Author Archives: Lindsay

About Lindsay

Lindsay has been writing about Pittsburgh since 2005. She likes pretzels from the Pretzel Shop on Carson St., used book stores, her rollerblades and she hopes to learn to skateboard someday soon.

Buy the Moltrup Steel Mansion in Beaver Falls for $80,500

Update 1/18/2018: Open house on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
Update 9/25/2017: Price Drop. The Moltrup Steel Mansion in Beaver Falls Reduced to $62,500

Today’s post for preservation month was shared by Jonathan Denson on his Facebook Page Discovering Historic Pittsburgh. If you are interested in historic buildings, the Discovering Historic Pittsburgh Facebook page should be on your radar. Check out some of his recent posts on homes in Titusville and McKeesport.

Jonathan shared a link to the post about the Moltrup Steel Mansion on the blog Circa, which is an entire blog about old homes all across the country. I could spend all afternoon browsing through the houses on here.

History of the Moltrup Steel Mansion & Moltrup Steel

This house was also featured on the Old House Dreams website and there are lots of comments with more history of this house. Here is what I have pieced together about the history of the house and of the Moltrup Steel Company. I was surprised that there is not much information about Molthup Steel on the internet.

1914 – House was built with a steel frame
1924 – Stephen Moltrup dies, his wife Ellen stayed in the house with her daughter Helen
1964 – Helen Moltrup Townsend bought the house from her mother for $5,256
1989 – Moltrup Steel plants sold to Fort Pitt Acquisition Inc
1999 – Helen Moltrup Townsend’s son, Stpehen Townsend, sold the house for $122,000
2001 – The house was sold for $129,000
2004 – The house was sold to Shane Bowser for $144,000
2002 – Moltrup Steel plant shut down
2007 – Moltrup Steel plant demolished

Fire & water damage, but woodwork, marble & stained glass still intact

While the house definitely needs a restoration, the woodwork and marble are still in place. The house has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a 3 car garage.

There is a unique stained glass window in the photos, I have already emailed the stained glass experts at Preservation Pittsburgh to see what they know about this window.

From a comment on the Circa Facebook page:

I was in this house today and it is magnificent! Full disclosure there have been 3 fires in the house and it has severe water damage. Repair estimates are at least $150k-250k. It is a concrete and steel frame but water has wreaked havoc. Still, the woodwork, staircases, and stained glass are in incredible shape.

More photos of the house are available on the listing and on the Old House Dreams blog.

The Google street view image of the house is dated August 2011 and it looks like the house was lived in at the time, or at least decorated with flags for the holiday.

The house is located just a few blocks away from the Beaver River.

Moltrup Steel Mansion Listing

Address: 914 8th Ave, Beaver Falls, PA 15010

Listing Agent: Melissa Hill, Northwood Realty

Asking Price: $89,500

Visit the listing on Northwood for a virtual tour of the house.

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Rachel Carson’s Homesteads and her 110th Birthday Celebration

English: Pittsburgh Ninth Street Bridge, now Rachel Carson Bridge as seen from the top of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you have crossed the river from downtown to the Northside you probably know the name Rachel Carson because you have crossed the Rachel Carson Bridge. The Rachel Carson Bridge is one of the Three Sister’s bridges, the other two bridges are named for Roberto Clemente and Andy Warhol. If you are not familiar with her work, this should give you a clue that Rachel Carson is an important Pittsburgher.

Rachel Carson was born in Springdale, just up the Allegheny river from Pittsburgh and her work as a scientist and conservationist continues to have a huge impact around the world today. She is In 1962, Carson published the book “Silent Spring” that launched the environmental movement and eventually led to a ban on DDT. Carson’s book was the catalyst for the environmental movement which led to the creation of the EPA.

There are two historic buildings that served as homes for Rachel Carson that can be visited today:

Birthplace – The Rachel Carson Homestead in Springdale, PA is where Carson was born. The house still exists today and is open for tours, educational events and this weekend will host a birthday celebration in honor of Carson’s 110th birthday.
Residence – The other Rachel Carson homestead is in Colesville, Maryland. This house in Maryland is where wrote “Silent Spring.” Ryan Morden visited the house in Colesville a few years ago and wrote a post, A Visit to Rachel Carson’s Other House, about this house which was named a National Historic Landmark in 1991.

Rachel Carson Homestead, 613 Marion Ave, Springdale

Timeline of the Rachel Carson Homestead

1901 – Carson family moves into home in Springdale
1907 – Rachel Carson is born
1929 – Rachel Carson graduates from Pennsylvania College for Women, now known as Chatham University
1962 – Silent Spring is published
1964 – Rachel Carson dies of a heart attack at her home in Maryland
1975 – Rachel Carson Homestead Association is established
1976 – Rachel Carson Homestead added to the National Register of Historic Places

Visit the Rachel Carson Homestead in Springdale, PA

By ccbarr (Flickr) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Docent led tours of the Rachel Carson Homestead are available on Saturdays from April 22, 2017 through November 2017.

