Saxonburg and John Roebling’s Wire Rope Workshop (Walking Tour)

Saturday, July 13, 2019
10:00 a.m. – Noon

This walking tour begins in Saxonburg, a borough in Butler County that is about a 40-minute drive from Downtown Pittsburgh. Fred Caesar will lead PHLF participants on a tour of John Roebling’s Wire Rope Workshop from the 1830s and discuss recent restoration efforts. He will also lead our group on a tour of Main Street, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Caesar is the past President of the Saxonburg Area Business Association and the volunteer curator of the Saxonburg Museum. Saxonburg is still laid out according to Roebling’s plan, with only one extension. John A. Roebling (1806-69), an immigrant from Prussia (now Germany) and a pioneer in the design of suspension bridges, became one of the most famous American civil engineers. He designed three suspension bridges in Pittsburgh using an improved method for making wire rope cable that he patented in 1842. His Wire Rope Workshop is located in Roebling Park in Saxonburg.

Fee: members $10; non-members $20
Paid reservations by Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Registration is limited to 25 people and advance paid reservations are required: marylu@phlf.org or 412-471-5808, ext. 527.

Meeting location: 199 North Rebecca Street, Saxonburg, PA 16056

Ending location:  same

Please note: Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour time. The terrain is relatively flat, with only one short hill to walk up from the museum to the old church and Main Street. Everything is within about a half mile. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Before the tour begins, each participant will be asked to sign his/her name on a form indicating that he/she is “fully able to participate in this PHLF tour and assumes all risk of participation.” This tour is handicap accessible, although we appreciate knowing your needs 48 hours in advance. Please contact Mary Lu Denny: 412-471-5808, ext. 527; marylu@phlf.org 

Driving directions to Saxonburg Museum, 199 North Rebecca Street, Saxonburg, PA 16056: 

• Follow PA-28N to Exit 16––Millerstown and Culmerville Rd/Rte 908 in Natrona Heights.
• Turn left onto Millerstown and Culmerville Rd/Rte 908.
• Turn right onto Ekastown Rd.
• Turn right onto Freeport St/South Rebecca St.