Arlington Recreation Center, South Side Slopes: 2201 Salisbury Street
The Arlington Gym and Recreation Center is sandwiched between South Side Park and Ormsby Playground on Salisbury Street in the South Side Slopes. While the center offers lots of youth programming and pickleball and basketball for adults, what’s really fascinating (IMHO) about this space is that from 1888 to the early 1930s, it was the site of the St. Clair Incline.
Pittsburgh had lots of inclines during this period, and St. Clair connected Salisbury to S. 22nd Street, some 2,060 ft downhill. Of all the inclines, this one is a standout because an exceptionally horrific accident occurred here in the wee morning hours of April 6, 1909. Based on newspaper articles from that time, the incline engineer on duty lost consciousness, and after the upbound car slammed into the Salisbury station, it began a free fall back down the steep hillside. Inside were workers coming home from the night shift at Cunningham Glass, and only one, Frank Bredl, age 17, who immediately jumped out, survived.
It’s a grim story that reflects how dangerous the “modern conveniences” of the early twentieth century could be. Fortunately, my pondering on past hardships is interrupted by seeing a community mural. A cheerful sun and playful dinosaurs enliven the side of the building and bring me back to the present. Old Pittsburgh has no shortage of somber stories, but it’s important to remember that fun times and happy memories are also plentiful.
Love Pittsburgh’s City Steps? Get a Copy of the NEW Book!
City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide explores the history of the steps and the neighborhoods in which they were built. It also includes 13 guided walks and 20+ locations worth visiting—all with detailed descriptions, directions, and resources for creating your own urban hiking adventure. All areas of Pittsburgh are represented: north, south, east, and west. The book is available through all online shops (including our publisher) and local and independent bookstores.