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The Hidden Hoist in Greensburg’s McColly Building

The railroad was part of Greensburg’s lifeblood for a long time. After all, goods had to be moved by wagon so most of the businesses had to be local. This is why it can be so interesting to discover the original uses for buildings such as the McColly building on Pennsylvania Avenue here in Greensburg. …

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Greengate Mall, Horne’s, and the Cantini Sculpture

I love it when pieces of history suddenly reappear. This may mean a brochure to a long-gone hotel, a matchbook to a past restaurant, or even a pennant to an old attraction. The longer these places are gone, the harder memories are to find. This is particularly true with a beloved Greensburg icon — Greengate …

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The La Rose Shop Fire: Greensburg’s Deadliest Fire

This post contains a graphic image which may be disturbing to children and some people. Please use discretion. Greensburg has seen its share of deadly fires over the years. In 1972, two men were killed in a fire at the Penn Albert Hotel. Numerous people have lost their lives in house fires. However, nothing stands …

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The Last Evidence of Western Pennsylvania’s Mine History

It’s no secret that Western Pennsylvania was once an area beholden to the Pittsburgh steel industry. Coke ovens dotted the hillsides, mines were producing coal, and railroads were providing a steady stream of supplies to the still mills in the city. Over time, however, coke and coal were no longer needed to fuel the massive …

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Monsour Medical Center: The Final Days

If you missed my post yesterday about the beginnings of Monsour Medical Center from yesterday be sure to take a few minutes to check it out. It was inevitable what was to come. The hospital was in such bad shape from vandals, arsonists, and trespassers that the inside was completely trashed. Medical charts, mattresses, and …

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The Rise and Fall of Monsour Medical Center in Jeannette

It was a hospital that couldn’t cure it’s own illness. It should have been an American success story. Four Syrian brothers, sons of immigrants whom all obtained medical degrees, came to the Jeannette area and started a community hospital from scratch. It was a remarkable feat.  Too bad the story didn’t have a happy ending. …

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The Changing Look of South Pennsylvania Avenue in Greensburg

I love seeing what has changed in Greensburg and what has stayed the same. Even more so, I love looking at old postcards and photography and looking for clues about what buildings still exist, what has changed, and what are just a memory.  Recently, I ran across a postcard that I hadn’t seen before. It’s …

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Should the Red X on a Building Be Feared?

A little over a year ago, white signs with red “X”s began popping up around the City of Greensburg. Some people weren’t sure what they meant, others wondered if these structures were destined for the wrecking ball.

After some discussion took place on a Facebook thread I posted a couple of weeks ago it seems that people are confused. I decided to delve into the issue some more.

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A Look Back at Greensburg’s West Pittsburgh Street School

For over 100 years a school had stood at the site of the former West Pittsburgh Street Elementary School. The first school was a four-room brick building which was built in 1880. In fact, when Ludwick, East Greensburg, and Southeast Greensburg were merged into the borough in 1905 Ludwick was the only one with an …

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Do You Know the Muffler Man? We have one in Greensburg!

Roadside oddities have always been some of my favorites. They are throwbacks to the days when traveling wasn’t just about the destination, but enjoying the journey was also part of the fun. One of these roadside giants that has risen in popularity in recent years and has piqued the curiosity of many is known as …

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#TBT: Remembering Greensburg’s Mountain View Inn

If you know me, you know that I love history. I have a lot of really interesting antiques, postcards, and photographs that I have collected over the years. What good is a collection, however, if you can’t share it? This is why I have decided to do a weekly Throwback Thursday (#TBT) history post. I …

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