Squirrel Hill Historical Society: Past Events

Past Events

Below is a listing of past events.

JULY 13, 2010 (Tuesday)

"History of Frick Park"

Speaker: Susan Rademacher,
Parks Curator for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

As Parks Curator for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy since 2007, Susan is responsible for revealing, preserving, and promoting the cultural significance of the Pittsburgh Parks. She oversees planning and design of capital projects, develops design standards, and investigates the cultural, landscape, and social history of park landscapes.

Susan was founding Executive Director of Louisville Olmsted Parks Conservancy in 1991, leading the Conservancy in producing a nationally renowned master plan, completing numerous historic restoration projects, securing major national grants, creating a volunteer program that has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars of value in ecological restoration, and increasing public awareness and appreciation of the Kentucky city’s acclaimed system of Olmsted-designed parks and parkways.

At the same time, Susan served as Assistant Director of Louisville’s Metro Parks Department, establishing the Planning and Design Division. In that capacity, she was responsible for master planning, capital project development, and construction for the entire system of 122 parks and 6 parkways, golf courses, and community centers. Major projects included strategic planning for a 7,000-acre expansion of the parks system known as the 21st Century Parks project, creating the Shawnee Parks Sports Complex, restoring Frederick Law Olmsted’s Baringer Hill in Cherokee Park, reconstructing the historic Iroquois Amphitheater, and re-launching the Mayor’s Committee for Public Art.

Susan was the Editor in Chief of Landscape Architecture magazine from 1984-1987, and was a founding editor of Garden Design magazine. She is the author of several books and numerous articles in the field of landscape architecture, and has lectured and taught at many American institutions and universities, including the Smithsonian Institution, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, J. B. Speed Art Museum, Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History, the University of Pennsylvania, U.C. Berkeley, and Harvard University. Born in Columbus, Georgia, Susan graduated from Miami University and was a Loeb Fellow in Advanced Environmental Design at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

JUNE 8, 2010 (Tuesday)

"The Names of Pittsburgh" with emphasis on Squirrel Hill

Speaker: Author, Bob Regan
Research Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and a consultant specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Data from the publishing firm "The Local History Company"

Bob Regan once again mines the rich vein of Pittsburgh's history by continually finding new lenses through which to view the past. His previous two books--The Steps of Pittsburgh and The Bridges of Pittsburgh--were received with acclaim, drawing fans from the Pittsburgh diaspora around the world. Undoubtedly, The Names of Pittsburgh will do the same as Regan explores the names of the men and women--not to mention scientific paraphernalia, patents, astronomical terms, grape varietals, et al.--from the region's history which dot the landscape. Each provides a segue into a broader discussion of some aspect of Pittsburgh's past.

The book is accompanied by 100 photos, maps, and illustrations, most of them historic. It also includes 10 maps suggesting areas for independent exploration of The Names of Pittsburgh.

About the Author:

Bob Regan is a research professor at the University of Pittsburgh and a consultant specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). His professional career includes senior level positions in the federal government, major corporations, and universities. His personal interests revolve around bicycling, and he manages, despite the Pittsburgh climate, to cover 2,000-3,000 miles a year doing so.

He is the author of two other acclaimed books about the city, The Steps of Pittsburgh/Portrait of a City, and The Bridges of Pittsburgh, both done with photographer Tim Fabian. This is his first solo look at the region.

JUNE 5, 2010 - Saturday --
"WALKING TOUR of Chatham University"

Note: On this walk we had the exceptional treat of visiting one of the grand private homes on Woodland Road -- a wonderful restoration of a 20th century arts and crafts home that is both handsome and livable.

This tour was held last year (2009) and was quite successful. Chatham University dates its beginnings back to 1869 where it was first housed in the Berry Mansion on Woodland Road. Today’s campus consists of buildings and grounds from former Mansions of such Pittsburgh notables as Andrew Mellon, Edward Stanton Fickes, George M Laughlin Jr. and James Rea.

Elements designed by the renowned Olmstead Brothers for the original Andrew Mellon estates are included in the present campus. Chatham’s campus was designated an Arboretum by the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta.

It may be several years before we schedule another Chatham Tour.

TOUR TIME: 10 am to Noon

Starting Location: Chatham University Mellon Center on Woodland Road

Cost: $5 ($3 Members)
Maximum group size 25

April 13, 2010 (Tuesday)

"Noteworthy Bridges in the Squirrel Hill Area"

Speaker: Todd Wilson, EIT, Civil Engineer with AECOM
Creator of www.bridgemapper.com (and son of SHHS member Helen Wilson)

Todd Wilson, EIT, traffic engineer a civil engineering company in Pittsburgh, PA, and lifelong bridge enthusiast. Todd has a B.S. in Civil Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University.

Todd is the author of a website that provides historic bridge information for thousands of structures throughout the country. The most complete coverage will be in the western Pennsylvania area. Website: bridgemapper.com

March 9, 2010 (Tuesday)

Held at the Squirrel Hill Library
Corner Forbes Ave.(5801) and Murray Ave.
entry at the rear on Marlborough Avenue

"Celebrating 100 years" -- Mary Brown/Ames Memorial United Methodist Church in Squirrel Hill

Speaker: Pastor Jim Cannistraci

The history of the Mary Brown/Ames Unted Methodist Church The Turner Graveyard is adjacent to the Church on Beechwood Boulevard and has the distinction of of being the second oldest cemetery in Allegheny County, with Trinity Episcopal in Downtown the first oldest. The Turner Graveyard is where many pioneer families of the city's 14 and 15 wards are buried.

