Copernicus, Chopin, Pope John Paul II: these are just a few of the myriad Polish notables who have left their marks on history. Although these Polish luminaries resided in Europe, when the Polish came to Pittsburgh, they did not leave their remarkable culture behind. The list of accomplishments by Americans of Polish ancestry is as long as some of the consonant-crammed surnames they bear. Witamy
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If you’ve lived in Pittsburgh for any length of time, you’ve probably met someone of Ukrainian descent. Or maybe you are Ukrainian yourself. For those who are not Ukrainian, you may not know much about this nationality group and the country from which they hail. This is not surprising since for centuries, Ukrainians have been valiantly trying to hold on to their country, independence, and
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We have much to offer its residents and visitors. Our cityscape rises majestically from the point of three rivers, impressive with its glittering towers and webbing of bridges. The downtown area is filled with restaurants, shops, hotels, and public parks. The old feel of an industrial city has almost vanished. Today Pittsburgh is not only a busy corporate center and leader in high-tech industries, but
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Congelier House is a monumental part of Pittsburgh’s haunted history. The terrifying story of what has been called “The Most Haunted House in America” would make one very dark and horrifying movie. Some parts of the legend seem to be larger than life. Is Congelier House really filled with the tormented spirits of all those who tragically lost their lives within its walls? The Legends Origins
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Dead Man’s Hollow lines the Youghiogheny River outside of McKeesport. It has a long list of myths and legends dating back to the 1800’s. The area is now a nature preserve that spans over 400 acres owned by the Allegheny Land Trust, but was once an important part of Pittsburgh’s industrial history. Back then, the area was known as the Flemming Station along the Pittsburgh
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Michael Blaha Flowers is one of the oldest flower shops in the Pittsburgh area, having existed for over 100 years. The building it resides in on Bridge Street has had an uninvited guest for just as long. When current owner David Kornely bought the shop in 1991, landlord Kevin Burke told it to him straight: “The place is haunted.” Not a believer at first, Kornely
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After coming to Pittsburgh, many people fall in love with our city and never want to leave. This seems to be true even after death! You may not know it, but Pittsburgh is packed with poltergeists. In 2007, The Associated Press and Ipsos conducted a poll and found that one in three people believe in ghosts. Had they asked Pittsburghers, they might have been surprised
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Pittsburgh is known to Americans as the home of champion sports franchises, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Of course, in Pittsburgh world renowned sports teams are just the start. Innovative Pittsburghers have crafted everything from the steel for the Brooklyn Bridge to a famous sandwich that brings with it a true taste of Pittsburgh. Let us take a look at a
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When it comes to movies, Pittsburgh is no understudy. Since the early 1900s, the city has played a starring role in the film industry. Whether it’s movies about Pittsburgh or movies filmed in the area, Pittsburgh and the movies have a long and storied relationship. First Theater Dedicated to Movies: the Nickelodeon Although movies weren’t invented in Pittsburgh, the city boasts the first theater dedicated
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19th Century 1845: World’s first wire cable suspension aqueduct bridge was built in Pittsburgh over the Allegheny River at 11th Street. 1850s: On Seventh Avenue in Pittsburgh Samuel Kier established the Western Hemispheres first successful petroleum refinery. 1863: William Bullock, of Pittsburgh, received a patent for the first printing press to use roll paper. 1869: Pittsburgh’s George Westinghouse demonstrated the first practical air brake for railroads.
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