A Chronicle of Our Times October – December 2008

This is a continuation of a study started by James Wudarczyk. The purpose is to highlight events in the life of the Lawrenceville community and document the source for researchers that desire more detail.

October 1, 2008 Dozen Bake Shop was featured in The Bulletin newspaper. Located at 3511 Butler Street, the bakery was opened from Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., and offered a Sunday brunch from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Price of quiche was $4.25 and a 16 ounce bowl of soup sold for $4.75. Also the store was noted for their interesting combination of sandwiches ($6.25) and thick large cookies. The interior offered eight tables for two downstairs, five tables for four upstairs, and four tables on the balcony.
Source: “Dining at Dozen Adds Up to Tasty,” The Bulletin, October 2008.

October 1, 2008 To celebrate Octoberfest, Chef Jason Marrone, at the Church Brew Works, served a special pizza, made with bratwurst, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, Swiss cheese, and caraway seeds. Other special dishes were served for the event.
Source: Candy Williams, “An appetite for German,” (Food & Living), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, September 24, 2008.

October 1, 2008 As part of the “Power of Light” program, a $60,000 grant was given by Duquesne Light to light up 10 stately sycamore trees along Penn Avenue in the vicinity of Allegheny Cemetery and St. Mary’s Cemetery, as well as Allegheny Cemetery’s historic Penn Avenue Gatehouse.
Source: East End Partnership of Pittsburgh Staff, “Duquesne Light Will Brighten Cemetery Row,” The Bulletin, October 2008.

October 3, 2008 Our Lady of the Angels Parish kicked off its Second Annual Art and Heritage Fall Festival. The event ran through October 5.
Source: 2nd Annual Art & Heritage Festival Program Booklet.

October 4-5, 2008 “Snapshots Through Time” was the theme of the 2008 Lawrenceville house tour. Kate Bayer was organizer of the two day event. The most unique aspect of the house tour was the use of actors to portray famous historical figures as Stephen Foster, Chief Shannopin, George Croghan, George Washington, among others.
Sources: “Lawrenceville historic House Tour: Snapshots Through Time,” The Bulletin, September 2008.
Gretechen McKay, “Whole house effort,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, October 4, 2008.

Pam Starr, “Historic house tours—Lawrenceville event will include re-enactors, characterizations,” (Living), PittsburghTribune-Review, October 4, 2008. “L’ville House Tour,” The Bulletin, July 2008.
“Call for Actors,” The Bulletin, August 2008. Pam Starr, “Welcome mats roll out for house tour,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, September 13, 2008.
Paula Martinac, “Lawrenceville History Comes to Life in ‘Snapshots Through Time’ House Tour, The Bulletin, August 2008.

October 11, 2008 More than 30 Lawrenceville artisans opened their studios for two free tours. The event was coordinated by Ron Donoughe. The first tour took place on October 11th and the second on October 18th.
Source: Nadia Diboun, “Lawrenceville Artists Open Studios to Visitors,” The Bulletin, October 2008.

October 14, 2008 Robert Stephany, 42, of Lawrenceville and head of the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority, was the subject of a newspaper article.
Source: Jeremy Brown, “Right Thing stabilizes neighborhoods, new URA chief says,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, October 14, 2008.

October 16, 2008 Gary Link, author of Spectrum, was guest lecturer at the Lawrenceville Historical Society public lecture series at McVey Auditorium at Canterbury Place, 310 Fisk Street, at 7 p.m. The series was free and open to the public. Link’s earlier book, The Burnt District was actually inspired by an earlier lecture at the Lawrenceville Historical Society on the Great Fire of 1845.
Source: “L’ville Historical Society Lectures,” The Bulletin, October 2008.

October 18, 2008 Lawrenceville United, Saint Matthew’s Parish and the Door of Hope Community Church teamed up to distribute coats to the needy. Distribution site for the winter clothing give away was at Saint Matthew’s, 5322 Carnegie Street, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Source: “Winter Coat Giveaway in Lawrenceville,” The Bulletin, October 2008.