February 9, 2010 (Tuesday)

EVENT CANCELED
due to the 22+inch Snowfall that gave
all of Pittsburgh an interesting experience for days!!

January 12, 2010 (Tuesday)

"HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY (PSO)"

Speaker: Chuck Vogel
Volunteer, PSO Speakers Bureau

Website: Pittsburgh Symphony

From: Answers.com
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1896 by the Art Society. It quickly attained high standards under conductor Frederic Archer, and Victor Herbert, the Irish-born leading composer of Broadway operettas.

Shortly after a stock market panic which resulted in loss of the private donations that supported the orchestra, the orchestra cancelled its 1910 season. The orchestra was disbanded for the next sixteen years. The Art Society tried to fill the gap by booking touring orchestras.

The musicians themselves finally revived the orchestra.Players, mainly from the various theaters, held fourteen unpaid rehearsals and donated $25.00 each to play a Sunday concert on April 24, 1927. The next day nine of its board members were arrested for violating a Pennsylvania's law banning secular music-making on the Sabbath, an event which turned out to be good publicity.

The orchestra played under Elias Breeskin and locally-born conductor Antonio Modarelli, and in 1936 was carried by radio network to the eastern two-thirds of the US. In 1937 it engaged Otto Klemperer as music director. History records that it took him only six weeks to raise it to international professional standards. Under music directors William Steinberg, André Previn, Lorin Maazel, and Maris Janssons, the PSO has remained one of America's top symphonies.

DECEMBER 8, 2009 (Tuesday)

"STEEL CITY JEWS" - A history of Pittsburgh and its Jewish Community 1840 - 1915

Speaker: Barbara S. Burstin,
PhD., University of Pittsburgh, Department of History,
Author and Sq.Hill Historical Society Member

BOOK: Steel City Jews: Pittsburgh
Was called by various observers "Hell with the Lid On" and "Hell with the Lid Off." It was a city rich in contrasts and rich in its history. And amid the swirling currents that made up the vibrant flow of the city's life, navigated the Jews, an immigrant group that began settling in the region in the 1840s. They might not have rivaled the likes of Carnegie and Frick, but they had their own movers and shakers. Come meet A. Leo Weil who battled municipal corruption and graft, the Kaufmann brothers of department store fame, Barney Dreyfuss who launched the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bertha Rauh, community service volunteer extraordinaire, and a whole host of others who made their contribution to the development of the town.

For Burstin, a transplant to the region, Pittsburgh is a city that fascinates and intrigues. Ten years in the making, she scoured attics and cellars, explored a whole variety of archival collections and books, and drew on personal interviews to weave her account of the city and its Jewish community. She recounts the tale in an entertaining and informative way that all Pittsburghers and those who care about Pittsburgh can relish and enjoy.

Barbara S. Burstin is a graduate of Vassar College, Masters at Columbia Teachers College and PH.D. at the University of Pittsburgh. she has been teaching for over 20 years at the University of Pittsburgh and for many years also at Carnegie Mellon University. The courses she currently teaches are on the American Jewish Experience and the United States and the Holocaust. Selected publications include: After the Holocaust: The Migration of Polish Jews and Polish Christian to Pittsburgh After World War II published by the University of Pittsburgh Press and now Steel City Jews. She has also created and directed a film entitled A Jewish Legacy: Pittsburgh which is now available in DVD.

NOVEMBER 10, 2009 (Tuesday)

"A History of UPMC"

Speaker: Author, Mary Brignano

Mary Brignano is a skillful writer who makes a historical institution breathe with life and a sense of purpose. She has written extensively on Pittsburgh's people and institutions

UPMC

What began in 1893 as Presbyterian Hospital is now a 29-county health system with 20 hospitals and hundreds of other care sites.

UPMC is an integrated global health enterprise headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and one of the leading nonprofit health systems in the United States. As western Pennsylvania's largest employer, with 50,000 employees and $7 billion in revenue, UPMC is transforming the economy of the region into one based on medicine, research, and technology. By integrating 20 hospitals, 400 doctors' offices and outpatient sites, long-term care facilities, and a major health insurance services division, UPMC is providing a seamless continuum of care. In collaboration with its academic partner, the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC has advanced the quality and efficiency of health care and developed internationally renowned programs in transplantation, cancer, neurosurgery, psychiatry, orthopaedics, and sports medicine, among others.

The UPMC Story

OCTOBER 13, 2009 (Tuesday)

"Squirrel Hill Memories -- A Walking Tour in 1937 Down Forbes, Murray to Forward"

Speaker: SHHS Member,Sandy Baskind

Sandy Baskind lived in Squirrel Hill during his formative years, living on Hobart Street a few doors from Murray Avenue. Murray Avenue was his front yard. Down Murray on his way to school and up Murray he went to the Manor Theater.

Take a walking tour (in mind only) with him as he strolls the three main business streets in 1937.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2009 (Tuesday)

"Taking Flight: The Story of Giant Eagle"

Speaker: Ben Banyas
Staff Member, "Giant Eagle History"

Three families - Goldstein/Shapira, Porter and Chait - build a series of small grocery stores that they call Eagle Grocery. They are so successful at this business that it grows steadily to 125 stores.

Founded in 1931, Giant Eagle, Inc. has grown to be the number one supermarket retailer in the region with 158 corporate and 65 independently owned and operated supermarkets in addition to more than 130 fuel and convenience stores throughout western Pennsylvania, Ohio, north central West Virginia and Maryland.