Hours: Homestead is open 10:30am-1:30pm, tours starts on the hour at 11am, noon & 1pm.
Cost: A minimum donation of $10 is requested for each adult, $3 for children.
Website: rachelcarsonhomestead.org
Social Media: Facebook Page,

Tours are also available by appointment, email Info@RachelCarsonHomestead.org for details.

Special Events at the Rachel Carson Homestead

The Rachel Carson Homestead hosts a number of special events throughout the year, especially during the summer. In fact, my first visit to the Rachel Carson Homestead was for a welcome home party and lecture from Mark Dixon and the filmmakers, who spent a year traveling to all 50 states to make a documentary, YERT – Your Environmental Road Trip. The documentary is about how people are embracing sustainability. (I wrote a blog post about their homecoming back in 2008 , You Can See a Year of Garbage at the YERT Homecoming. Yes, they carried all of the trash from the entire trip with them)

Follow the Rachel Carson Homestead Association on Facebook to learn about upcoming events.

Saturday, May 27 – Rachel Carson 110th Birthday Celebration

This Saturday, the Rachel Carson Homestead will host a birthday celebration.

Saturday, May 27, 2017
Noon-5pm
Music by Earth Mama, cake, raffles,
Free (please rsvp by sending an email to info@RachelCarsonHomestead.org)
Facebook Event

More information on the birthday celebration and the involvement of Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation is available here.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Design for a Civic Center at the Point

When I started this preservation month project of writing about a different historic Pittsburgh place every day in May, I thought it would be a fun way to share a little bit more about some of the places I have always known in Pittsburgh and to learn more about the history of theses places. Three weeks into preservation month, I have been amazed at the number of new places and local history that I have learned and the willingness of Pittsburghers to share more information.

Today’s post come from The Odd, Mysterious & Fascinating History of Pittsburgh Facebook page. Pittsburgh history lover and fact finder John Schalcosky has been researching and sharing historic Pittsburgh information on Facebook since 2014. Learn more about this fascinating Facebook page of local facts and how John started the site on Episode #31 of the Marta on the Move podcast.

I reached out to John about preservation month and he suggested I take a look at some of the Facebook photo albums that he has put together. I thought I knew about all of the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in and around Pittsburgh but I had no idea that he had designed a civic center for the point.

In the 1940s the Allegheny Conference on Community Development set out to rethink the land use of the point, the area that we now call Point State Park. Edgar J. Kaufmann, owner of the Kaufmann department store, was on the board of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development commissioned Frank Lloyd Write to create a design for a civic center at the point.

From the The Odd, Mysterious & Fascinating History of Pittsburgh Facebook Album on Frank Lloyd Wrights design:

Imagine instead of The Point’s Water Fountain, this incredible building was built in its place! Frank Llyod Wright designed this circular building with it being more than 1,000 feet in diameter and 175 feet tall containing an opera house, sports arena, three movie theaters, and a convention hall all wrapped by a spiraling strip of road. During the course ofWW2, federal and local authorities established three goals for the site: “the creation of a park commemorating the site’s history, improved traffic circulation through the construction of new roads and bridges, and designation of a portion of the site for new office buildings, intended to stimulate private interest in the Golden Triangle”.

Read more about this design and see the other photos of Wright’s design on The Odd, Mysterious & Fascinating History of Pittsburgh Facebook page.

More Historic Pittsburgh Buildings

You might be interested in some of these Pittsburgh buildings…

Have a building you would like to learn more about? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Duquesne Incline Museum: 140 Years of Engineering History for $0.50

UPDATE 8/13/2019 – Visit Very Local Pittsburgh for an updated guide to the Duquesne Incline Museum.

Photo credit: Councilwoman Kail Smith.

I have been saving this post about the Duquesne Incline for May 20. Today is the actual birthday of the Duquesne Incline, 140 years ago (May 20, 1877) the Duquesne Incline opened to the public. The Duquesne Incline as well as the Monongahela Incline are both still operate daily. Riding the incline and viewing Pittsburgh from Mt. Washington are staples on things to do when you visit Pittsburgh lists the incline image is one that is frequently featured in Pittsburgh photos.

I’d like to think I know about some of the best place to see in Pittsburgh but nothing quite compares to the view from the incline. When a friend comes to visit Pittsburgh from out of town, I take them to breakfast at Pamela’s or lunch at Primanti’s followed by a trip to the Duquesne Incline. And even though I have done this tour of Pittsburgh many, many times, riding up the incline from Station Square and looking down on the point never gets old. (Turns out the Steelers give their new players the exact same tour.)

