Category Archive: Tours & Events
-
Downtown is rife with stone beasts
By Bethany Hofstetter
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, July 28, 2006It’s a jungle out there. Just look up.
Hiding in plain sight on Downtown’s high-rises, lions gnash their teeth at passing cars, eagles and griffins perch above doorways, and dragons threaten to breathe fire on passers-by.
“(Architects) used these animals for decoration, maybe like a flamingo on a lawn today,” says docent Gabe Funaro, of Mt. Lebanon, who leads a city safari of these architectural creatures and gargoyles with Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation’s Downtown Dragon tour.
“It makes the building unique,” Funaro says. “People may not know what the building is, but they will remember that it is the fish building.”
Past the peaceful storefronts of Station Square, Funaro finds a fierce beast with a dog’s face guarding a fountain. The winged animal once stared down at traffic from the side of a now-demolished Liberty Avenue building, but today, its eyes focus over the reflective pool, protecting the pennies and wishes thrown into the water.
Across the Smithfield Street Bridge is the House Building, two blocks from the Mon River, where two creatures splash out of the side of the building. Called a catfish and dolphin by bystanders, the adornments have no real purpose.
Louis Martorella, owner of Buon Giorno, walks into the building every morning to open his restaurant but isn’t fazed by the fangs sticking out of the open mouths of the fish.
“I don’t notice them much, but people from out of town always look up,” Martorella says.
Funaro weaves through the sidewalk traffic to a 116-year-old building, now an attorneys’ office. Claws of a winged dragon grip the sandstone facade, and the beast snarls from its perch toward a parking garage across the street.
Safely on the ground, Funaro walks past the creature and ducks under a low tree branch as he makes his way to Fourth Street. Turning the corner, he stands face-to-face with a giant lion at the entrance to Dollar Bank but doesn’t blink an eye.
“They don’t look ferocious,” Funaro says. “They are more warm, catlike lions.”
One large brown lion sits erect, watching visitors ascend the steps to the bank and looking toward its brother resting its head on a paw.
Across the street, dragons guard their home turf on the Fidelity Building. Puffing out their chests, fire curls out of their mouths above the arched doorways.
These creatures are called grotesques, as opposed to gargoyles, because they serve no function. Gargoyles are built into a structure to spit water away from a building; today’s architects use gutters.
The few real gargoyles left in Pittsburgh are at the top of the First Presbyterian Church, Downtown. Beasts, poised with their mouths open, prepare to empty rain water toward the ground.
In contrast to the angelic and religious windows of the church, the gargoyles sneer on the outside of the building. That doesn’t bother Mary Jane Snyder, church secretary and receptionist, who finds working in the architecturally unique building awe-inspiring.
“Gargoyles serve a functional purpose,” Snyder says. “I don’t know that it would be terribly charming to have water conducted through an angel.”
Bethany Hofstetter can be reached at bhofstetter@tribweb.com or 412-380-5687.
This article appeared in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review © Pittsburgh Tribune Review
-
Carved creatures
By Bethany Hofstetter
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, July 27, 2006It’s a jungle out there. Just look up.
Hiding in plain sight on Downtown’s high-rises, lions gnash their teeth at passing cars, eagles and griffins perch above doorways, and dragons threaten to breathe fire on passersby.Docent Gabe Funaro, of Mt. Lebanon, leads a “city safari” of these architectural creatures and gargoyles with Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation’s Downtown Dragon tour.
Past the peaceful storefronts of Station Square, Funaro finds a fierce beast with a dog’s face guarding a fountain. The winged animal once stared down at traffic from the side of a now-demolished Liberty Avenue building, but today, its eyes focus over the reflective pool, protecting the pennies and wishes thrown into the water.
Across the Smithfield Street Bridge is the House Building, two blocks from the Mon River, where two creatures splash out of the side of the building. Called a catfish and dolphin by bystanders, the adornments have no real purpose.
“(Architects) used these animals for decoration, maybe like a flamingo on a lawn today,” Funaro said. “It makes the building unique. People may not know what the building is, but they will remember that it is the fish building.”
Louis Martorella, owner of Buon Giorno, walks into the building every morning to open his restaurant but isn’t fazed by the fangs sticking out of the open mouths of the fish.
“I don’t notice them much, but people from out of town always look up,” Martorella said.
Funaro weaves through the sidewalk traffic to a 116-year-old building, now an attorneys’ office. Claws of a winged dragon grip the sandstone facade, and the beast snarls from its perch toward a parking garage across the street.
Safely on the ground, Funaro walks past the creature and ducks under a low tree branch as he makes his way to Fourth Street. Turning the corner, he stands face-to-face with a giant lion at the entrance to Dollar Bank but doesn’t blink an eye.
“They don’t look ferocious,” Funaro said. “They are more warm, catlike lions.”