Giant Eagle Inc., ranked 32 on Forbes magazine's largest private corporations list and past recipient of Progressive Grocer's Retailer of the Year Award and the EPA's ENERGY STAR Retail Partner of the Year Award, is one of the nation's largest food retailers and food distributors with approximately $7.1 billion in annual sales.

See Website for more Giant Eagle History

JULY 14, 2009 (Tuesday)

"History of Tea and Tea Pots"

Speaker: Margaret Harris, Owner of Margaret's Fine Imports on Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill (Website: www.teapittsburgh.com)

History of Tea (from www.teapittsburgh.com)

Tea is the world's most consumed beverage after water. Green tea is popular in China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and the Middle East. Just in the recent years green tea has gained more popularity in other countries, including United States. In Western countries black tea has been more popular than green tea. The tea has been used as a beverage for almost 5,000 years! Legend says that the first to "discover" tea was the Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung, when the leaf from the nearby tea tree fell into the cup of hot water near him and he decided to taste it. He liked this beverage so much that he sent his servants for more tea leaves...and that's how it all started!

" It is time for good coffee & tea!" Our mission is to offer a wide variety of high quality coffees and teas to you, our customers. The quality of your daily beverage will change the quality of your life! We've been in business for many years and we'd like to share our experience with you! We also specialize in imported chocolates and other gourmet products from around the world!

About Margaret Harris:

Member of the USA Specialty Tea Institute and also a member of Western Pa. Tea Association. Author of "Ces't La Tea", a quarterly tea newsletter.

"My affection for tea started back in my native Poland, when I probably had my first 'tea' when I was one day old." Margaret has become even more interested in tea since she opened her business 7 years ago. A graduate of Warsaw Medical College, she also has an RN Diploma. She has been teaching about tea, coffee and chocolate since 2006.

Margaret's Fine Imports, 5872 Forbes Ave. (Squirrel Hill), Pittsburgh,PA 15217 Phone: (412) 422-1606 Open 7 days a week: Mon to Sat: 11-7, Sundays 12-5 Visit our website/internet store at www.margaretsfineimports.com

Fine Teas, Coffees, Imported Gourmet Sweets, Tea & Coffee Makers, Kitchen Gadgets, European Cosmetics, Tea Classes & More...

JUNE 9,2009 (Tuesday)

I Went to School in Squirrel Hill !!!"

We will create an oral history for the Squirrel Hill Historical Society. There will be a brief history of old schools. Then a structured conversation about the schools the audience remembers.

Bring your memories, old photos,
your high school sports "Letter",
your high school sweetheart, etc.

You will enjoy this meeting,
If you went to school here,
If you go to school here now and want to know your roots,
If you've ever wondered what LIVING HISTORY feels like.

If you would like to contribute a history of your school or have a slide presentation from alumni activities, etc. or have oral history experience, your help would be appreciated.

JUNE 6, 2009 - Saturday --

"WALKING TOUR of Chatham University"

Tour Guides: Dr.Elisabeth Roark, Associate Professor of Art and Art History
and Paul Kovach, Vice President for College Communications.

Time: 10 am to Noon

Starting Location: Chatham University Mellon Center

Cost: $5 ($3 Members)
Maximum group size 25

Event Canceled
WALKING TOUR
MAY 16, 2009 - Saturday 10 am

"Squirrel Hill Business District"

Walking Tour with Jim Reich, Former President of the Squirrel Hill Merchants Association

Starting location:
Sixth Presbyterian Church
corner of Forbes and Murray Aves.

Tour: 1-1/2 to 2 hours
Cost: $5 ($3 Members)
Maximum group size 25

MAY 12, 2009 (Tuesday)

"History of Pittsburgh in Prints and Photography: 1800 to 1900"

Speaker: Dr. Elisabeth Roark, Associate Professor of Art and Art History, Chatham University

Chatham University Information on Dr. Roark

This is the fourth presentation by Dr. Roark to our group. In March 2008 she spoke on "History of Chatham University" (with extensive architectural commentary.) Her interest in cemeteries led to a talk June 2005 on "The Evolution of Pittsburgh Cemeteries: Trinity, Allegheny & Homewood". September 2004, she presented a fascinating talk on ""A Hidden Treasure: Tiffany's Alumnae Memorial Window at Chatham College". So we look forward to another wonderful evening experience.

Chatham University (details on its great history)

APRIL 14, 2009 (Tuesday)

"Squirrel Hill Retailing: 1966 to Present"

Speaker: Jim Reich, Former President of the Squirrel Hill Merchants Association

Born in Pittsburgh, Jim Graduated Allderdice, 1956. BA Franklin & Marshall College, 1960. MBA Harvard, 1962. Jim worked for Eagle Clothes, a men's clothing manufacturer and retailer in New York, 1962-1966. Purchased Frank Men's Wear in April, 1966. Original location was 5820 Forbes (Now Contemporary Concepts) from 1966 to 1976. Developed Constantin Pontiac building into Forbes/Shady Plaza, 1976. Operated men's clothing store, called Reich/Frank Clothes, 1966 to 1994. Sold to Men's Wearhouse in 1994. Active in Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition. President of Squirrel Hill Merchants Council for 15 years.

