2014

Click on any underlined title to see more detailed information on each program, including videos approved for recording by speaker.  If you have trouble playing any video, please let us know at email: sqhillhist@shhsoc.org

December
Early Gas Exploration in the East End
Speaker: JOEL TARR
Richard S. Caliguiri University Professor of History Urban, Environmental, Policy
Few people know the history of Pittsburgh better than Joel Tarr, who has taught at Carnegie Mellon since 1967. Tarr’s research deals with the history of the urban environment and the development of urban technological systems.

November
Squirrel Hill’s Mansions
Speaker: MELANIE LINN GUTOWSKI
Writer, Researcher, Historian
“In the 19th century, the positioning of Pittsburgh as a major manufacturing center and the subsequent rise of the areas steel industry created a wave of prosperity that prompted the beneficiaries of that wealth to construct extravagant residences.” – from Melanie Gutowski book

October
August Wilson, A Pittsburgh Life
Speaker: CHRIS RAWSON,
Senior Theater Critic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
August Wilson was a prolific playwright who eloquently chronicled African American life. A Pittsburgh native, his most celebrated achievement is a 10-play cycle often referred to as the Pittsburgh Cycle, where each play is set in a different decade of the 20th century.

September
Some Observations on 20th Century Architecture in Pittsburgh
Speaker: AL TANNLER,
Pgh. History & Landmarks, Historical Collections Director
Albert M. Tannler, historical collections director, joined PHLF on January 2, 1991. He researches and writes architectural history and oversees the James D. Van Trump Library and the Frank B. Fairbanks Rail Transportation Archive.

July
In Search of Pittsburgh’s Mr. Selfridge:
Unknown Stories from Pittsburgh’s Department Stores
Speaker: DAVID GRINNELL,
Reference and Access Archivist,
University Library System, University of Pittsburgh

June
The Civil War in Pennsylvania: Stories Through Photographs
Speaker: MICHAEL KRAUS,
Curator of Collections at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum

Walking Tour: HOMEWOOD CEMETERY
“Almost 135 years ago, part of the same virgin forest that is now Frick Park was purchased for an equally special purpose: as The Homewood Cemetery….. The Cemetery Association purchased 178 acres of land with the intent of implementing a Lawn Park style Cemetery.” – from Homewood Cemetery website

May
History of Randall’s Toyes and Giftes
Speaker: JACK COHEN, owner of Randall’s Toyes and Giftes
S.W. Randall Toyes and Giftes is Pittsburgh’s largest specialty toy and gift store. They are a family run chain and are currently celebrating their 43rd year in business. Their headquarters is located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.

April
History of the Nationality Rooms of the University of Pittsburgh
Speaker: MICHAEL WALTER, Nationality Rooms Tour Coordinator

March
The History of Tree of Life* Or L’Simcha Congregation
Speaker: DAVID DINKIN

February
History of Coffee Tree Roasters and Commentary on Coffee
Speaker: BILL SWOOPE, JR.,
Co-Founder and Co-Owner of “Coffee Tree Roasters”
The family-run enterprise started with one coffee shop in Squirrel Hill in 1993 and has grown to include five shops with another set to open in Pleasant Hills next month.

January
The Streets of Squirrel Hill:Forbes and Murray Avenues Over the Years
SHHS board members, Mike Ehrmann and Helen Wilson, held a meeting on “Sq.Hill Memories” which included a lot of audience participation. Seems there are a lot of places and memories in the hearts of our “Squirrel Hillians”. Great Meeting !!