One large brown lion sits erect, watching visitors ascend the steps to the bank and looking toward its brother resting its head on a paw.
Across the street, dragons guard their home turf on the Fidelity Building. Puffing out their chests, fire curls out of their mouths above the arched doorways.
These creatures are not gargoyles; they’re called grotesques, because they serve no function. Gargoyles are built into a structure to spit water away from a building; today’s architects use gutters.
The few real gargoyles left in Pittsburgh are at the top of the First Presbyterian Church, Downtown. Beasts, poised with their mouths open, prepare to empty rain water toward the ground.
In contrast to the angelic and religious windows of the church, the gargoyles sneer on the outside of the building. That doesn’t bother Mary Jane Snyder, church secretary and receptionist, who finds working in the architecturally unique building awe-inspiring.
“Gargoyles serve a functional purpose,” Snyder said. “I don’t know that it would be terribly charming to have water conducted through an angel.”
Bethany Hofstetter can be reached at bhofstetter@tribweb.com or 412-380-5687.
-
Save Our History Community Event on the South Side
Live Radio Broadcast • Scavenger Hunt • Comcast Cruiser • UPMC Health Van • Prizes & More!
April 18, 2005
PITTSBURGH, PA… Come to the South Side Market House on Saturday, April 30, between 6:00 am and Noon and participate in “Spotlight on Main Street,” a free community celebration including a live radio broadcast and scavenger hunt for families and adults, hosted by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (Landmarks) as part of The History Channel’s Save Our History program. Save Our History is working on a national and local effort to mobilize communities and schools across the country to preserve America’s national and local heritage, including landmarks, sites, and artifacts.
In Pittsburgh, Landmarks is focusing public attention on the importance of main streets and the quality of life they support, and in particular is spotlighting East Carson Street. “We hope hundreds of people come to the South Side Market House to share South Side memories and to participate in a scavenger hunt along East Carson Street between 10th and 22nd Streets,” said Landmarks’ chairman Mark Bibro. UPMC South Side is providing free event parking in its lot at 20th and Jane Streets, and East Carson Street is easily accessible by Port Authority buses 51A or 51C.
“We are grateful to PNC Bank for serving as the lead corporate sponsor,” said Louise Sturgess, executive director of Landmarks, “and to Comcast, the South Side Chamber of Commerce, South Side Local Development Company, UPMC South Side, and Brashear Association, among others, who are working with us to make this event a memorable one.”
Since January, students from four South Side area schools–Arlington Elementary, Bishop Leonard Catholic, Philip Murray Elementary, and Phillips Elementary–have been working with Landmarks to collect, record, and save South Side history. Some of their artwork will be displayed in the Market House, and a group of students will serve as event hosts.
Event details are as follows:
1. Live Broadcast–The Saturday Light Brigade
6:00 am to Noon (WRCT 88.3 FM)
Inside the South Side Market House, Bedford Square, 12th & East Carson Streets
The Saturday Light Brigade’s program will feature:
Singer/songwriter Jay Hitt;
Student performers, including Westwood Elementary Chorus, recently invited to sing at the State Capitol in Harrisburg;
The Steps of Pittsburgh authors Bob Regan and Tim Fabian;
The debut of a multi-media website designed by Art Institute graduates Jesse Wilson and Kevin Rim that shines the spotlight on East Carson Street.
Throughout the morning, radio host Larry Berger will be recording people’s memories and observations about the South Side. The Saturday Light Brigade (WRCT 88.3 FM) is an award-winning radio program for children and families that has aired weekly on Pittsburgh public radio since 1978.2. Scavenger Hunt for Families and Adults
Beginning at 10:00 am along East Carson Street, between S. 10th and S. 22nd
Ending at Noon at the South Side Market House (Bedford Square at 12th Street)
Participate as a group with family and friends; or adults can participate on their own. Groups must stay together, and children must always be with an adult.
Several South Side businesses will be giving Scavenger Hunt participants free treats and discount coupons.
Pick up a Scavenger Hunt form at any one of the following three locations, beginning at 10:00 am:Silver Eye Center for Photography, 1015 East Carson Street
South Side Market House, Bedford Square at 12th and East Carson Streets
Carnegie Library, South Side Branch, 2205 East Carson Street
The goal of the Scavenger Hunt is for people to correctly answer as many questions as possible, within the time they have AND within the two-hour time limit. A Grand Prize ($150 value) will be awarded to the group or individual who correctly answers the most questions. All participants will be able to participate in a prize raffle at the South Side Market House following the Scavenger Hunt.The Grand Prize will be a variety of gift certificates to East Carson Street businesses, with a total value of $150.