The incline ride is worth it for the view of the city. The collection of post-cards, photos and newspaper articles on the walls of The Duquesne Incline’s visitors center is probably the best was to get a sense of 140 years of Pittsburgh in one room.

David H. Miller Working Museum at the Duquesne Incline

But there it one reason why I always take folks on the Duquesne Incline – the museum. The museum at the top of the Duquesne Incline is one of my favorite places to visit and I am surprised that there is no mention of the musuem on the Duquesne Incline website. For $0.50, and you need to have exact change, you can take a self-guided tour of the machine room below the visitors center on Mt. Washington.

The poster that describes the inner workings of the incline is one of my favorites, I never seem to visit when the gift shop is open, but it is one of the Pittsburgh things I would like to have framed for my wall.

: Photo Credit: Phenomenal Place.

: Photo Credit: Phenomenal Place.

Here is a video tour of the Duquesne Incline Museum from the blog Phenomenal Place:

The Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline

The other impressive thing about the Duquesne Incline is that it has been operated by the The Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline since 1964. After the Duquesne Incline closed in 1962, a group of neighbors formed to reopen and operate the incline. The incline is actually owned by the Port Authority of Allegheny County and leased to the The Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline for $1 per year.

Ride the Incline & Visit the Duquesne Incline Museum

The Duquesne Incline is open 365 days a year.

Monday through Saturday: 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Sundays and Holidays: 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Follow the Duquesne Incline on Twitter @DuquesneIncline

Do you know more about the history of the Duquesne Incline?

Given that the Duquesne Incline has been run by a nonprofit for over 50 years, I am surprised that there is not more information about the preservation efforts online. Do you know more about the incline? Are there books one should read? If you are so inclined, please share links to more info in the comments. Thanks!

Explore the 1st US Highway at the 44th Annual National Road Heritage Festival

As city lover, I never thought I would ever find room in my heart for highways. But after driving cross country and learning about the history of Route 66, I will admit I have made space in my heart for the open road.

This weekend is the 44th Annual National Road Festival. Just when I thought I had heard of every possibly historic festival in Western, PA, Facebook suggests an event and I’ve spent hours learning about all kinds of new history and places. Route 66 is about celebrating the car culture of America, the National Road Festival goes back even further to when we traveled west by wagons.

If you are interested in exploring or looking for a little road trip, then the Nation Road Festival offers plenty of events and activities along the way.

What is the National Road? Does it run through Pittsburgh?

The National Road which was know by several other names during its early days, was the first federal highway. The road is 620 miles long and stretches from Vandalia, Illinois to Cumberland, Maryland.

While the National Road does not go directly through Pittsburgh, all of the Pennsylvania locations are an easy day trip from Pittsburgh. The National Road travels through the counties of Somerset, Fayette and Washington.

The only website I can find for the National Road is NationalRoadPA.org, I am not sure if this is just for the National Road in Pennsylvania or if the nonprofit organization happens to be located in Pennsylvania but covers all of the National Road.

The 44th Annual National Road Festival Events in PA

The Facebook Event for the 44th Annual National Road Festival includes a schedule of all of the events happening in Somerset, Fayette and Washington Counties. It is unclear to me if there are National Road Festival events taking place in other states this weekend as well. The entire schedule is available online here.

Here ares some of the highlights of National Road Festival events happening this weekend, I have tried to find a website/more info for each of these locations, if you are planning to visit for a specific event, I would use the number listed in the festival schedule and call to confirm times before going.

What is a Wagon Train?

2014 – The wagon train passing down Main Street during the National Road Festival in Uniontown. Photo credit: Uniontown Concerned Citizens.

You will see several events which mention the “Wagon Train” which is an actual train of wagons that travels the National Road for the festival. From the Herald Standard’s recent article about the National Road Festival:

If there’s a thread that holds the festival together is the two wagon trains that travel through towns and pass by area landmarks.

The National Pike Wagon Train Association travels west, led by wagon master Doc Sherry and assistant wagon master Don Myers. They gathered for encampment yesterday in Grantsville, Maryland, and head out today for Addison, Somserset County. On Friday, the wagon train continues into Fayette County and the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department with a stop at A.J. McMullen School, part of the Uniontown Area School District, for lunch and to allow the children to visit. On Saturday, the wagon train heads down the Summit with a stop for lunch in Hopwood before heading through Uniontown and onto Mount St. Macrina, just west of Uniontown, where they will rest and have dinner before the wagon train breaks up and the participants head home.

The Wagonier’s Wagon Train travels east across Washington County, led by wagon master J.D. Ridenour. The wagon train gathers Friday morning in Claysville, Washington County, and camps overnight at Washington Park. The wagon train arrives in Scenery Hill at 2 p.m. Saturday for super and an overnight camp. It departs Sunday, heading to the Waleski Farm for lunch around noon and then on to the National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association around 2 p.m. The wagon train breaks up about 4 p.m.

