Trip #249 Eleanor Street to Berg Street, Southside Slopes, Pittsburgh took place on January 26, 2019, and was published on February 15, 2019.
The ebony-hued stones of the retaining wall show their age and the effects of smog and polluted air. Against this backdrop, the snow appears painfully brightest white. Smooth and untouched, it sparkles and shines and dazzles my eyes. The perfect purity makes me want to imprint my hand or carve my name into its softness, but I refrain. All of its cold beauty will disappear when footsteps arrive, and the temperature rises. But the wall will remain, showing its stone face throughout all the seasons, bearing whatever the weather brings. Somehow bearing all we’ve done and all we’ve yet to do.
Field Notes: I love finding these old retaining walls that were made out of the big stone slabs. Solid even if heavily soiled. Lots of public stairs in and around Eleanor Street!
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!!
