the power essay "Moldings and the Like" on page Schenley Hotel, now the Pitt student of the Memorial and detract from the 8. Classical qrchitecture loves moldings, union, the hotel itself being a large beauty of the whole building group as in due moderation; Modern architecture blocky mass 125 feet high. To its east is we have known it. Should the taller part abstains from them, save for an occasion- the campus, 14 be withdrawn from Bigelow Boulevard al raisedflat strip; Post-Modern acres almost surrounded by grandiose by some 50 or 75 feet, it might be quite architecture proves its ínventiveness by Classical buildings that are subordin- another matter; it would simply balance using moldings awkwardly. ated however to the 535-foot Gothic the University Club, whose bedroom tower. To the north is the lawn of the tower is about as tall but does not regis- Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial, 590 ter as an object on University Place. feet north to south, 280 feet east to The surface matter known as "treat- west, the Memorial itself being about ment" is of course very important: that 150 feet high and, in its main part,775 is what the public actually sees. The feet wide. The buildings around it are Holiday Inn in the next block, whose once again subordinate, yet full ofchar- massing is that permitted by the neigh- acter for the most part taken one by borhood zoning, is illustrative. On the one. With the exception of the Mosque, one hand, the tan brick tones in well Pitt's present Meruis HaII uas once the which did have Arabic exoticisms with the older buildings, and the white Nøtinnal Unínn Fire Insurance Cornpany, 25 though embedded in a no-nonsense concrete echoes the older limestone and backfrom the street, 50feet high, ønd modern geometry of massing, the style terra cotta in, say, the Pittsburgh þet 75 wide. A mansion-Iilæ æærior of of each has been Classical in some way Athletic Association. On the other feet uhite limesønefails ø stress, to say the or other. Most of the buildings step hand, the openings have untypical Ieost, thn businessfunctionfor uhich this back a little from the street, and on the proportions and spacing, there are no buíld.íng wos planned, street they are between 40 and 70 feet subtle details such as moldings, and high. Warm gray and cream are median there is too much white, especially in colors, though dead white and dark the top story. The building tries not to The. Uniaersity CI,ub u,n sert)e (Ls an 6ona- brown are found. Materials are brick, offend, but it lacks character. In theory, pleþr the new build.ing dírectly across thc limestone, in terra cotta, and the Soldi- it should be possible to build something Soldierc' MemoriøI lawn, The dining roorn ers' Memorial awarm gray sandstone. confessedly of our time on the Syria ønd library bloclq set back 15 feetfrom the All in all, there is unity in variety, and Mosque site and have it f,rt in well and street, ß about 60 feet high and, B0 feet had the corner lots at Fifth Avenue and still remain individual. But we are alon6 Uniuersíty Pla,ce- The ei,ghtsnry guest University Place, and at the turn of confused 150 years these days, and for trnner begins 60 backfrom the property Bigelow Boulevard north of Syria þet advanced architecture has been too Iíne and, is not werpmtsering. Thß much Mosque, been built up in a similar way, often a translation of words and withdraualfrom the street might be imprøc- the Soldiers' Memorial area would have theories into material form, disregard- ticablefor the taller part ofthe new build- been perfected. ing the actual look of the building as it íng, but the of height utould be The latter empty lot, the adja- ffia with is, where it is. Probably this new mitigaæd to some ætent in a composition cent Syria Mosque is to lot, be built on, element of the Civic Center, to belong along Uniuercity CIub lines. The materials and the question is, what? With Zoning here, will have to be Classical in some here are u:hite limesønefor pilasters ønd permits the function contemplated, way: not wryly, campily Classical, but other decoratiae trírn and d, üarrn gray off,rces. These are nothing new here Classical from conviction. using an Roma,n brich. anyway;two buildings of this group orderly progression of elements, were constructed for ofhces in the proportions that blend all the necessary 1920s. What is now began elements of the exterior into a harmony, as the National Union Fire Insurance moldings that articulate large blank Company; and the Physicians' Building, walls into comprehensible parts and medical off,rces, stands on the other side that introduce places ofdelicacy here of the University Club. and there, and materials that go well To the left of the Uniuersity Club ß thn The total lot available for develop- with the other materials in this place in Phrsicians' Buildirry, one of the two office ment is about 360 feet north to south their color and subtle patterning. buíld.ings øIon6 Uniuersity PIøce- It stands and 260 feet across. Building is not It may be, then, that the architect, or 12 feet bach frorn th.e street, and. ß 65 or 70 allowed closer than 25 feet from the at least one ofthe advisors ofthe pro- feet hþh and. 45.þet wide. The street rßes rwrthward, ønd th.e build.ing heights therq aøryingfrom as much as 70 to as linle as 40 O'HARA STREET BIGELOTV BOULEVARD feet, are faírly euened, out as it fuippens. W'alls are of creant-colored, brich. The lnt ø thn left wcn unfortunøæIy neuer buih upon.

