So Cool!

"Nearly 20 years ago, historian Dolores Hayden published her renowned book The Power of Place, in which she argued that preservationists were neglecting sites and buildings associated with women and minority history, social unrest and the lives of the working class. Hayden expressly called for historic preservationists to take seriously “ordinary buildings”—worker’s houses, factories, warehouses and other buildings whose significance is probably not architectural. As long as preservationists take the National Register as a veritable gospel, we are blinding ourselves to all aspects of historic places. Places that matter to people don’t always matter because of the way they look—they matter because of what they mean." (Written by Michael R. Allen, founder and director of the Preservation Research Office and a lecturer in American Culture Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. This is an tiny excerpt from his article entitled "Is the National Register of Historic Places Helping or Hindering Legacy City Preservation?" as published in the Preservation Leadership Forum Blog.)

PGH Retail.

Stephanie Lauren Stauffer (love!) organized the Cedar Arts Holiday Market in Pittsburgh's Allegheny Commons Park last weekend and I set up a table to talk about my project. I met neighbors, made friends, and ate goodies from A Bird And A Dog. What a lovely day!

Pittsburgh's WWII memorial.

The North Side is home to a WWII veteran's memorial located near Heinz Field on the North Shore (which is not too far from the huge riverside sculpture honoring Mister Rogers). The memorial was dedicated in December of 2013. Dominick and I were impressed by the wealth of information printed on it, some of which resonated personally. This quote is not attributed, but I'm inferring that it is from David L. Lawrence, former mayor of Pittsburgh.

River of Words.

I just discovered that our River of Words word "persistence" now shows up on Google's street view. (And no more green vinyl siding!)

For more on River of Words:
http://www.cityofasylumpittsburgh.org/2014/05/29/river-of-words-public-art-project-inaugurates-city-of-asylums-garden-to-garden-artway/

Good stuff in Deutschtown.

In case you haven't heard, Deutschtown is having a house and garden tour!

Here's a description straight from the source:

Our 2014 self-guided Deutschtown Historic House Tour features distinctive restored homes, many built in the late 1800s, and some modern surprises. Expect a diverse array of interiors, architecture and styles, as well as beautiful gardens. Enjoy great food at our Deutschtown restaurants. 

The tour begins at the Priory Hotel's charming courtyard on Lockhart Street. Free parking is available in the large lot adjoining Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall. 

House Tour TICKETS: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Students $12 at the door.You can also purchase your tickets in advance through http://www.deutschtown.org/ (advance purchases can be picked up at the will call booth the day of the tour).   

For more info, call 412-321-1204.

Questions: email deutschtown@gmail.com