October 22, 2008 Ty Morse, president of the Lawrenceville-based Songwhale, developed a virtual enhancement program that allows sports fans during breaks in a sports event to watch player interviews, music and videos, and even get gift cards and concession stand coupons.
Source: Kim Leonard, “Tech toys bring game home,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, October 22, 2008.

October 26, 2008 To honor senior parishioners, Our Lady of the Angels Parish hosted a breakfast for approximately 144 seniors and their invited guests in Saint Augustine Hall, following the 10:30 a.m. Mass.
Source: “From the Pastor’s Desk,” Our Lady of the Angels Parish Bulletin, November 2, 2008.

October 30, 2008 Investigative detectives arrested three males (ages 32, 30, and 17) with intent to deliver crack cocaine. The arrests resulted from serving a search warrant on an apartment in the 3800 block of Penn Avenue.
Source: “Public Safety Task Force Report October 2008 Activity,” The Bulletin, December 2008.

October 30, 2008 Caesar and Ilene DiSilvia sought approval from the Pittsburgh Zoning Board of Adjustment to convert the former St. Mary Mercy Manor nursing home, 330 46th Street, in Lawrenceville into an apartment building with 28 units.
Source: “Former nursing home has buyers,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, October 19, 2008.

November 1, 2008 Piccolo Forno, 3801 Butler Street, was featured in the November issue of The Bulleting. Hours of operation were from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. A Tuscan-style restaurant, it was noted for its unique pizzas and other Italian dishes.
Source: Lisa Porter Werner, “The Dish,” The Bulletin, November 2008.

November 1, 2008 A brochure from the Catholic Cemeteries Association noted that St. Mary Church Mausoleum in Lawrenceville was a unique historic project in that it may be the first project in the country that converted a former church into a mausoleum. The church, erected in 1873 and designated as a historical landmark, creatively recycled a historical structure.
Source: “St. Mary Church Mausoleum,” (brochure), Catholic Cemeteries Association.

November 2, 2008 Rev. Blaise Fusco, OFM Cap., passed away. His many positions included serving a guardian of the Capuchin motherhouse, St. Augustine Friary in Lawrenceville in 1988.
Source: “Fr. Blaise Fusco,” (Obituaries), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, November 4, 2008.

November 7, 2008 Len Caric was named as president and CEO of Pennsylvania Brewing Company, Jack I. Sherwood, a former president of Pittsburgh Brewing Company, and Sean Casey, owner of the Church Brew Works, commented on the changing environment of the brewing industry.
Source: Tim Schooley, Pittsburgh Business Times, November 7, 2008.

November 8, 2008 The musical group, “Lohio,” unveiled their new CD “History, the Destroyer” at Brillobox, Lawrenceville, at 10 p.m.
Source: Regis Behe, “Lohio members make their voices heard,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, November 6, 2008.

November 10, 2008 Stephen Foster Community Center, 286 Main Street, sponsored a fall festival to benefit the Aradhana Orphanage in India from 1 until 8 p.m. Cover charge was $5.
The same day, the Sister to Sister Women’s Ministry at the New Bethel Baptist Church, 221 43rd Street, hosted its annual Celebration of Women, with services that started at 10:45 a.m.
Source: “Lawrenceville,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, November 10, 2008.

November 9, 2008 Jazz musician Jolie Holland performed pieces from her new album, “The Living and the Dead,” at 8 p.m. at the Thunderbird Cafe. Admission was $18.00.
Source: Regis Behe, “Talented musician summons The Living and the Dead,” (Entertainment Section), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, November 7, 2008.

November 17, 2008 A unique concept in great dates proposed cemetery tours, followed by a meal. Among the historic cemeteries suggested was Allegheny Cemetery, followed by burgers or wraps at the Thunderbird Café.
Source: Regis Behe, “Cemetery tour can spark love affair with Pittsburgh history,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, (Living), November 17, 2008.

November 20, 2008 David McMunn’s lecture on the “History of Allegheny City,” included a PowerPoint presentation. Sponsored by the Lawrenceville Historical Society, the event took place at the McVay Auditorium of Canterbury Place, 310 Fisk Street, in Lawrenceville, at 7 p.m.
Source: “History of Allegheny City at LHS,” The Bulletin, November 2008.