â ú 3 stories or 45 feet, whichever is less Soldiers' s.l & Sailors' J Memorial Thefonner Schenley Apartrnents ísþced ín white limestane and, brctnn brich. The group Hall o 9 stories Êa is næt to the Schcnley Hotel, and is about as or 85 feet, h,Sh. F whichever \J is less J rrl O

Êa

Tb the right is the allou:able þotprint of the new build,ing, uith manimum hei.ghß ind;icaæd. n October l99l PHLF News PageT

Behind. the Sold.íers' Memoriøl ß Thnw Hall, a The Twemíah Century CIub is øbout 60 feet hþh at fragment of Henry Hornbostcl's abortit:e 1908 its loner end,. Iæ street uall is øbout 100 feet lnng. ln To thn ri6ht of thc Trnentieth Century Club, on thc mørgin of thc híllsid,e planþr thc Uniaersity of Pitæburgh; thís its white límesønc and i* rath.er elaboraæ halian group, ß the Histnrical Socíety of Wesærn Pennsylaøniø, only 33 uas thc engincering schaol h is 67 feet high, and Renaßsance treøtrnent it ß something of ø response ø feet hþh but 65 þet wide and set u¡ell up on a tøt-race so a,s to uas 150 feet lnn6 before íts rathcr dim modctn th,e Pitæburgh Athletic Associtrtion a block n tlæ m.ed,i¡tæ behneen thn grandíose clubhnuse n the Left and th.e additi,ons. The ma,terials are creann-colnred brick, south. Both sta.nd. equally hígh on th.eir síæs, and Ednnardian hnme to thn right. Iæ maæria.ls are crearn-colnred grøy graní4 andwhite terra cottrt- both, indeed, are by Benrw Janssen. bríck and, uhite terra cottd. '' l,h.lt "f'ru

O'HARA STREET BIGELOW BOULEVARD

â t'l E (J

Fl a. Fl Þ F Êq

U) r f¡l Syriø MosEte stood, south of thc east

q

Thn AUngh,eruy County Sold,iers' and Sailors' Mernoria,I, as it was some years aga The main bod,y of the building, rßíng aboue the spreading basement, ß a,bout 750 feet square; the bnl hÊiShr ß about 150feet. The ualls are of a lþht-ø-medíurn gray sa.ndsøne. Judgtngfrom early postcards the rooftiles, nour gray-cooted, are strong-red terra cotta.

Left: The Ciuic Cenær in the 1940s, showing the Sold,ierc' Memnrinl, Schenley Hotel, and Cathcdrøl of Learníng lautræ around u:hich subsídíary build- ings are organiz,ed. Belous: A more ponapous group of the Ciuic The Pitæburgh Athl,etic Associntion has ø grand.eur, euen an ostenuation, more Cenær build,irp surrounds the appropri.aæ to th,e gigøntic Cøthndral of Inarning carnpus thøt iæ mainfront 535-foot Cath.edral of Inarning faces. The rear tousard, the Syria Mosque siæ ß pl,ain by contrøst. h k about 70 on its f4-øcre lannn. þet hþh tn the cornice Materinls øre ushite límesøne and whiæ terra. cottn.

Though the nearby Camegie hutituæ ß a linle older in its originøI part, the Ch:ic Center proper began wíth thß hnæI of 1898, uhirhfoces both the Cathed,røI of I-eørning and, thn Sold,iers' Memnrial. UnþrtunaæIy it htx lost its cornice. hs møin møæri.al is a brinh of ø strong redd.ßh-oran6e" h stønds 120 feet backf'rom Fifth Auenuq ønd. thefrontfacing the Sold,íers' Memorial (thnu6h rnt set axially) ß 125 feet high ønd 130 feet uide.