Raffle prizes include:
ten $100 savings bonds, compliments of PNC Bank;
a DVD player, compliments of the South Side Chamber of Commerce;
DVDs from The Saturday Light Brigade in cooperation with KOCH Vision and New Video;
And gifts fromthe Pittsburgh Pirates,
WQED,
The Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center,
Brashear Association,
South Side Local Development Company,
The Local History Company.
In addition, the first 500 “Spotlight on Main Street” participants will be given commemorative keychain flashlights.3. Molly’s Trolley’s
Molly’s Trolleys will be operating between 10:00 am and Noon to help people explore the 12-block scavenger hunt area along East Carson Street. Board Molly’s Trolleys at any one of five locations (look for the balloons marking the trolley stops):
On South 22nd Street near East Carson Street, adjacent to the Carnegie Library, South Side Branch
Along East Carson Street in the 1700 block (in front of The Bead Mine and in front of PNC Bank)
On S. 12th Street, near Bedford Square and the South Side Market House
Along East Carson Street, near 12th Street, by the parklet and Birmingham mural
4. Special AttractionsAirheads Balloon Art: 9:30 am to 10:30 am, inside the South Side Market House and around Bedford Square. Free balloon art, courtesy of David Weiss.
Comcast Cruiser along S. 12th Street near Bedford Square: 10:00 am to Noon
Tour the Cruiser to see interactive/hands-on examples of Comcast services, including Cable, High Speed Data, and Internet, and products such as HDTV, ON DEMAND, and DVRs.
UPMC Health Van in the 2100 block of East Carson Street: 10:00 am to Noon. Get your blood pressure checked and enjoy a cold juice drink.
History Center Crafts: 9:30 am to Noon, inside the South Side Market House, compliments of the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center
Buildings & Blocks: 6:00 am to Noon, inside the South Side Market House, compliments of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation
For further information call 412-471-5808The event will be held rain or shine.
-
Windows to the spirit
By Kellie B. Gormly
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, October 28, 2003When the Rev. Ron Fleming strolls through his sanctuary at Mifflin Avenue Methodist Church, his 1924 stained-glass display of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane sparkles like a brilliant kaleidoscope in the afternoon sun.
“When the afternoon sun comes through, it is just spectacular. It lights the whole sanctuary,” says Fleming, 52, pastor of the congregation of about 400 members in Wilkinsburg. He says he is reminded of the center of his Christian faith as he views the pre-crucifixion garden display and the towering stained-glass resurrection scene, which looms to the right of the pulpit as he preaches.This church’s opalescent works by J. Horace Rudy, a stained-glass wizard from 1890s Pittsburgh, are among four displays featured on Sunday’s Stained Glass Masterpieces 1890-1930 bus tour. The three-hour tour — sponsored jointly by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation and the University of Pittsburgh’s Learning Solutions program as part of their regular city architectural tours — will escort participants to the four landmark buildings that contain some of the city’s ornamental and stained-glass crowning glories.
Al Tannler, historical collections director for the foundation, will conduct the tour and explain the history behind the sparkle of the stained-glass windows — but all people have to do, he says, is come and look to appreciate the creations.
“Anything I can say to these people is nothing compared to what they’re going to see,” he says. “These are real buildings and real places.
“(Stained glass) is a living art because of the way the light affects the colors and the shapes and what you see.”
Tannler’s tour has another stop in Wilkinsburg: St. James Roman Catholic Church, which has glass works from Boston artist Harry Wright Goodhue and The D’Ascenzo Studios in Philadelphia. The other two churches are in Shadyside: Calvary Episcopal Church, which has glass from several artists including Charles J. Connick of Boston, and First United Methodist Church, whose glass artists are Ford and Brooks of Boston and Edward P. Sperry of Tiffany Glass & Decorating Co. in New York.
Connick, who grew up in Pittsburgh and created the Heinz Chapel glass, recalled “the radiant splendors that struck me dumb” when he first entered Rudy’s stained glass studio in 1894, Tannler says.
Rudy and Connick are examples of brilliant opalescent glass artists from Pittsburgh, where some of the best glass from the time was made, Tannler says.
“People tend to not realize that what they have in their back yard is good and is of value,” he says. “(Stained glass) is really important stuff.”
Fleming has a similar feeling of awe about Rudy’s work, almost 80 years later.
“The hours and meticulous nature of this just amazes me,” he says, running his hand over the aging but still shining glass.
Sparkling, historical glass displays not only have a significant role in the city’s past, but they provide delightful eye candy, Tannler says.
“This is a very vibrant medium. It’s not static,” he says. “You’re not looking at something that is just on the wall; you’re looking at something that interacts with the light and changes. It really is showing how two generations used this ancient product of sand and ash colored by minerals and created this extraordinary artwork.”
Kellie B. Gormly can be reached at kgormly@tribweb.com or (412) 320-7824.