November 25, 2008 The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation awarded Wellington Power Company of Lawrenceville a $5.6 million contract to rehabilitate the outbound lanes of the Liberty Tunnel. Project was scheduled to be completed by mid-2009.
Source: “Mount Washington: Lawrenceville company wins $5.6M tunnel deal,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, November 25, 2008.

November 29, 2008 Kateryna Yushchenko, first lady of Ukraine, was in Lawrenceville to tour the new Children’s Hospital. A number of articles mentioned the new Lawrenceville medical facility.
Sources: Mike Wereschagin, “Ukraine’s first lady to visit local hospitals,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, November 29, 2008.
Barbara Kennedy, “Letter to the Editor,” The Bulletin, September 2008. Louis Fabregas, “Children’s opens research center,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, October 30, 2008.
Brian Connelly, “New Children’s Hospital Building Lights Up the Night,” The Bulletin, November 2008.
Tony LaRussa, “Children’s Hospital eagerly awaited,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, September 29, 2008.
Luis Fabregas, “Children’s begins fund drive,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, September 29, 2008.
Matthew Santoni, “Health Benefits,” (City &Region), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, November 30, 2008.

December 2, 2008 There were a number of references to Major Augustus P. Davis of Pittsburgh, who was instrumental in organizing the Sons of Veterans of Pennsylvania in 1881. Later the organization changed its name to the Sons of Veterans of the United States of America. The article credited Davis as a superior organizer and noted that as a result of Davis’ efforts, the organization soon spread throughout Western Pennsylvania and into Ohio and the west. Although the article did not mention it, Davis is buried in Allegheny Cemetery.
Source: “Robert Wolz, “History of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Filii Veteranorum (Part Two),” The Banner – The Journal of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, Winter 2008, Volume 109, Number 2.

December 4, 2008 The ninth annual “Joy of Cookies” tour took place December 4 -7 along Butler Street. The planning committee anticipated 3,000 people participate over the four-day event.
Source: “Lawrenceville merchants to host 9th annual Joy of Cookies tour,” The Bulletin, December 2008.

December 4, 2008 The Lawrenceville branch of the Carnegie Library, 279 Fisk Street, hosted several activities throughout December. Events included: (Dec. 6) a book launch party for Rebecca O’Connell’s children’s book Penina Levine Is A Potato Pancake; (Dec. 13) baby and toddler’s story time; (Dec. 15) Pepermint Candy craft for ages 4 -10; (Dec. 20) Family Movie Matinee; (Dec. 23) Christmas story and craft.
Source: “Adult & Children’s Library Programs,” The Bulletin, December 2008.

December 6, 2008 Lawrenceville resident and the children’s librarian at the main branch of the Carnegie Library, Rebecca O’Connell recently published her fifth children’s book. Titled “Penina Levine Is A Potato Pancake,” the book deals with a sixth grader who saves Hanukah. A book launch party took place at the Fisk Street branch of the Carnegie Library from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
Source: Stacie Chandler, “Book Launch for local children’s author,” The Bulletin, December 2008.

December 6, 2008 A hot breakfast with Santa was sponsored by Our Lady of the Angels Parish from 10 a.m. until noon in Holy Family Social Hall. The $5 admission covered the cost of the breakfast, games, a treat bag and chances to win in the great toy raffle. Tickets were sold in advance for the event.
Source: Our Lady of the Angels Parish Bulletin, November 9, 2008.

December 7, 2008 Our Lady of the Angels Parish sponsored a Christmas bazaar from 9 a.m. until 5 pm. in Holy Family Social Hall, 256 44th Street, which featured baked goods, a general store, antiques, food items, and crafts.
Source: “Calendar: Christmas Bazaar,” Pittsburgh Catholic, November 28, 2008.

December 7, 2008 The exhibit “Laughingstock—Humor in Art and Craft” ran at Elroy Gallery in Lawrenceville through December 23.
Source: Kurt Shaw, “Exhibit finds humor in art,” (Living), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 7, 2008.