Allm:able dimercinnsfor thn neus buildíng: only an approximntion, but ser.ui;ng to comryre its possible bulhutíththnt of the Soldict's' and, Sailars' MemoriøL. Page 8 PHLF News October l99l Modern Architecfure in Oakland

PITTS B T] RCH Wølter C. Kidrty

Here ß a corner denil by Henry Hornbostel, at the fonner Bureau of Mines- The corner has receiaed. the equiualent of an æolo molding, a

qu artør -round,, b eu.o e en nro narrow.fiIlets. Ircteacl of a mere inter- sectinn of ttao plancs, the corner ímplies thc uol- ume contu,íned u:íthin the walls. Of course, you Inau¡ that the u:alls ent:Iose space, but such a rounded corner - its roundne ss emphosi.z,ed by slþhtly darker courses of bríclts euery so ofæn - ma,kes th.efact aù:id.

lqY q þr " !ãq H d þj H þpu I'd !e'¡H Itrl é I HËH E l, ! Hl'tH H il l-l l¡ l"i iÊi idþr H H E{ ¡\ I'l í; !Hi'i l"ltdH E El \ f' I'l I'l H ß HhH Ë lc u q!E I h l-l [t -Ei.u -l ,"j

"; ** _=.._ i ! *- i-!r --S; ¿ l;.¡

g"+-{.*t-â-?-.' \' ]

Abæe, a roII molding on th.e arch on the Ross Street entrance of the C ourthnuse, sh¡twn here in an old aiew, d,efi.nes th" of a large "dg" opening, emphasize s the írunard twn.from th.e waII plane. The narruru¡ síd.e wínduns gaín ffiaiaeness from the controst behneen the ru,geduaII surface and the much smoother reaeals in the depth of the uaII. The openings are giuen a role in the composition, are rnade more thnn an omßsion of suttework, by hauíng crud,e quasi-arches cut ín the first- floor línæls and, hnaing shallø,o corbels ø sha.pe the openings abcne.

r i6q¡rya*.--'

Hor-nb ostel's surround. for a niche of the l.íne Arts Building at CMU uses a heatry raßedmolding ø define the whnle opening. October l99l PHLF News Page 9

C H I T E C T U R E : Mold,ings ønd, thß Lilrc

n spite of all the supporting body of In the Fitst Natinml Bank BuíId,in6, nøw demolished, mnldín6s are joined. theory, in spite of all the intelligent with other surface treetments ø ind,icøæ where th,e banhing rooms leaue off people who have testified to their and, th.e rentnl ffice space begùæ, and tn create a climacticþatureþr this personal enjoyment, I have never been aery conspicuous build,ing. A fi,rst cornice fi.nishes off the bønh, which uas happy with Modern architecture, even acnnlly buihfirct. Then come the rental ffices, uith string courses euery with all its variety. I find it to put tuso sbrins and, hnri,zan¡al rusticøtion of th.e ærrø-cottcr, wøll sutface. Thß matters in one word mute.- It is as if treatnerú opposes the Mod,et'n id.ea th¡tt ø sh¡scrøper shauld, rise "tnithout a the architect's ideology,- his conception dßsenting líng" but it møltes the nll sha,ft of the build,ín6 more aßually of the building, his lines on paper, the comprehnræible through its r@hrn a,nd. tqture, At thc np the trea.trnent, cardboard and green sponge of his conspiatnusfrom afa,r, ßftønkþ d,ecora,thse and, is øpped by a corni.cq a model, were all very well but did not super-molding inrendcd to ma,ke an empha.ti.c conchrcion. lead up to an actual building that has any sort of discourse, so to speak, with the inhabitant or the passer-by. There is something skimped and grudging about even the most sumptuous Modern buildings, and I feel, when I look at them, positively starved for moldings. Any distinctive shape given to the cross-section of a length of material is a molding. The contours catch the falling light, break it up into brightness, shadow, gentle shades sometimes; yet this is no affair of flat striping, but something solid. Why a molding can give vitality to the experience of a build- ing is perhaps not to be fully explained, Thc tcl,ephane on Grant Street haae a sh.eet since it is mostly not entirely a ffices linleformed meta.l to diaersifu its surføces, but the architectural trea,tmcnÍ visual matter. But- a molding, properly- has no beginning, middl.e, or end., being merely conceived, can glorify the mere, other- sawn offøp ønd botnrn with nothing in-betu¡een. wise dull fact that there is a building before you. So much beauty is an intense perception of what you knew about all along; a sky, scattered with clouds or seen through the bare In the old McCook hotne in Shailysid,e, a, moldirry just belou¡ th.e branches of a tree, may impart a glori- îoof romps out and, in a,gain, up, up, d.own, dowrí, out and in ous sense of space that in its own agøin, bindíng thn irregularfront tngether as weII as snging a unqualified emptiness it cannot. The small síd.eshnn. same is true of moldings; they are some- times unnecessary, they are sometimes inappropriate, but often they bring con- struction to life.

