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Pittsburgh in the 1950s: Captivating Images Showcasing the City’s Mid-Century Charm

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The 1950s were a transformative time for Pittsburgh. The city was undergoing a metamorphosis, shedding its sooty, steel mill image and emerging as a modern, revitalized city. The Renaissance I urban renewal project, started in the 1940s, was in full swing. The project was launched by then mayor David L. Lawrence and banker Richard King Mellon. Together, they spearheaded a large-scale effort to clean up and modernize Pittsburgh. The project included significant infrastructural improvements, the creation of Point State Park, the development of new office buildings, and efforts to reduce air pollution. Dilapidated buildings were replaced with gleaming skyscrapers, and the polluted air was gradually clearing, revealing blue skies that hadn’t been seen in decades.

Pittsburgh’s economy was also undergoing a transformation. While the steel industry remained a crucial part of the city’s identity, other sectors, like healthcare, education, and technology, were on the rise. The city was evolving, adapting to the changing times and preparing for a future beyond steel.

The ’50s weren’t all about work and change, though. Let’s not forget the fun and excitement that defined this decade. The music scene was hopping with the sounds of jazz and the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Theaters like the Stanley were filled with folks catching the latest Hollywood films or enjoying a live performance.

Sports, as always, were a huge part of life in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Pirates had a phenomenal season in 1950, and the city’s love for football was growing. The Pittsburgh Steelers, while still finding their footing, were rallying a dedicated fan base that would stick with them through thick and thin.

Culturally, the 1950s were a vibrant time in Pittsburgh. The Carnegie Museum of Art, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the Pittsburgh Playhouse were just a few of the institutions enriching the city’s cultural landscape. And let’s not forget the food – from Primanti Bros.’ famous sandwiches to the diverse offerings in the Strip District, Pittsburgh was a city that loved to eat!

#1 Penn Avenue businesses including A&P Super Market and Enright Theater, 1951.

Penn Avenue businesses including A&P Super Market and Enright Theater, 1951.

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#2 East Liberty shopping district on 6101 block of Penn Avenue, 1951.

East Liberty shopping district on 6101 block of Penn Avenue, 1951.

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#3 Man standing near Granville Hotel Bar and Grill on Wylie Avenue, 1954.

Man standing near Granville Hotel Bar and Grill on Wylie Avenue, 1954.

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#4 Hill District redevelopment on Webster Avenue showing Downtown, 1951.

Hill District redevelopment on Webster Avenue showing Downtown, 1951.

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#5 Dining on Smithfield Street includes Mae’s Restaurant and New Yorker Café, 1951.

Dining on Smithfield Street includes Mae's Restaurant and New Yorker Café, 1951.

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#6 Family in East Park across from Islam Grotto on 18 West North Avenue, 1951.

Family in East Park across from Islam Grotto on 18 West North Avenue, 1951.

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#7 Hill District redevelopment featuring Roosevelt Theatre on Centre Avenue, 1953.

Hill District redevelopment featuring Roosevelt Theatre on Centre Avenue, 1953.

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#8 Herron Avenue houses with boy near Count Basie poster, 1953.

Herron Avenue houses with boy near Count Basie poster, 1953.

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#9 Logan Armory on University of Pittsburgh campus replaced by Benedum Hall, 1953.

Logan Armory on University of Pittsburgh campus replaced by Benedum Hall, 1953.

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#10 Children’s Zoo Activity Building in Pittsburgh Zoo, 1953.

Children's Zoo Activity Building in Pittsburgh Zoo, 1953.

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#11 Hill District redevelopment on Herron and Wylie Avenues featuring stores, 1953.

Hill District redevelopment on Herron and Wylie Avenues featuring stores, 1953.

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#12 William Penn Hotel at Sixth Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard, 1953.

William Penn Hotel at Sixth Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard, 1953.

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#13 Liberty Avenue seed stores including Beckert Seed and E. W. Scott Co., 1953.

Liberty Avenue seed stores including Beckert Seed and E. W. Scott Co., 1953.

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#14 View of Grant Street to Liberty with Embassy Restaurant sign visible, 1953.

View of Grant Street to Liberty with Embassy Restaurant sign visible, 1953.