Participants in the wagon train dress in period costume to portray pioneers who traveled west on the National Road in the early 19th century, showcasing the American spirit.

44th Annual National Road Festival Highlighted Events Near Pittsburgh

Town	Location	Events
Richeyville, PA	Waleski Horse Farm 38 Emery Road	Saturday –Blue Grass Music Sunday at noon the Wagon Train will make a stop for lunch.
Brownsville, PA	Nemacolin Castle	History Tours: Friday -noon –5:00pm Saturday –10:00am-5:00pm Sunday-11:00am-5:00pm Ghost Tours: Friday & Saturday-6:00PM-10:00PM (*Tours-$10-adults; $4.00 12 & under)
Scenery Hill, PA		Saturday: 10:00am – Opening ceremony 10:30am – B& B Performing Arts 12:00 noon – Spirit & Grace 1:30pm –WAGON TRAIN ARRIVES 2:00pm– Keith Wilson 3:00pm– Scotty SpharSunday: 9:00am – Community Church Service 11:30am-Kenny & Chip 12:00 noon—Kenny & Chip 1:00pm – Tap n’ Toes Dance Studio 2:15pm – Deborah’s School of Dance 3:30pm—”The Rain Dogs” (acoustic)
Washington, PA	Main St Pavilion	Saturday, May 20th -8am – 5pm National Road Antiques Fair –20 vendors offering antiques from 18th, 19th & 20th centuries.Historic walking tours –meet at 1pm at Main St Pavilion with Sandy Mansmann for walking tour of historic downtown Main St buildingsFrancis LeMoyne House –take a tour of this Underground railroad site& visit the Military Heritage Museum (Sat & Sun 11am-3pm) David Bradford House –Living history demos and activities. Museum open for self guided tours with docents in period attire (Sat&Sun 11am–3pm)
Smock, PA	Abel Colley Tavern	Noon until 5pm The Abel Colley Tavern & Museum will host an exhibit of newly acquired Native American Artifacts; children’s activities; a 19th century operating telegraph; illustrated story of Ephram Walters, who was captured by Native Americans and Traditional National Road Era menu items and Book Sale. Admission $5.00
Uniontown, PA	Searight Toll House	Saturday – 11am – 4pm Guided Tours Sunday, Noon – 4pm Guided tours Admission both days : Adults – $2.00; $1.00 /student -Children 12 & under Free;
Uniontown, PA	Mount Saint Macrina	Saturday 3:00pm –Approximate arrival of Wagon Train. 1:00-3:00pm – Mansion Tours by Laurel Highlands High school history students in period costumes. Music performed by a pianist. Adults -$12.00; Children (6-12) $5.00
Farmington, PA	Mt Washington Tavern	Sat-Sun –10am-4pm Ft Necessity National Battlefield and Mount Washington Tavern will be open daily from 10am to 4pm. Park staff and volunteers will staff the buildings to answer questions. Entrance fee is free and all activities and pro Facebook Event
Ohiopyle, PA	Ohiopyle Stewart Community Center	Saturday, 12pm—7:00pm – 3rd Annual Wine and Arts Festival, hosted by Spirit of the River —The town of Ohiopyle and surrounding community will be hosting a Wine, Arts and Music Festival. No charge for admission— ticket sales for Spirit Tasting only – and must be 21 with valid ID. Local Crafts, local music and art. Tickets are $25, you donations is used to raise funds for support of the boro of Ohiopyle. Spirit of the River: Ohiopyle Wine and Arts Festival Facebook Event
Addison, PA	Addison, PA	Saturday, May 20 9am –noon –Bicentennial Stamp Cancellation at Addison Post Office 10am –1:00pm-1860’s baseball played at ball field behind the Cemetery (Addison, Rockwood & Pittsburgh teams to play) 10am-4:00pm- Food by Country Lane LambsCrafts & Wool Products (Lutheran Church parking lot) 10am-5:00pm-Vendors on the green space beside Lutheran church 12 noon –4:00pm –Toll House & Addison Museum open 7:00pm – A Play at Addison United Methodist Church entitled “ Who Lived Here?” Admission is free. Sunday, May 21st 9am –10:15am—Church on the Green with Blessing of Pets, Addison UMC (Main St) 10:00am-5:00pm – Food by Country Lane Lambs; Crafts & Woolen products 11:00am-5:00pm – Vendors on green space beside St. John’s Luthern Church 11:15am-3:00pm– Antique/Classic Car Show (Main St –Luthern Church Park lot—music by JohnEB Good. 11:00am-1:00pm– Fireman’s Chicken Barbecue at Fire Hall on Route 40 1:00pm-4:00pm– Addison Museum Frederick Augustine History House Welcome ctr open, Humbertson School Student art display at school –open 1:00pm-4:00pm – Petersburg Toll House open Facebook Page for Old Petersburg-Addison Historical Society

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