MARCH 10, 2009 (Tuesday)

"George Westinghouse-- a Gentle Genius"

Speaker: Quentin Skrabec, Associate Professor of Business at the University of Findlay

Professor Skrabec will join us again, he last talked to our Squirrel Hill Historical Society in December 2007.

An experienced writer and biographer, Skrabec is a Pittsburgher with a strong background in the local stories and legends of the area. He has recently had published a trio of books about 19th Century Pittsburgh Industries. They are: "The Boys of Braddock", "George Westinghouse, a Gentle Genius", and "The Metallurgical Age. Steel, Electricity and Metallurgy are the subjects. And the heroes are Carnegie, Schwab, Frick, Hall, Hunt and Tesla.

Biography From Pelican Publishing

Bringing order to large organizations has always intrigued Quentin Skrabec. He spent a large portion of his career defining order in the steel industry, studying the management differences that catapulted successful companies out from the shadows of poorer performing ones. Even Skrabec's hobbies of chemistry and geology strive to formulate order out of the elements. No wonder he would find Michael Owens an enticing subject for research. Acknowledged as the father of project management, Owens typifies Skrabec's ideal.

Dr. Skrabec's long list of academic degrees includes a Ph.D. in manufacturing management from the University of Toledo, an M.S. in metallurgical and industrial engineering from Ohio State University, and an M.S./B.S. in management, operations, systems, and organizational leadership as well as an M.B.A. in business administration, organizational leadership, and behavior from Robert Morris University. He has written more than fifty articles and five books on history, industrial history, and business. Dr. Skrabec is an adjunct professor at Findlay University and is a sought-after speaker for management conferences, having appeared at over thirty national gatherings.

A senior member of the American Society of Quality Control and American Society of Materials, Skrabec and his wife, Barbara, live in Maumee, Ohio. He prefers to write longhand and leave the initial typing to Barbara. He relaxes by reading science fiction.

FEBRUARY 10, 2009 (Tuesday)

"Story of Historical Preservation in Pittsburgh"

Speaker from the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation:
Louise Sturgess, Executive Director

Louise Sturgess has worked successfully with school teachers and other non-profit organizations to create educational programs that use architecture as an interdisciplinary theme to awaken learning and make classroom curricula more relevant to the everyday life of students.

See Website: Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation

January 13, 2009 (Tuesday)

"History of the Pittsburgh Fire Department"

Speaker: Francis "Kip" Deleonibus, Asst. Chief of Operations, Pittsburgh Fire Bureau

Pittsburgh Fire Bureau dates it's history back to 1794 and became a fully professional department in 1869.

Trivia

* A Pittsburgh firefighter became the only one memorialized by statue at the National Firefighters monument.

*A Pittsburgh firefighter, Marina Betts, was one of the world's first female volunteer firefighters. In 1820, Marina Betts served as a volunteer in Pittsburgh and claimed she never missed an alarm during her ten years as a firefighter. Paul Ditzel(America's unsurpassed writer on firefighting topics) stated: "Betts became famous for dumping buckets of water over male bystanders who refused to help fight fires."

December 9, 2008 (Tuesday)

"Rivers of Steel Natural Heritage Area"

Speaker: Ron Baraff, Director of Museum Collections and Archives

A multifaceted program, the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area's mission includes: historic preservation, cultural conservation, education, recreation and resource development.

From Rivers of Steel Website

"From 1875 to 1980, southwestern Pennsylvania was the Steel Making Capital of the World, producing the steel for some of America's greatest icons such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. During World War I and II, our steel workers carried a nation's defense on their backs, producing more steel, armor and armaments in a single year than entire countries. While many of the region's legendary mill sites have been dismantled, and it has been decades since the mills belched fire and smoke over Pittsburgh's skyline, the enormity of the region's steel-making contributions and its historical significance to the nation demand its story be told and its sites be preserved."

November 11, 2008 (Tuesday)

"Cable Street Cars in Pittsburgh"

Speaker: Alan Fowler, SHHS Member

The brief (1888-1897 )history of the San Francisco-like cable cars in Pittsburgh will be discussed, but not that of the more familiar inclines. The three lines that operated, one as close to Squirrel Hill as Fifth Avenue, will be the center of the talk. The technology, national history, and reasons for their disappearance will be covered.

Alan Fowler, a recent emigre to Pittsburgh, is a physicist by trade, a former employee of IBM and an amateur industrial historian. He is a member of numerous professional societies. The most relevant are the Society of Industrial Archeology and the National Academy of Engineering.

October 14, 2008 (Tuesday)

"Getting to Know Our Neighbors"
"East End/ East Liberty"

Speaker: Alfred Mann,
Vice-President of the East End/East Liberty Historical Society

In January 2008, the East End/East Liberty Historical Society published a book through Acadia Publishing.

"Pittsburgh's East Liberty Valley"

Book Description from Acadia website:

Pittsburgh's East Liberty Valley originally consisted of lush hunting grounds used by many Native American groups. In the 1700s, British general John Forbes instructed George Washington to build a military road from Fort Ligonier through the East Liberty Valley to the forks of the Ohio River. In 1758, Forbes traveled this widened trail, first named for him, now known as Penn Avenue. Many plantations were established after the Revolution, and the village grew, with its tollhouse and taverns serving stagecoaches and Conestoga wagons en route to Pittsburgh. By the 20th century, East Liberty was one of the wealthiest suburbs in America. Many famous firsts occurred here, including the building of the nation's first gasoline service station and the founding of the National Negro Opera Company. The area also boasts many famous residents, including Billy Eckstine, Erroll Garner, Gene Kelly, Dick Powell, and Lillian Russell. Through vintage photographs, Pittsburgh's East Liberty Valley salutes the area's rich history.