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#15 Greyhound Bus Terminal Waiting Room in 1950s-1960s Pittsburgh, 1952

Greyhound Bus Terminal Waiting Room in 1950s-1960s Pittsburgh, 1952

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#18 Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1950

Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1950

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#19 Nikita Khrushchev Visits Pittsburgh’s Mesta Machine Company, Workers Pictured, 1959

Nikita Khrushchev Visits Pittsburgh's Mesta Machine Company, Workers Pictured, 1959

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#20 Chamber of Commerce Parade Honoring Pittsburgh Pirates with Porterfield and Mejias, 1958

Chamber of Commerce Parade Honoring Pittsburgh Pirates with Porterfield and Mejias, 1958

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#21 Downtown Pittsburgh View from Across the River, 1955

Downtown Pittsburgh View from Across the River, 1955

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#22 Ringling Brothers Circus Ends Run, Big Top Pictured in Pittsburgh, 1956

Ringling Brothers Circus Ends Run, Big Top Pictured in Pittsburgh, 1956

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#23 Two Women Pose Outside Hatcher & Nixon Beauty Salon, Homewood, 1951

Two Women Pose Outside Hatcher & Nixon Beauty Salon, Homewood, 1951

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#24 Forbes Avenue Street Scene Showing Various Businesses, 1958

Forbes Avenue Street Scene Showing Various Businesses, 1958

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#25 Isaly’s and Nearby Stores at Butler and 43rd Streets, 1958

Isaly's and Nearby Stores at Butler and 43rd Streets, 1958

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#26 Bird’s Eye View of Reams Park Swimming Pool, 1958

Bird's Eye View of Reams Park Swimming Pool, 1958

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#28 View of Sixth Avenue and Grant Street from William Penn Hotel, 1951

View of Sixth Avenue and Grant Street from William Penn Hotel, 1951

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#29 Grant Street View Featuring First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1951

Grant Street View Featuring First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1951

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#30 Aerial View of Grant Street and Sixth Avenue from William Penn Hotel, 1951

Aerial View of Grant Street and Sixth Avenue from William Penn Hotel, 1951

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#31 Sixth Avenue View from Grant Street to William Penn Way, 1951

Sixth Avenue View from Grant Street to William Penn Way, 1951

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#32 Smithfield Street Scene Showing Various Businesses, 1951

Smithfield Street Scene Showing Various Businesses, 1951

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#33 Wylie Avenue, 1300 Block Featuring Chief’s Tavern, 1951

Wylie Avenue, 1300 Block Featuring Chief's Tavern, 1951

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#34 Craig-Forbes Intersection Replaced by Carnegie Museum of Art, 1951

Craig-Forbes Intersection Replaced by Carnegie Museum of Art, 1951

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#36 Murray Avenue Sidewalk Featuring Sonny’s Ice Cream Bar, 1951

Murray Avenue Sidewalk Featuring Sonny's Ice Cream Bar, 1951

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#39 View of East Warrington Avenue Businesses and Homes, 1950

View of East Warrington Avenue Businesses and Homes, 1950

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#43 Water Street near Ferry Street Looking to Point Bridge, 1951

Water Street near Ferry Street Looking to Point Bridge, 1951

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#46 Frankstown Avenue Streetcar Stop and Businesses, 1951

Frankstown Avenue Streetcar Stop and Businesses, 1951

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#47 Restaurants and Stores on Frankstown Avenue, 1951

Restaurants and Stores on Frankstown Avenue, 1951

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#51 Worker Repairs Sunken Pavement on Dunfermline Street, 1950

Worker Repairs Sunken Pavement on Dunfermline Street, 1950

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#52 View from Josephine Street Featuring Duquesne Brewery, 1950

View from Josephine Street Featuring Duquesne Brewery, 1950

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#53 200 block of Oliver Avenue between Harris Store and Oliver Building, looking toward Liberty Avenue and F. W. Woolworths, 1950.

200 block of Oliver Avenue between Harris Store and Oliver Building, looking toward Liberty Avenue and F. W. Woolworths, 1950.

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#54 Stevenson Street with workers repairing the road and children watching, 1950.

Stevenson Street with workers repairing the road and children watching, 1950.

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#55 Group of children near Fischer Groceries look toward another group on Lincoln Avenue’s 300 Block, 1950.

Group of children near Fischer Groceries look toward another group on Lincoln Avenue's 300 Block, 1950.

