Trip #649 Hampshire Avenue, Beechview, Pittsburgh took place on October 8, 2021, and was published on October 18, 2021.
In some ways, our lives are like an iceberg: the small, visible part is used by others to identify and know us, and much of what makes us who we are resides below the waterline. But unlike those massive, floating blocks of ice, we rarely break apart or melt away. If anything, the opposite happens, and with each passing season, we add new layers to the parts both above and below. As a result, all of our experiences, memories, and events are slowly covered by more experiences, memories, and events—layers upon layers, year after year. And we often forget they’re there at all until a day comes when a corner is lifted, and we remember what lies beneath.
Field Notes: This is a combination of two hillside flights connected by a (now buried) sidewalk. Bits of the sidewalk can be seen peeking out from under the accumulated leaves, dirt, and branches.
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.