See Acadia Publishing website for more information.

September 9, 2008 (Tuesday)

"Pittsburgh's Abandoned Mines"

Speakers: Jim Holden and Jim Welsh
From the MSI Program
District Mining Operations
California District Office
PA Department of Environmental Protection

Mr. Holden and Mr. Welsh shared their knowledge of the area's mining history and problems with mine subsidence.

Mine Subsidence Insurance Program

August, 2008 -- NO MEETING

Have a nice vacation month.

August 14, 2008 Meeting our Chairperson: Mike Ehrmann

On Thursday, Mike will be at the Barnes and Noble on Murray Avenue to discuss our book!! Stop in to see him and ask questions. Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

July 8, 2008 (Tuesday)

"History of the Pittsburgh Pirates
with comments on the Squirrel Hill Connection"

Speaker: Dave Finoli, Author of the book
Pittsburgh Pirates, Images of Baseball

About the Book (from Nosecatbooks):

For 122 years, few major league teams have given their fans more thrills than the Pittsburgh Pirates. Beginning as the Pittsburgh Allegheny's in the old American Association, Pittsburgh has boasted thirty five Hall of Famers, five world champions, nine National League pennant winners and nine Eastern Division titles. All the treasured memories, from Honus Wagner's all around excellence, to Mazeroski's remarkable 1960 World Series blast, to the grace Roberto Clemente showed on and off the field that has been immortalized since his heroic and tragic death, are captured in this book.

Through many classic photographs, the story of the proud franchise is told bringing readers to a time, unlike recently, when the Pittsburgh Pirates represented the Steel City with championship baseball.

About the Author, Dave Finoli:
David Finoli, a resident of Monroeville, has penned two previous books on the Pirates and The Birthplace of Professional Football: Southwestern Pennsylvania with Arcadia Publishing. A member of the Society of American Baseball Research, Finoli has also contributed to Pirates Game Magazine, Pittsburgh Magazine, and Nosecatbooks.com.

June 10, 2008 (Tuesday)

"Bagpiping from A to Z"

Speaker: George Balderose, Executive Director of the Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming"

From City Paper article December 6, 2007 "Pipe Dreams"

"But as it turned out, Pittsburgh, too, had a lengthy bagpiping history -- at least for an American city. According to Balderose, who is researching the subject, the first bagpipe society in the U.S. was founded here in 1901. The corporate giant Westinghouse had a pipe band prior to World War II, and Donora High School boasted a band at one time. The first documented bagpiper in Pittsburgh, Balderose says, was Andrew Carnegie's personal piper, Angus MacPherson, "a very prestigious piper."

George's website: "Pittsburgh Piper"

A New York Times reviewer described George as having a "virtuoso's gift" and in the words of another he is a "virtuosic piper."

WALKING TOUR
Saturday, June 7, 2008 -- 10:30 am

"Squirrel Hill Business District"
Cost: $5 ($3 Members)
Maximum group size 25

Tour 1-1/2 to 2 hours
Start location: Sixth Presbyterian Church
corner of Forbes and Murray Avenues

WALKING TOUR
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 -- 6:30 pm

"The Morrowfield Complex"
Cost: $5 ($3 Members)
Maximum group size 25

Tour 1-1/2 to 2 hours
Start location: Taylor Allderdice High School
located at the upper parking lot
off Tilbury Ave at Forward Ave.

May 13, 2008 (Tuesday)

"WQED fm89.3: A Pittsburgh Institution for 35 Years"

Speaker: Jim Cunningham,Senior Executive Producer and Host of the WQED fm89.3 QED Morning Show

WQED Pittsburgh, honored with the 2007 and 2006 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for Station Excellence and 12 other Emmy Awards, was founded in 1954 as the nation's first community-supported tv station. WQED creates, produces and distributes quality programs, products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within its community and around the world. WQED Pittsburgh is one of the first broadcasters in the country to be fully high-definition (HD) in its studio and field production capabilities. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED-DT; The WQED Neighborhood Channel; WQED-HD; WQEX-TV (A Shop NBC affiliate); WQED-FM89.3/Pittsburgh; WQEJ-FM89.7/Johnstown; a publishing division that includes PITTSBURGH magazine; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive;and the WQED Education Department.

Jim Cunningham

Senior Executive Producer for WQED fm89.3/Pittsburgh and WQEJ fm89.7/Johnstown and Host of the QED Morning Show Jim Cunningham hosts the QED Morning Show weekday mornings from 6:00 to 11:00

a.m., and the nationally syndicated Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO), which airs Sundays at 4:00 p.m. In 2008, Jim traveled to Europe with the PSO to cover their Pittsburgh 250 celebratory tour and blog about the experience to share it with the fm audience at www.wqed.org/fm/blogs/morningshow.

Jim grew up in Warren, Pennsylvania. During the 9th grade he became involved with a radio club at school through which he began to work as an announcer for The Hightime Show, a Saturday morning broadcast on WNAE. Throughout high school, Jim was a regular on WNAE and WRRN-FM.

He continued to work in radio while at Thiel College, serving as the general manager of the college radio station, WTGP-FM. During college and after graduation with degrees in English and Business Administration, Jim worked full-time for WGRP-FM & AM as an announcer, producer and account executive. He worked as an intern for WQEDfm89.3 while a student and returned to the station to work part-time. He jokes that "I refused to leave until I was hired full-time."

