Schenley Park, Squirrel Hill South (multiple entry points)
Schenley Park. Entire books have been (and could be) written about its legendary and fascinating history, filled with colorful characters, political machinations, creative desires, and a diverse and complex landscape. A person could spend a lifetime uncovering everything this space has to offer.
One place I’m consistently drawn to is the Westinghouse Memorial, at the intersection of Schenley Drive and West Circuit Road. The Memorial, spearheaded by the City Council in 1916, two years after George Westinghouse’s death, was financed by small donations from over 55,000 Westinghouse employees. The Memorial’s sculptures were designed by Daniel Chester French, the same artist who had recently completed the seated Abraham Lincoln statue in Washington, D.C.’s Lincoln Memorial.
While Lincoln’s representation is massive and physically commanding, the centerpiece of Westinghouse’s ensemble is considerably more approachable. Titled “The Spirit of American Youth,” the primary figure is a young man holding a stack of books in one hand and a crumpled hat in the other. The panels surrounding the figure detail the life of the man known as “The Greatest Living Engineer” for his invention of the air brake and automatic signaling devices, which forever changed the trajectory of transportation.
Each panel is exquisite, with details on both front and back, and features a backdrop of oak leaves that reveal a series of fully sculpted trees when viewed from the rear. It’s a piece of art that invites you to come closer and, when you do, rewards you with unique visual treasures.
The Memorial has seen good days and bad since it was installed in 1930. A little less than a decade ago, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy embarked on a substantial upgrade, with improved water management, walkways, and native landscaping. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, encouragement, or simply a tranquil spot to eat lunch, stop by and take a close look. Discoveries await.
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