The name Schenley has been immortalized all over Pittsburgh, but if Mary Elizabeth Croghan Schenley were alive today, no doubt her name would be in the headlines for every celebrity gossip site. A descendant of one of Pittsburgh’s most illustrious families, Mary Elizabeth Croghan was born in April 27, 1826, in Louisville, Kentucky, to William Croghan, Jr., and Mary O’Hara. Mary O’Hara was the daughter
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The year was 1968. Martin Luther King was assassinated. Robert Kennedy was assassinated. Students occupied Columbia University as Vietnam War protests broke out all over the country. Riots erupted at the Democratic National Convention. American Olympic medalists gave the Black Power salute during the medals ceremony. And Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood went national. If ever a man was not of his time, it was Fred Rogers.
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The woman who would become famous as Nellie Bly was born Elizabeth Jane Cochran on May 5, 1864. She was the child of a prominent judge and a loving mother in Cochran’s Mills, PA, just forty miles east of Pittsburgh. Before becoming known as Nellie, Jane acquired the nickname of “Pink” when her mother christened her in a bright pink gown. Perhaps it was an
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Pittsburgh, like the best metropolitan cities, has been a melting pot whose famous notables rose above humble beginnings to contribute to our national identity. From sports icons to little known inventors, Pittsburghers have touched the world! Sports Legends Kurt Angle Kurt Angle, world champion wrestler, graduated from Clarion University and won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1996. Dan Marino One of the most famous quarterbacks
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Dahlen Ritchey was born January 31, 1910, and grew up in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh on Parkview Avenue. Along with his sister Virginia, Dahlen was one of two children of Charles and Anne Ritchey. Their father was employed at J&L Steel, and the family lived close to Forbes Field where Dahl often worked as an usher. Since Parkview Avenue was in close proximity to
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“Anytime you have an opportunity to make things better and you don’t, then you are wasting your time on this Earth.” ~Roberto Clemente Pittsburgh awoke to a big snow storm on New Year’s Day in 1973. The news that greeted Pittsburghers as they turned on their radios and televisions was unbelievable. Tragically, their star Pirate baseball player had been taken from them in the prime
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Henry John Heinz left a considerable legacy in the city of Pittsburgh. Henry John was the oldest of eight children born to German immigrants. He was a hard working businessman who grew it into a multi-million dollar enterprise based in Pittsburgh. Henry was both shrewd and careful with his wealth. He gave generously to charitable and educational institutions. His endowment has carried on his charitable
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Pittsburgh is proud of its famous sons and daughters, including William Pitt, Stephen Foster, Andrew Carnegie, Nellie Bly, and Fred Rogers. But like most families, Pittsburgh has had its share of black sheep. Some of Pittsburgh’s most notorious residents have stories that still fascinate today. Simon Girty You may have heard of the stream called Girty’s Run. A tributary of the Allegheny River that runs
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Attack Theatre, which creates original collaborative dance-based performances, was founded in 1994 by Michele de la Reza and Peter Kope. In honor of the theatre’s 20th anniversary (in 2014), Popular Pittsburgh asked Michele to reflect on the theatre’s two decades of success. Q. What was it about Pittsburgh that made you decide to found Attack Theatre here? A. Originally from Houston, Texas, I moved to
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With the rising popularity of zombies in American culture, many cities are fighting over the title of “Zombie Capital of the World”. There may be no settlement to this dispute, but it’s certain that Pittsburgh has strong roots in zombie pop culture history and remains an important part of what makes Pittsburgh unique. Originally, zombies in film were much different from the zombies of today.
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