April 8, 2008 (Tuesday)

"Henry Hobson Richardson and the
Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail"

Speaker: William Garrett

Bill Garrett has been leading tours of Pittsburgh for the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks for a decade.

From Pittsburgh History & Landmarks:

In 1883, Boston architect henry Hobson Richardson won the competition to design the Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail. Construction began in 1884. The Jail was completed in 1886 (and was renovated in 1999 to house the Allegheny County Family Courts); the Courthouse was finished in 1888.

The architect told the County commissioners that he designed toe County Buildings: "to express in the exterior the character and purposed of the interior, and to rely for architectural effect upon the arraignment of the masses, and the dignity and solidarity of the construction." On his deathbed, Richardson in reported to have said: "if they honor me for the pigmy things I have already done, what will they say when they see Pittsburgh finished."

MARCH 11, 2008 (Tuesday)

This speaker was originally scheduled for February 12, but the meeting was canceled due to weather -- then our original March speaker had to cancel and we will be rescheduling him for next year.( "History of the Pittsburgh Fire Department" Speaker: Francis "Kip" Deleonibus, Asst. Chief of Operations, Pittsburgh Fire Bureau)

"HISTORY OF CHATHAM UNIVERSITY" (with extensive architectural commentary)

Speaker: Dr. Elisabeth Roark, Associate Professor of Art and Art History, Chatham University

Chatham University Information on Dr. Roark

This is the third presentation by Dr. Roark to our group. Her interest in cemeteries led to a talk June 2005 on "The Evolution of Pittsburgh Cemeteries: Trinity, Allegheny & Homewood". September 2004, she presented a fascinating talk on ""A Hidden Treasure: Tiffany's Alumnae Memorial Window at Chatham College". So we look forward to another wonderful evening experience.

Chatham University (details on its great history)

February 2008 Meeting Canceled due to bad weather

January 8, 2008 (Tuesday)

"HISTORY OF RODEF SHALOM CONGREGATION
AND THE JEWISH REFORM MOVEMENT"

Speaker: RABBI DANIEL YOUNG, Associate Rabbi

"Rodef Shalom, the oldest Jewish Congregation in Western Pennsylvania and the largest Reform congregation in the area, was chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1856, though its origins go back to the late 1840s. Originally comprised mainly of German Jews, the Congregation grew as Eastern European Jewish immigration to the area increased. Members of Rodef Shalom have been instrumental in the development of Pittsburgh's cultural, civic and Jewish institutions. Through their writings and organizational leadership, our rabbis, including J. Leonard Levy (1901-1917), Samuel H. Goldenson (1918-1934), Solomon B. Freehof (1934-1966), Rabbi Emeritus Walter Jacob (1966-1996), and Mark N. Staitman (1997-2003), have contributed to the national and international development of Reform Judaism."

Information from the Rodef Shalom website.

December 11, 2007 (Tuesday)

"STEEL AND ELECTRICAL MEN OF PITTSBURGH" - Westinghouse, Schwab, Carnegie, and Tesla.

Speaker: Quentin Skrabec ,Associate Professor of Business at the University of Findlay

Biography From Pelican Publishing

November 13, 2007 (Tuesday)

"HORSES IN PITTSBURGH"
Speaker: Joel A. Tarr,
Richard S. Caliguiri Professor of Urban and Environmental History and Policy at Carnegie Mellon University

Joel Tarr is the co-author of the book: The Horse in the City: Living Machines in the Nineteenth Century

"The nineteenth century was the golden age of the horse. In urban America, the indispensable horse provided the power for not only vehicles that moved freight, transported passengers, and fought fires but also equipment in breweries, mills, foundries, and machine shops........."

Read more about Joel Tarr from Carnegie Mellon University website.

October 9, 2007 (Tuesday)

"WHAT'S RIGHT ABOUT PITTSBURGH -- HISTORICAL AND CURRENT VIEW"
Speaker: Dr. Ellen Roth, President of Getting to the Point, Inc.

From the website: Getting to the Point, Inc.

Dr. Ellen Roth is the President of Getting to the Point, Inc., a premiere Pittsburgh based relocation company. She is a former mental health professional and research consultant whose work was primarily with emotionally disturbed children. She received her Ph.D. from the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Her clinical training and education prepared her for helping individuals cope with stressful family matters. She relocated to Pittsburgh in 1974 with her husband, and successfully integrated the responsibilities of child rearing with work, higher education, and volunteer activities. She is active in many business and professional organizations, and serves on several Boards. She has a wide range of personal and community contacts in virtually all fields and growing industries. Dr. Roth also speaks and publishes on the subject of relocation and the advantages of living in the Greater Pittsburgh Region. In 2003, Dr. Roth received an award from Governor Edward G. Rendell for being among the Best 50 Women in Business in Pennsylvania.

September 11, 2007

"ADVENTURES IN PRESBYTERIA!
(Including comments on Willa Cather)"
Speaker: Chris Potter, Editor of "Pittsburgh City Paper"

If you have not come across the City Paper, here's some "skinny". This weekly paper is distributed for free each Wednesday. In Squirrel Hill the paper is easy to find, it is in every coffee house and restaurant in the neighborhood. If you want to know what's going on in Pittsburgh, be it entertainment, culture and arts, politics --you'll find the City Paper a worthy read. Circulation is in the 50,000 plus category.

