Trip #624 Ansonia Place to Mobile Home Court, Overbrook took place on August 6, 2021, and was published on August 18, 2021.
We often use the expression “I’m on a mission” to describe an activity or goal we’re giving 100% attention and effort to accomplish. From cleaning the basement to finding the perfect eyeglasses to grassroots organizing for social change (or a zillion+ other things), when we’re on a mission, it’s easy to become hyper-focused. But, unfortunately, too much tunnel vision can lead to replacing flow with rigidity and fun with hard labor. And who wants that?? Nobody. But we often end up leading ourselves to these very spots and are then surprised or disappointed with their rather unpleasant outcomes. So instead, back up a bit. Allow for a more expansive view. Remember that sometimes, “Mission Accomplished” will mean something different from what was initially expected.
Field Notes: When Bob Regan visited here 20 years ago, there was a flight of city steps that connected the mobile home court to a street that is now known as Ansonia Place. There had been several houses on this street (viewable on historic maps dating to 1993) but not anymore! Depopulation and massive changes to public transit mean this area is very different now. Ansonia Place is now closed to vehicles and looks a bit like a nature trail. 🙂 Also, due to the isolation it appears to be popular with graffiti artists.
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.