At th.e Bønk, of MclGesport, a roll mnld.ing dSncs a pancl of uall that conta,ins three søri.es of uindows. Thc uindous themselaes q,re d,iaid,ed, into sir- Iights each uith a hnndsome, spørefra,m,e of brbh and, stnne thøt nceds rw moldings.

In thß pair of Shndyside hnuses, mold,ings in theþnn of cha.mfered. ba,tætts are applied, ø thn aenica,l board, sh.eathing, organizing thn openings with th.eir quietly-relentless aerticals, add,ing rich sh,ades and sha.d.ows, and emphasízing thc woodhtcss of thc uood.

I L__ Th.ePitæburghregìanis our lwmg ø þmiliar place we d,o natua'ntto Page l0 PHLF News October 1991 Lea,ae. But uñtlwut hisøric presenntian, it could leute us. Rlucation News

Pittsburgh fleritage of Western Pennsylvania; a walking tour Year-End, Teacher In-service of downtown Pittsburgh; a scavenger hunt in the Children's Museum (the old This summer 2l teachers from Pitts- North Side Post Office) and its adjoin- burgh, Allegheny County, and Beaver ing sculpture garden; and a tour of the County followed Landmarks' instructor Station Square adaptive re-use project. Sue Neff as she led Píttsburgh Heritage Hands-on activities included writing, cirt a participants on ajourney ofsites reveal- constructing, and designing book ing Pittsburgh's heritage, history, and based on experiences from the its founding in 1964 as a non- Since architecture. One teacher appropriately course. Pages from several books are profit membership organization, commented that Sue Neff "is a real shown here. Landmarks has made a difference in trooper, always forging ahead!" Teachers also created origami struc- the life of Pittsburgh. Our great The Pittsburgh Heritage class spent a tures of houses and churches similar to those they had explored. Each teacher accomplishments have been to identify day touring four ethnic churches in the industrial bottoms of McKees Rocks: drew a sketch to be included in a city- and save architectural and industrial St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox scape mural made from print blocks. landmarks, preserve historic neighbor- Church; Holy Ghost Byzanline Catho- Teachers also worked on a group design hoods, educate the public regarding lic Church; St. John the Baptist Ukrain- and constructed a cardboard bridge. our history, and create Station Square. ian Catholic Church; and St. Nicholas After eight days of exploring Pitts- agreed that Our work continues as vigorouslY Russian Orthodox Church. Members of burgh's heritage, teachers the parishes spoke to Pittsburgh Heri- they had rcally seen their city and that as ever, with the help of members' con- tage particípants about the churches' Landmarks should develop a follow-up Iüe have no governmental tributions. congregations, history and architecture, course, Pittsburgh Heritage II. Land- support, and depend on individual as well as life in the McKees Rocks marks'education department is in- donations to maintain our General neighborhood. terested in doing this, and perhaps next Fund and our individual projects. Other on-site explorations included a summer teachers will be touring the South Side, Oakland, Sewickley, Polish Our program goals for 1992 are ride on the Gateway Clipper to study the river banks, river towns, and bridges Hill, Manchester, and the Strip District. ambitious, and your contribution to Díane C. DeNard.o, director of ed.ucatinnfor the Landmarks General Fund is the Inndrnarks. means by which we can attain them. Please contribute now, and help us keep working for the future of Pittsburgh's past. CONTRIBUTIONS to Landmarks' General Fund in 1992 will help us: a advocate the preservation of endan- gered landmarks. a retrieve endangered artifacts that will later be displayed in a riverfront walk at Station Square. a provide technical assistance and fund- ing support through our Preservation Fund to more than 20 neighbor- j hood/community grouPs that are ,*d restoring historic proPerties. æa.chnrs participated, in Pittsburgh Heritage, an eþht- complete a survey of historical sites in Tu)enÍy-one a hßtnry, architecture, an'd' ethnic Allegheny County relating to Black d,øy æploration of Pittsburgh's th'e coursq which history. herin6e. Many ørt aaiaities u¡ere included' in later tne uith th'eir stud'ents. o organize the Landmarks library and teøchcrs can describe our historical collections so they can be available for research purposes. The Pítæburgþ Hßøry & Inndmarlts Found'atian offirs afull a offer educational programs such as range of educatínnal programs for schaols and comrnuníty groups. Portable Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Her i' Our slid.e shouts, tours, publicatioru, æhibiæ, t-tideq studentl tage, the Hands-On HistorY su¡nmer teøcher worlæhaps, and Portalle Pittsburgh progrørn feature the institute, teacher inservices, and hisnry, architecturq and cha'racter of Pittsburgh- CallDiane family workshops. DeNørdn (412) 471-5808þrfurther in'þnnatian or tD makc ,f publish major books, brochures, and prograûù reserua,tio¡ts. PHLF News. a host tours and special events for the benefit of our members and the public.