Chris Potter has been the Editor since September, 2004. He is the author of a number of columns, including, "You had to Ask", which responds to questions from readers about Pittsburgh. That column is always a must read.

WIKIPEDIA data on Pulitzer Prize Author Willa Cather: ......She then moved to Pittsburgh (living in Squirrel Hill), where she taught high school English and worked for Home Monthly, and eventually got a job offer from McClure's Magazine in New York City. The latter publication serialized her first novel, Alexander's Bridge, which was heavily influenced by Henry James.

July 10, 2007

"Billy Conn - The Pittsburgh Kid"
Speaker: Author, Paul Kennedy

From Author House website

Pittsburgh native Paul F. Kennedy has written over 60 articles for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, mostly about local history, including Pittsburgh's impressive boxing history. He has published articles, poetry, and short fiction in such diverse publications as Boxing Digest, Loyalhanna Review, Laurel Highlands Scene, Miraculous Medal, and Pittsburgh Quarterly. In 2001 he published A Pittsburgh Gamble, a novel that takes place in Pittsburgh during the 1960 Pirate-Yankee World Series.

Paul is a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has a master's degree from Carnegie Mellon University. He currently lives with wife Patricia in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

As a child, Paul heard tales of the days of the great Pittsburgh boxers, of the time when the Pittsburgh area owned five of the eight world titles between 1939 and 1941. He heard of how Fritzie Zivic won the title from Henry Armstrong, and of how Charley Burley was the best fighter never to hold a title. But the most heralded legend was of how an undersized Billy Conn, young, handsome, and talented, had the great Joe Louis beat, only to lose by getting too cocky and trying to knock him out. As a teenager in Pittsburgh's Point Breeze section, Paul witnessed Conn, who lived in nearby Squirrel Hill, taking long solo walks through the neighborhood. Though elderly at the time, Conn still had a rugged look and formidable physical presence.

Paul has had the good fortune to gain access to the Conn family's vast treasure of information about Billy's life and career. Billy Conn - the Pittsburgh Kid, his first biography, is the result.

June 13, 2007

"History of the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition"
Speaker: Wayne Gerhold, Treasurer of SHUC
(This was originally scheduled for February, but the bad weather forced us to cancel.)

The Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition was founded in 1972. It's mission, as set forth in the By-Laws is "...to improve the 14th Ward of the City of Pittsburgh through educational and cooperative endeavors of individuals and groups from the area seeking to enhance the physical and social attributes of the community."

Check out the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition website for more information.

June 9, 2007 (Saturday)
Walking Tour -- 10:30 AM

"The Morrowfield Complex"

This walk will focus on the vision developed at the end of WWI, by Thomas Watkins (a major real-estate developer) and several businessmen. They conceived of a community within a community. The Morrowfield complex (bounded by Forward, Murray, Shady, and Morrowfield Aves.) included numerous apartment houses, retail shops, a parking garage, a bowling alley, an 800-seat theater and one large 148 unit hotel and apartment building.

Starting Location:
Taylor Allderdice High School upper parking lot
off Tilbury Ave. at Forward Ave.

Cost: $5/person for Members, $10/person for Non-Members
Group will be limited to 25 people.

May 15, 2007 (Tuesday)
Walking Tour -- 6:30 pm

"Garden City Movement"

The Squirrel Hill walk will focus on the variety of styles and architectural details in the houses and apartment buildings along our route. The diversity of residential housing within the four block area to the East of Wightman Street from Forbes Ave to Beacon Street will be explored. Historical perspectives and quality of urban life will be discussed. This walk will include Beacon Court, Watkins Properties on Forbes, Kamin Cottages, and Wendover Apartments.

Starting Location:
Church of the Redeemer in Squirrel Hill
Located on Forbes Ave. 100 yards west of the corner of Forbes and Murray.

Cost: $5/person for Members, $10/person for Non-Members
Group will be limited to 25 people.

May 8, 2007

"Neill Log House" (including slides)
Speaker: Dwight Fong,
Volunteer Caretaker of Neill Log House.

The Neill Log House built between 1769 and the mid-1770s, once belonged to the family of Robert Neill, and later to Col. James O'Hara and his granddaughter Mary Schenley. In recent years, the house has served as a picnic pavilion, an equipment storage shed and a rest area for golfers. After restoration efforts by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation and the Junior League, the house is now furnished with artifacts in keeping with a settler's rugged life. Martin's Cabin on Overlook Drive is another log structure from the same period but is currently out of use. "From Pgh. History & Landmarks"

March 14, 1996 Article from University Times: "Book Center staff member helps to preserve 200-year-old Neill log cabin in Schenley Park"

April 10, 2007

"Getting to know our neighbors!"

"History of Mifflin Township, Western Pennsylvania's First Township"
Speaker: Daniel Burns
President of the Mifflin Township Historical Society

Dan Burns is also the author of "Pittsburgh Rivers".

March 13, 2007

"A New Era for Phipps Conservatory"
Speaker: Richard Piacentini
Executive Director, Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

In July 2003, Richard Piacentini talked to us about Phipps PAST and FUTURE. Well, the future included the new tropical garden which had its grand opening in December 2006. We welcome Richard back to tell us all about the changes that have been made and what more excitement to expect.

February 14, 2007

Because of the winter storm this meeting was canceled.

January 9, 2007

"The Bridges of Pittsburgh"
Author Bob Regan and Photographer Tim Fabian

Bob and Tim spoke to us in November 2004 about the book "Steps of Pittsburgh". The same duo discussed this definitive book on Pittsburgh Bridges. "It's official -- 446 bridges!!"