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#56 Homes at the corner of Woods Run Avenue and Mitchell Street, 1950.

Homes at the corner of Woods Run Avenue and Mitchell Street, 1950.

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#57 Market and homes at Woods Run Avenue and Mitchell Street corner, 1950.

Market and homes at Woods Run Avenue and Mitchell Street corner, 1950.

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#58 Corner of Frankstown and Hamilton Avenues at the inbound car stop, 1950.

Corner of Frankstown and Hamilton Avenues at the inbound car stop, 1950.

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#59 Workers repaving Highland Avenue near Peabody High School and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 1951.

Workers repaving Highland Avenue near Peabody High School and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 1951.

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#60 Highland Avenue intersection at Bryant Street next to Norfolk Apartments, 1951.

Highland Avenue intersection at Bryant Street next to Norfolk Apartments, 1951.

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#61 Centre Avenue at Dinwiddie Street featuring Roosevelt Theatre and neighborhood businesses, 1951.

Centre Avenue at Dinwiddie Street featuring Roosevelt Theatre and neighborhood businesses, 1951.

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#62 Broad and Collins Streets with St. Moritz Hotel and businesses, 1951.

Broad and Collins Streets with St. Moritz Hotel and businesses, 1951.

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#63 Broad and Collins Streets with St. Moritz Hotel and Tap Room visible, 1951.

Broad and Collins Streets with St. Moritz Hotel and Tap Room visible, 1951.

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#64 Fluffy Donut Shop at Madison and Suismon Streets, 1951.

Fluffy Donut Shop at Madison and Suismon Streets, 1951.

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#65 Man leaning on Domestic Appliance Co.’s window next to Acadia Theater on East Ohio Street, 1951.

Man leaning on Domestic Appliance Co.'s window next to Acadia Theater on East Ohio Street, 1951.

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#66 Ohio Street sidewalk featuring Acadia Theater’s sign, 1951.

Ohio Street sidewalk featuring Acadia Theater's sign, 1951.

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#67 Rear view of Grant Building and Old Post Office on Third Avenue, 1951.

Rear view of Grant Building and Old Post Office on Third Avenue, 1951.

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#68 Sidewalk and emergency entrance of Allegheny General Hospital on North Avenue, 1951.

Sidewalk and emergency entrance of Allegheny General Hospital on North Avenue, 1951.

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#69 Penn Hall Hotel and nearby shops on 5630 Block of Penn Avenue, 1951.

Penn Hall Hotel and nearby shops on 5630 Block of Penn Avenue, 1951.

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#70 6200 Block of Frankstown Avenue featuring stores and Cameraphone Theater, 1951.

6200 Block of Frankstown Avenue featuring stores and Cameraphone Theater, 1951.

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#71 Mellon Square Park under construction, designed by Mitchell and Ritchey, 1955.

Mellon Square Park under construction, designed by Mitchell and Ritchey, 1955.

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#72 Butler Street view showing pedestrians and parked Gold Banner truck, 1955.

Butler Street view showing pedestrians and parked Gold Banner truck, 1955.

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#73 Roosevelt Theatre at Centre and Dinwiddie featuring American Oil Station, 1955.

Roosevelt Theatre at Centre and Dinwiddie featuring American Oil Station, 1955.

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#75 Cozy Corner at 1719 Centre Avenue near Jay’s Drug Company, 1956.

Cozy Corner at 1719 Centre Avenue near Jay's Drug Company, 1956.

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#76 Ferry Street looking east to McCann’s Cafeteria, 1952.

Ferry Street looking east to McCann's Cafeteria, 1952.

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#77 Thrift Drugs Pharmacy and Luncheonette at 533 Liberty Avenue, 1952.

Thrift Drugs Pharmacy and Luncheonette at 533 Liberty Avenue, 1952.

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#78 Children watching construction on Amanda Street near Rochell, 1954.

Children watching construction on Amanda Street near Rochell, 1954.