Enclosed is my year-end contribution of S to Landmarks'General Fund.

-

Re s o u rc e s for E d u c ø ti o"n City State Zip

Contributions are tax-deductible.- Please- make checks payable to the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation and return- payment with this form to: Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation General Fund One Station Square, Suite 450 Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1170 Pittsburgh HeÅtage gra.úøtes' summÊr of Dq.

Plnose giue ø Innd,mnrlæ October l99l PHLF News Page ll

Exploring Architecture

Two sessions of Exploring Archíteclure were offered this summer, and a total of 40 teachers from Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and Beaver County partici- pated in the f,rve-day teacher in-service courses. Têachers were introduced to the art of architecture through walking tours, hands-on activities, and exercises in Fffiqç architectural sketching and site plan- ning. After a week of exploring Pitts- burgh's architecture, teachers worked on curriculum materials explaining how they would incorporate the new infor- mation into subjects such as Art, English, Chemistry, Music, and Indus- trial Arts, for students in kindergarten through twelfth grades. In the course evaluations, teachers A said they most enjoyed the all-day walk- ing tour of downtown Pittsburgh and JoU, the variety of activities including the projects. Exploring Architectr¡re =s1 hands-on Many of the teachers enthusiastically asked for an Exploring partiripat* øured, drru¡nttru:n Pitæburgh ÌHRr Ar c hite c Tur e 11 course. ,"Ë ønd, mad.e graaestane rabbings atTrinity 5A Epßcopal Cath.edral on ÉNF Sixth Auenue. 5C¿ t

lxr'c#B,qNK''

I Pittsburgh Heritage æacher shouss h.er ha,nd.-made boolt on Pitæburgh; seueral oùn MoSr book couers also are sfunn (eft). IMPORTANT

Nin¿æen æachcrs participated. íz Exploring Architecture, offired, June 26-July 2. A second, sessinnþr 27 æachets uas offered July Sl-Augst 6. INVESTMENT IS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

At lntegra" Ban( we're com- the largest bank holding com- miüed to helping our commu n ities, panies in Pennsylvania, we're still our neighbors and the busi- a neighborhood bank, just like nesses in this area. And we work we've always been. Our people hard to fulfill that commitment live and work right here, and every day. we understand the opportuni- By being a strong, stable bank. ties and challenges faced bythose By helping local people and busi- we serve. nesses. And by encouraging And ürat type of i nvestment and supporting our employees' Integg involvement in civic events. li:Ën"',:::' /Banlt While wdre a part of one of retu rn. Page 12 PHLF News October 1991

