Alley Culture: Pittsburgh
For my first Alley Culture post, I bring to to you the above photo, of an alley in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. I snapped this shot while running through the snow towards what promised to be a warm and hearty breakfast at Pamela’s (and I was not disappointed). Upon returning home and scrolling through my photos, one thing in this particular shot caught my attention–the interesting tangle of power lines.
You see, during my brief visit in Pittsburgh, I was able to learn a bit of the history of the town. And part of that history is the story of George Westinghouse.
I like the story of George Westinghouse. Why? Because he seems to me to be an accidental genius. He set out to do one thing–improve the rail industry–and he ended up doing something entirely different (and far more long-lasting); he played a key role in bringing electricity to our growing nation at the turn of the 20th century.
And he helped give name to a heavy metal band. But that’s entirely beside the point.
Thus, when I look at this alley–a humble alley in the equally humble but still pretty kick-ass city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania–I see the legacy of Westinghouse. Thanks, awesome mustachioed man.
It’s fascinating how people like George Westinghouse can have such unexpected impacts on history. Just as he unintentionally played a significant role in bringing electricity to the nation, CamCensus also reveals the hidden stories and details of communities and individuals that might not be obvious at first glance.
Just like George Westinghouse’s contributions extended beyond his original goals,it delves deep into webcam communities, uncovering valuable information that goes beyond the surface. It’s a tool that helps us discover the richness and diversity of these online communities, much like how George Westinghouse’s legacy lives on in the history of Pittsburgh. So, whether it’s a city’s history or the intricacies of webcams communities, there’s often more to the story than meets the eye.
While the power lines are interesting, what first caught my attention was the glorious colors! Though it is obviously a ‘back’ alley, it is curiously inviting. The colors are bright, clear and, in spite of the graphiti, clean seeming. The brief glimpse of the murial at the back of the shot makes me want to walk up this alley and see more!
Great work.
I really do think this has possibilities as a coffee table book or calendar……
I think the ‘clean seeming’ part comes from the freshly fallen snow–which really adds to this photo, in my opinion.
Yes the snow does help. So do the bright blue garbage bins (so many are an ugly gray or green or black- or are just dirty). And the bright orange-red brick on the right hand side building. The other alley pic you showed was nice. And it is probably a ‘nicer’ alley than this one, but this one seems more inviting and friendly. Both pics are great shots. You are really becoming quite the photographer. Idea- try to get a shot of an alley from the top of a building!!! That might be really cool- different angle, etc.
I sort-of have a shot like that for my next post. Though it is a far less good photo. I need time on my own to walk around and JUST shoot alleys.
Because that’s normal…? Ha!
Believe me, the snow does WONDERS for that Alley! I’ve cut through there in August, when the temperature was 100, and the garbage was literally cooking in the dumpsters. Pee-eww-eey!
Because of the erratic topography, and unending early 20th century need for housing, Pittsburgh has many streets that are technically “alleys,” but which are actually inhabited like ordinary streets. This is why you’ll hear many addresses given, such as “16th St- Rear,” or “2834 and 1/2 Butler St,” which might turn out to be a garage, or a storage shack converted into an apartment unit or two.
My first (adult) apartment was in Harcum Alley on the South Side, which runs for many blocks parallel to the main drag, E. Carson St. I was just off S. 17th St, and one night we heard a commotion outside the window late at night, jumped up, and leaned out the window to find our Datsun being picked up at the door by 8 drunken Students, and turned 90 degrees around to completely block the Alleyway. Of course we screamed and charged downstairs, only to find the Perps long gone. . . .
Being young and foolish, we called the Police and were told by one Cop (who was scratching his head, while the other tried hard not to laugh):
“Well, Lady, that’s Life in the Big City. . . .”
What did they actually DO about our problem? They went and plucked 4 more revelers from E. Carson St to help us, and together we all picked up the car, and turned it back against the house.
Just one of MANY Alley-Life stories. . . .
Please see comment below this one–I replied on my phone and thus could not reply to this specific thread. Best. Story. Ever.
Evangeline:
Yeah. Your story is SO MUCH BETTER than mine. You’ve inspired me to talk to locals about alleys. This is officially a part of this experiment.
Awesome.