Participate in “South Side Voices” Oral-History Project on March 18
Share your story about an East Carson Street building on Pittsburgh’s South Side by participating in “South Side Voices: Stories on Carson” on Sunday, March 18. Stop by anytime between Noon and 4:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, South Side (2205 East Carson Street). Bring old photos or other memorabilia, if you like, and talk about your experiences or family connections with buildings on East Carson Street.
South Side Community Council and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh––South Side––are collecting stories about East Carson Street to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the East Carson Street City Historic District. Graduate students from Duquesne University are facilitating the interviewing process, and the stories will be accessible digitally.
Louise Sturgess, PHLF’s executive director, participated in the February 18 oral-history recording session due to her personal and professional connections with East Carson Street. Her great-great grandfather, John Henry Sorg, built 1805 East Carson Street, where Fat Heads Saloon is located; her grandmother grew up at 1813 East Carson Street; and she and PHLF docents involved several thousand school children in tours and special events along East Carson Street during the South Side Neighborhood Assistance Program from 1998 to 2007. Prior to that, PHLF initiated a community restoration program on East Carson Street in 1968, and awarded loans over the years to help fund the restoration and reuse of several historic East Carson Street buildings. Although not updated recently, PHLF’s “Spotlight on Main Street” website provides a wealth of information on East Carson Street buildings and on our educational programs with South Side area students.
If you are not able to attend the March 18 event but would still like to participate, then e-mail southsidevoices@southsidecommunitycouncil.org to schedule a date to be interviewed. Please share your South Side story.