Trip #530 Mann Street, Mount Washington, Pittsburgh took place on November 26, 2020, and was published on December 23, 2020.
The spaces we live in have changed dramatically over the last hundred years. Pandemics aside, compare 1920s Pittsburgh to today. Think about family size, household size, furniture, and appliances owned by an average family. Consider the clothes, toys, or recreational items accumulated by individuals. What constituted the typical Pittsburgher’s “dream home” back then would likely be immediately rejected in our modern age. Today’s homes, both lavish and modest, keep us secure and comfortable, physically well, and reasonably warm throughout the coldest weeks of winter. A 1920s person, including those of affluence, would be amazed by what’s at our disposal. Would you be willing to trade in your computers and electronic gadgets, comfortable furniture, sweat pants, and personal freedom for a trip back in time to live like the ancestors? I know my answer. Even with COVID, I’ll stick with 2020. The good old days were never this good.
Field Notes: This is the uppermost section of the Mann Street city steps. It is wooden and leans this way and that, but it’s still ok to walk on. It was Thanksgiving Day around noon when I visited and there were so many good smells in the air! I think people were deep-frying turkeys on their porches or backyards. 🙂
Love city steps? Get yourself the latest issue of Mis.Steps: Our Missed Connections with Pittsburgh’s City Steps! Each copy is unique and features 10 randomly selected “trading cards” of Pittsburgh’s 739 public stairways. Visit the Mis.Steps online store to see all issues and place your order.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
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.
