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DelGrosso’s Interactive Lazy River With a View

Nothing says summer relaxation like some quality time floating in a lazy river. While there are places in the area where you can actually float on the river, if the man made variety is more your speed, then this 1,200-foot lazy river at DelGrosso’s Amusement Park & Laguna Splash is something that you have to …

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Horseshoe Curve: Western Pennsylvania’s Engineering Marvel

If you have ever been to Altoona, Pennsylvania you have probably figured out that the town has a rich history with railroading. This history is evident not only by noticing the current rail industry in the town, but also the many references that can be found regarding railroaders, railroading, and of course, the famous Horseshoe …

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Westmoreland County’s Civil War 11th Pennsylvania Regiment

Today we are going back more than 150 years to the American Civil War, the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment, and one of the Civil War’s most famous mascots. Now, you might be wondering how the Civil War relates to Western Pennsylvania, and that I about to tell you. While many of the famous battles of the …

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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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Precarious Ruins: The Belvedere Hotel in Apollo, PA

My paternal grandmother grew up in Apollo, PA, so every so often my dad would take us up there to visit relatives. One of the curiosities I always wanted to catch a glimpse of was the former Belvedere Hotel.  If you’ve ever been to Apollo you will know exactly which building I am talking about. …

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The Age of the Pennsylvania Trolley Park

Around the 1900s Pennsylvania trolley parks appeared on the scene. They were from an era when trolley cars were a major mode of transportation. While it was easy for the trolley companies to attract customers during the week, but the question of how to sell tickets on the weekend was raised. This was the birth …

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Laurel Mountain’s Lincoln Lodge and Swiss Chalet

I owe my love of historical and iconic attractions to my parents, in particular my dad. When I was younger we would take Route 30 up to Breezewood when we went on vacation. Whether it was attractions such as the Ship Hotel, Kings and Queens Restaurant, or Storyland, he was always receptive to my calls …

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Kennywood’s The Racer: The Era of Figure-Eight Coasters

I am most definitely a roller coaster enthusiast. While I love a good modern coaster such as Cedar Point’s Millennium Force, my heart lies with historic wooden roller coasters such as The Racer which is located in Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh. Kennywood is actually home to three historic coasters: the Jack Rabbit, the Racer, and …

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Murrysville Tree Sign: An 850-Foot Icon

Everyone knows of iconic signs such as the Hollywood sign, but until recently I didn’t realize there was one right in my backyard — the Murrysville tree sign. This super-unique sign was constructed in 1933 by local Boy Scouts. The trees were planted so when they grew they spelled the word “Murrysville.” The sign is …

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Murrysville’s Blue Spruce Motel and John’s Motel

The Blue Spruce Motel in Murrysville has become something of a landmark. In its heyday its pool was “the” place to go to swim. Located right beside Route 22, the pool was hard to miss. Unfortunately, in later years the pool was known for its chipping paint and being abandoned.  Times weren’t always bad for …

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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 Saving of Jennerstown’s Trinity Reformed Church

As you are driving along Route 30 eastbound on the way up the mountain you might happen to notice a small, wooden church in the weeds beside an auto body shop. This is the former building of the Trinity Reformed congregation in Jennerstown.  This unassuming church has quite the history. Originally located at the crest …

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