More Luck at the Neville flouse

More work has been done in the on- ("Woodville" is the original name of the going restoration ofJohn and Presley John and Presley Neville House.) The Neville's House in Collier Township, paper was recently hung in both thanks to the cooperation of the bedrooms within a two-inch border in a Allegheny Committee of the National black, orange, and green geometrical Society of Colonial Dames of America, design. The trim of the two rooms, the Neville House Auxiliary, and the separated by a plank partition with a Pittsburgh History & Landmarks doorless opening, will be off-white with Foundation. a dark-gray baseboard. The Neville House, a National Anne Genter points out that it is Historic Landmark, is a continuing fairly rare for house museums to have puzzle, its general history of additions wallpaper in the actual, authentic and remodelings still to be worked out, patterns, even in reproduction. On her its interiors one by one yielding up the recovery ofthe bedroom pattern she secrets of their early days. One part of says that it was "beyond my wildest the wooden plantation house dates dreams that there would be something back to l'785 al the latest. as recognizable as this." The "Woodville" pattern will appear in a book on historic wallpapers by Richard Nylander that is to be pub- lished. Printing of the paper was funded by the three organizations that have been in charge ofpreserving and restor- ing the house: the Neville House Aux- iliary, the Allegheny Committee of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, and the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. (Proceeds from Landmarks'fall Antiques Show at Station Square support the continuing restoration of the Neville House.) The NeuiIIe Housefrom thn rean The In addition, Nathaniel Neblett, a uindm: jur;t left of the baclt porch lighß the restoration architect familiar with serv- bedroom. ice rooms and buildings of the 18th cen- A ai.ew of one of the bed.rooms, with th.e "Wood,aíIle" reproduction tnallpaper. tury, is at work on the log kitchen, now Up to this year, the dining room, liv- clapboarded, that is the oldest part of ing room, and nursery had been re- the house. Stripping off the old stored, with full accuracy as regards random-width beaded board wainscot- wall and trim finishes. The living room ting revealed terrnite infestation, calling was especially lucky in this regard, since Ênr olmncl ¡nmnlefc rcnli¡crinn Thc rolls of an out-of-print reproduction random-width oaken floor has also had wallpaper were found that corres- to be replaced with new boards. This ponded to traces ofthe original paper work is in progress. The fireplace wall is ofthe 1760-90 period. to be left as exposed log; this will show This was a lucky fitnd, and in the cur- evidence of the kitchen's history, some rent phase of restoration the luck was fire damage, and fireplace reconstruc- repeated. Anne Genter, past chairman tion. The new wainscotting will be of the Colonial Dames and a trustee of painted in the original dark red-brown. Landmarks, devoted to the restoration On October 29,the trustees of Land- ofthe house, researched finishes ofthe marks will hold their fall meeting at two small bedrooms that adjoin the liv- "Woodville," and will be able to see the ing room. She succeeded in removing work accomplished and in progress. the original paper of c. l8l5 from nine The membership and the public will upper layers. The pattern is 9%" wide, have their chance on Saturday and Sun- on light gray paper printed in off-white, day, December 7 and 8, when the light beige, orange, medium gray-green, Neville House will be open for guided and black. It shows a boy with a dog holiday tours. A small donation will be and a flower basket, alternating with a asked for the purpose of continuing the sprig of leaves and flowers, with leaf restoration effort. Cookies and mulled and flower ornaments creating verticals. cider will be served. Nine løyers o;f usallpaper were peeled. ausay, reuealing the origin'o,I Thirty rolls of reproduction paper have The Neville House is just off the "Woodnille" pattnrn. been printed at a cost of $3,000, in- Kirwan Heights exit, No. 12, of Route plate-making, and Waterhouse rlt cluding 79. Free parking is available across the qü.rt Wallhangings, the wallpaper makeq will road. Call (412) 471-5808 for further market it commercially as the "'Wood- information. rr ih ville" pattern, paying a royalty to the !Ë Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foun- ffi, rþ dation as owner of the Neville House. The diningroom s *I rTt rt * Russ Mixter, contrøctnr, and Hazel Peters, :ä presi.derú-elect of the Neuille House r1þ Atniliary. g !}Ê ie, T sH* The "Woodaille" pattern.

The parlor ) ¡l