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#79 Hippodrome and nearby businesses on Beaver Avenue, 1954

Hippodrome and nearby businesses on Beaver Avenue, 1954

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#80 Northward view on Seventh at Penn Avenue toward the Seventh Street Bridge, 1954

Northward view on Seventh at Penn Avenue toward the Seventh Street Bridge, 1954

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#81 Fourth Avenue looking south, featuring Shoyer’s Bookstore and other businesses, 1954

Fourth Avenue looking south, featuring Shoyer's Bookstore and other businesses, 1954

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#82 Monongahela Wharf Parking with Smithfield Street Bridge in view, 1952

Monongahela Wharf Parking with Smithfield Street Bridge in view, 1952

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#83 Hill District Redevelopment at 801 Wylie Avenue, 1952

Hill District Redevelopment at 801 Wylie Avenue, 1952

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#85 Ohio Street East shops and shoppers, including S&S Shoes and Republic Furniture Company, 1952

Ohio Street East shops and shoppers, including S&S Shoes and Republic Furniture Company, 1952

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#87 Hill District on Wylie Avenue “going out of business” sale, 1951

Hill District on Wylie Avenue "going out of business" sale, 1951

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#88 Intersection of Homewood Avenue and Kelly Street, featuring various businesses, 1950

Intersection of Homewood Avenue and Kelly Street, featuring various businesses, 1950

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#89 Centre Avenue near South Craig Street with Moxley’s Rexall Drugs and neighborhood businesses, 1950

Centre Avenue near South Craig Street with Moxley's Rexall Drugs and neighborhood businesses, 1950

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#91 Workers repairing a water main break at Butler and 40th Street, 1950

Workers repairing a water main break at Butler and 40th Street, 1950

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#92 Forbes Avenue at Pennant Place showing James H. Matthews & Co. and Schenley Apartments, 1950

Forbes Avenue at Pennant Place showing James H. Matthews & Co. and Schenley Apartments, 1950

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#93 Pennant Place toward Forbes Avenue with James H. Matthews & Co. and Pittsburgh Board of Education, 1950

Pennant Place toward Forbes Avenue with James H. Matthews & Co. and Pittsburgh Board of Education, 1950

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#94 Pennant Place toward Forbes Avenue featuring James H. Matthews & Co., Schenley Apartments, and stores, 1950

Pennant Place toward Forbes Avenue featuring James H. Matthews & Co., Schenley Apartments, and stores, 1950

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#95 Truck hauling the Mellon Park Christmas tree, 1958

Truck hauling the Mellon Park Christmas tree, 1958

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#96 South Craig Street and Forbes Avenue traffic and Forbes-Craig Pharmacy, 1956

South Craig Street and Forbes Avenue traffic and Forbes-Craig Pharmacy, 1956

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#97 Cars and pedestrians at South Craig Street and Forbes Avenue intersection, 1956

Cars and pedestrians at South Craig Street and Forbes Avenue intersection, 1956

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#98 Bustling Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh, 1956

Bustling Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh, 1956

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#100 Schenley Park and the Cathedral of Learning, 1957

Schenley Park and the Cathedral of Learning, 1957

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#102 Hazelwood businesses including G.C. Murphy Company and Hazelwood Hardware, 1957

Hazelwood businesses including G.C. Murphy Company and Hazelwood Hardware, 1957

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#103 Man in front of Pittsburgh Refrigeration Company at Penn and 38th Street, 1957

Man in front of Pittsburgh Refrigeration Company at Penn and 38th Street, 1957

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#105 Lower Hill District with city skyline in the background, 1957

Lower Hill District with city skyline in the background, 1957

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#106 Buildings being torn down in the Lower Hill District, 1957

Buildings being torn down in the Lower Hill District, 1957

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#107 Lower Hill District undergoing urban renewal, 1957

Lower Hill District undergoing urban renewal, 1957

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#108 Lower Hill District demolition for Civic Arena development, 1957

Lower Hill District demolition for Civic Arena development, 1957

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#110 Crumbling driveway on Waldron Street toward Tilbury Avenue, 1956

Crumbling driveway on Waldron Street toward Tilbury Avenue, 1956

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#111 Properties along Bidwell Street at the intersection with Pennsylvania Avenue, 1956

Properties along Bidwell Street at the intersection with Pennsylvania Avenue, 1956

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#112 Properties on Pennsylvania Avenue at the intersection with Bidwell Street, 1956

Properties on Pennsylvania Avenue at the intersection with Bidwell Street, 1956

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#114 Cars parked on Ward Street with Cathedral of Learning in view, 1956

