Trip #708 Federal Hill Street, Squirrel Hill South, Pittsburgh took place on March 20, 2022, and was published on March 23, 2022.
Is there a more perfect feast for the senses than a moss-covered stone wall on a warm spring day? The nearly iridescent green, so soft to the touch. The dark, rich aroma of damp soil and last season’s decaying leaves. Birds perched on branches waiting for the earthworms and insects who are munching their way through the warming soil; their senses, so much sharper than mine, attuned to movements I cannot perceive. And so I stand still, waiting and enjoying the moment, anticipating what may happen next—until a neighbor steps out onto their back patio, scattering the birds back to the sky. I pack up my camera bag and return the way I came while the slowly re-surfacing subterranean creatures enjoy breakfast.
Field Notes: In looking at Google StreetView, I was nearly convinced that this “paper street” had been absorbed into the neighboring lots. And while that’s true on Saline Street, it’s not the case on the Luwick Street end. You can still see the old asphalt walkway, stone wall, and steps with railing.
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.
