Products

The Steel City has boasted some of the most famous figures, landmarks and innovations in the country's history. Pittsburgh's past is littered with dozens of fascinating stories behind the icons that define it. Mary Schenley was the city's biggest benefactress of the nineteenth century, gifting the site of the 425-acre park in her name, but her fortune was almost lost when she eloped at the age of fifteen. The first ever call-in radio talk show began at famed KDKA in 1951, inspiring the birth of an entire industry. Mount Washington offers tourists sweeping views of the city today, but it once supplied coal to Pittsburghers and was the site of a sixteen-year underground mine fire. Author Paul King lists the best people, places and things of Pittsburgh's grand history.

Pittsburgh is a city rich in history, perhaps best known as the industrial hub for steel production, but it is also a city with deep roots of personal achievement. From Andrew Carnegie and his important role in putting the "Steel City" on the map to beloved Fred Rogers, renowned early childhood educator, creator, and television host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, countless individuals have made a lasting impact on the community and the nation. Those featured in Legendary Locals of Pittsburgh have played vital roles in the medical field, such as Dr. Kenneth L. Garver, and served as quiet heroes, like Norman and Margaret Samways, Edith Balas, and Harold McKamish--all of whom have contributed to Pittsburgh's unique identity through public service, business, education, and volunteerism. And chances are, readers just might know more than a few of the wide variety of people profiled who have left an indelible mark on a city they loved.

The historic grounds of The Homewood Cemetery have been an integral part of Pittsburgh since before the cemetery was founded in 1878. Nearly a half-century prior, Judge William Wilkins established his family's Homewood residence on these now hallowed hills. Homewood was surrounded by the estates of notable Pittsburgh industrialists such as Henry Frick's residence, named Clayton, and the H.J. Heinz family mansion, Greenlawn. These well-known families, along with numerous other sons and daughters of Pittsburgh, now rest in the approximately 200 acres encompassing The Homewood Cemetery. Today, past blends seamlessly with present, as the lawn park design of the cemetery draws visitors from all walks of life to enjoy its bucolic grounds and storied paths.