Trip #188 South 18th Street to Pius Street, Southside Slopes, Pittsburgh took place on September 13, 2018, and was published on September 19, 2018.
A long time ago, before the Internet and cell-phones and Facebook messenger, the late Tom Petty penned a now-famous song that got us singing how “the waiting is the hardest part.” But I’d like to venture that it’s not the time spent waiting, but rather the time spent doing, that makes our lives so hard (although it probably doesn’t make for catchy lyrics). How average people conducted their lives in 1981, the year the song was released, appears almost alien to our NOW culture, where perceived wants or needs must be fulfilled quickly, if not instantly, to stave off jitters, anxiety, or irritation. And the faster we “do,” the more frequently we “do,” the harder it is to stay still. To wait. Even for a minute. The 4:02 it takes to listen to a song can feel never-ending.
Field Notes: This is the big flight connecting South 18th Street to Pius Street that you can see lit up at night! Each of the steps is individually lighted using LED lights along with cor-ten light poles projecting colored light. Cool!
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!!