Cars parked on Ward Street with Cathedral of Learning in view, 1956

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#115 Former Allegheny Carnegie Library on West Ohio Street, 1956

Former Allegheny Carnegie Library on West Ohio Street, 1956

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#116 East Carson Street featuring Goldenson’s Department Store and Liberty Theatre, 1956

East Carson Street featuring Goldenson's Department Store and Liberty Theatre, 1956

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#117 South 22nd Street at the intersection with Sarah Street featuring Fink’s Quality Market, 1956

South 22nd Street at the intersection with Sarah Street featuring Fink's Quality Market, 1956

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#118 Sarah Street at the intersection with South 22nd Street featuring Fink’s Quality Market and Saint Casimir Church, 1956

Sarah Street at the intersection with South 22nd Street featuring Fink's Quality Market and Saint Casimir Church, 1956

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#119 East Warrington Avenue and Brosville Street featuring a reporter’s office with sign “Leave Ads and News Here,” 1956

East Warrington Avenue and Brosville Street featuring a reporter's office with sign "Leave Ads and News Here," 1956

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#120 Penn Avenue in East Liberty showcasing the Liberty Building, Irene’s Bar and Lounge, Cameraphone, and Isaly’s, 1957

Penn Avenue in East Liberty showcasing the Liberty Building, Irene's Bar and Lounge, Cameraphone, and Isaly's, 1957

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#122 Carson Street businesses including Isaly’s, Chester’s Greeting Cards, and Young’s Tavern, 1957

Carson Street businesses including Isaly's, Chester's Greeting Cards, and Young's Tavern, 1957

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#123 Local businesses on the 1700 block of East Carson Street including Joe Zarnich Accordion Center, 1957

Local businesses on the 1700 block of East Carson Street including Joe Zarnich Accordion Center, 1957

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#124 Freeman’s Hat Bar located at 1211 Wylie Avenue, 1956

Freeman's Hat Bar located at 1211 Wylie Avenue, 1956

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#125 Perlman Bros. and GM Sales on the 1800 block of Penn Avenue, 1956

Perlman Bros. and GM Sales on the 1800 block of Penn Avenue, 1956

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#126 George Lafbury Company and St. Stanislaus Kostka Church on Penn Avenue and 21st Street, 1956

George Lafbury Company and St. Stanislaus Kostka Church on Penn Avenue and 21st Street, 1956

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#127 Mellon Square Park construction featuring Gimbels Department Store, 1955

Mellon Square Park construction featuring Gimbels Department Store, 1955

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#128 Smithfield Street and Oliver Avenue looking to Mellon Square Park and the Alcoa Building, 1955

Smithfield Street and Oliver Avenue looking to Mellon Square Park and the Alcoa Building, 1955

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#130 Hill District redevelopment featuring the New Grenada Theatre, 1953

Hill District redevelopment featuring the New Grenada Theatre, 1953

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#131 Fourth Avenue towards Market Square and Fourth Avenue Hotel with Diamond Market archway in distance, 1954

Fourth Avenue towards Market Square and Fourth Avenue Hotel with Diamond Market archway in distance, 1954

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#132 Interior view of the Home for Crippled Children, 1954

Interior view of the Home for Crippled Children, 1954

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#133 Smithfield Street near Oliver with Gimbels Department Store in background, 1955

Smithfield Street near Oliver with Gimbels Department Store in background, 1955

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#134 Federal Cold Storage building featuring a busy loading dock and diner, 1955

Federal Cold Storage building featuring a busy loading dock and diner, 1955

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#135 Construction near Federal Cold Storage on its Smallman Street side, 1955

Construction near Federal Cold Storage on its Smallman Street side, 1955

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#136 Spring Way near Art’s Garage looking towards Federal Cold Storage, 1955

Spring Way near Art's Garage looking towards Federal Cold Storage, 1955

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#137 Penn Avenue featuring Art’s Garage, Kold Draft Beer Distributor, and Federal Cold Storage, 1955

Penn Avenue featuring Art's Garage, Kold Draft Beer Distributor, and Federal Cold Storage, 1955

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Written by Kevin Clark

Kevin Clark is a historian and writer who is passionate about sharing the stories and significance behind historical photos. He loves to explore hidden histories and cultural contexts behind the images, providing a unique insight into the past.

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