December 12, 2006

"The Watkins Boys' Business"
Speaker: Richard Watkins

November 14, 2006

"The Welsh Connection"
Speaker: Elizabeth Jeffries

October 10, 2006

"Homewood Cemetery—A History with Slides"
Speaker: Marilyn Evert

September 12, 2006

"Congregation Poale Zedeck"

Speaker: Rabbi Yisroel Miller

Note: This meeting held at Poale Zedeck, 6318 Phillips Ave (corner of Shady & Phillips)

Poale Zedeck is a modern Orthodox synagogue serving Jews of all ages, background and religious orientations. Over 300 families are members of Poale Zedeck. On an ordinary Shabbat there are over 200 adults in the main sanctuary for services. Hospitality is available for Shabbat and holidays. The full-time spiritual leader is Rabbi Yisroel Miller.

Poale Zedeck youth groups include NCSY for teens, Junior NCSY for pre-teens and the PSYC (Pittsburgh Synagogue Youth Club) for younger children. Free childcare is provided for infants and preschoolers every Shabbat morning. There is a Junior Congregation for school-age children. An experienced, professional Youth Director, Elan Sokol, leads all youth activities. Poale Zedeck offers a Special Education Program Sunday School directed by Mr. Harold Goldwasser.

Poale Zedeck offers a full range of adult education courses for men and women on beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Classes include Bible, Talmud, Practical Observance, Rabbinic Responsa, Jewish mysticism, Hebrew language and contemporary Jewish issues.

The Congregation also has affiliate organizations—an active Sisterhood and Men's Club. The Sisterhood has a catering service for weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and other affairs held in the Congregation's Social Hall. Each affiliated organization sponsors educational activities geared to the needs of their membership. Lectures, picnics, debates, parties, Torah-talks are all part of the bonding process which help create the "Poale Zedeck Family".

July 17, 2006

Speaker: Helen Hanna Casey,
President of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

"History of the Company and comments on the current Real Estate developments."

"Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is a family-owned real estate and financial services organization with over 150 years of real estate experience. We're proud of our past and devoted to improving the products and services we offer now, and in the future. We have over 100 offices in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and New York with over 3,500 Realtors, staff and management. "

June 13, 2006

Speaker: Todd Reidbord, President of Walnut Capital

"A History of the Company with comments on current developments"

"Walnut Capital is one of Pittsburgh's largest and fastest growing real estate management, development and brokerage companies. Since it's inception in 1997, the firm has amassed a retail and multi-family residential property portfolio valued in excess of $150 million. We view ourselves as partners with our clients, our employees, our community and our environment. In all areas of business, the professionals at Walnut Capital are committed to innovation, excellence and 100% client satisfaction."

May 20, 2006: SHHS's First Walking Tour

The Squirrel Hill walk will focus on the variety of styles and architectural details in the houses and apartment buildings along our route. The diversity of residential housing within the four block area to the East of Wightman Street from Forbes Ave to Beacon Street will be explored. Historical perspectives and quality of urban life will be discussed. A display of books and photographs will be available at the Church of the Redeemer along with free refreshments. An information sheet for self guided walk into the commercial area of Forbes and Murray will also be available.

Starting Place: Church of the Redeemer in Squirrel Hill, Forbes Avenue 100 yards west of the corner of Forbes & Murray

Cost: $ 2 per person

Marian Cook, a SHHS member, and long-time tour docent for the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, will lead this first tour sponsored by the Squirrel Hill Historical Society.

Information: Mike, 412-417-3707

May 9, 2006

Speaker: Cathy McCollom
Chief Program Officer, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation

"An update on historic preservation in Pittsburgh and a report on the upcoming fall 2006 National Preservation Conference to be held in Pittsbugh"

Cathy McCollom last spoke to the SHHS about the Story of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation in July 2002. This meeting will update us on their current activities.

Historic preservation has many advantages, but most of all, it’s simply a matter of good sense. It's smart to protect older buildings and neighborhoods because they’re good to look at, they’re useful, and they help us understand ourselves as individuals and as a nation.

—National Trust for Historic Preservation.

October 31-November 5, 2006

National Preservation Conference 2006 will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

April 11, 2006

"Memories of My Father, a Squirrel Hill Pioneer"

Speaker: Nat Diamondstone

Nat's father founded the Squirrel Hill Board of Trade and was instrumental in the founding of Congregation Beth Shalom and Temple Sinai.

March 14, 2006

"Mineo's: A Squirrel Hill Institution"

Speakers: Dominic and John Mineo

Brothers John and Dominic Mineo run the 42-year old Mineo's Pizza House. They still use their father's original pizza recipe.

Ask just about any Pittsburgh native who serves the best pizza in the city, and without hesitation they'll say "MINEO'S"!!

February 13, 2006

"Founding of the 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club"

Speaker: Nathan Hershey, Professor Emeritus
University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health

The 14th Ward is the largest ward in the City of Pittsburgh, and the second largest ward in the state. The 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club is the oldest one in the United States.

January 10, 2006

"Getting to Know Our Neighbors" — Lawrenceville Historical Society

LHS takes pride in the richness of Lawrenceville's unique history - from its founding in 1814 by the father of the famous composer, Stephen Foster, through its Golden Age of 1900 -- LHS is dedicated to preserving their heritage by educating the community through lively and enjoyable programs.

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