Trip #107 Martha Street, Stanton Heights, Pittsburgh took place on February 25, 2018, and was published on March 14, 2018.
I was in 7th grade when I learned about “types of conflict in literature,” and MAN VERSUS NATURE was my favorite (and still is). Just think about all the dramatic and thrilling books and movies based on this theme! Courageous (and foolish) humans go up against raging oceans, punishing deserts, indomitable mountains, the list goes on and on. As long as the human species has walked upright, we’ve strategized on how to take the upper hand with nature. We cut down, build up, move around, and just when we’re starting to think we’re in control… BAM! Mother Nature jumps in and starts feasting on our follies. Here on Martha Street, it looks like humans are in charge, but as the lesson in “plot development” teaches you, that’s exactly when everything starts to twist and turn.
Field Notes: From start to finish, I can see why people in the neighborhood choose this flight for exercise (3 people were doing just that as I was sitting on my ass writing…). Good workout, great view!
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
See the Risograph print of this photo and story in the Mis.Steps Shop.
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs, and railings, as well as trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling. If the location has an abundance of illegal dumping and trash, also contact Allegheny Cleanways, letting them know the location and the nature of the garbage. Thank you!!