December 10, 2008 Wabtec of Wilmerding completed its acquisition of Standard Car Truck Company for about $300 million in cash. Standard Car Truck Company, which manufactured engineering components for locomotives and freight cars, had 550 employees worldwide, including 55 employees at the Barber Spring Company plant in Lawrenceville.
Source: “Wabtec acquisition,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 10, 2008.

December 18, 2008 Nearly 22 per cent of the state’s 16,000 nursing homes received the federal government’s lowest ratings in a newly introduced system. On the list receiving one star was UPMC’s Canterbury Place in Lawrenceville. Critics of the new rating system argued that it was inconsistent.
Sources: “Conditions not stellar in a quarter of area nursing homes,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 19, 2008.
Rick Stouffer, “Nursing-home ratings called inconsistent,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 20, 2008.

December 18, 2008 An exhibit of landscapes and other subjects by Karl Eric Leitzel titled “I Paint Therfore I Am” ran at the Gallery on 43rd Street through December 31.
Source: “Gallery on 43rd Street,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 18, 2008.

December 18, 2008 Fe Gallery hosted an exhibit “In the Making 250 Years/ 250 Artists,” which ran through January 10, 2010.
Source: “Fe Gallery,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 18, 2008.

December 18, 2008 Kurt Shaw reviewed Brody Parker Burrough’s exhibit, “Narratives in Oil,” at Borelli-Edwards Galleries, 3583 Butler Street, in Lawrenceville. The show opened in mid-September and ran through January 31, 2009. The artist sold half of the two dozen works on display.
Source: Kurt Shaw, “Narratives in Oil,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 18, 2008.

December 18, 2008 Your Inner Vagabond Coffee shop was featured. The article also included a picture of bellydancer Jennifer Gallagher with the band “Ishtar.”
Source: Regis Behe, “Your Inner Vagabond,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 18, 2008.

December 18, 2008 On most weekends, Belvedere’s Bar, 4016 Butler Street, hosted local punk, metal or inde rock bands, as well as occasional dance nights.
Source: Michael Machosky, “Belvedere’s Bar,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 18, 2008.

December 19, 2008 Thunderbird Café featured Uncle Scratch’s gospel Revival with the Whiskey Daredevils at 10 P.m.
Source: Regis Behe, “Uncle Scratch’s Gospel Revival,” (Ticket), Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 18, 2008.

December 19, 2008 There was an attempted carjacking along Charlotte Street in Lawrenceville.”
Source: “Suspect may be linked to shooting in carjacking,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 20, 2008.

December 21, 2008 Dawn Lundy Martin, 39, of Lawrenceville, an Assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh and founding member of the Black Took Collective, a group of black experimental poets, was named as newsmaker of the day. She was also the cofounder of The Third Wave Foundation and co-editor of “The Fire This Time: Young activists and the new feminism.”
Source: Craig Smith, “Newsmaker: Dawn Lundy Martin,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 21, 2008.

December 28, 2008 Our Lady of the Angels Parish closed Holy Family Church on 44th Street. Closing liturgy took place at 10:30 a.m. with Revered John Daya, O.F.M., Capuchin, as the main celebrant and homilist. Delivery reflections after Mass were made by Reverend Henry Szarnicki, Ph.D., last diocesan pastor of Holy Family, and Sister Lorraine Wesolowksi, O.S.F., a vocation from the parish. The Eucharist was transferred to Our Lady of the Angels’ Saint Augustine Church by Reverend Mr. Francis Dadowski, a diocesan deacon. Doors of the church were closed following the Mass.
Source: (Pamphlet), “Our Lady of the Angels Parish Holy Family Church Closing Liturgy,” Sunday, December 28, 2008.

December 28, 2008 Reverend Steve Ramsier, pastor of Door of Hope in Lawrenceville, was featured on the front page of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He noted he needed a miracle to pay for necessary repairs to his 1918 church. Ramsier said his gas bill to heat the church for one month was $3,000. According to the article, churches were experiencing increased costs, while at the same time had a decrease in contributions as a result of the severe economic recession.
Source: Craig Smith, “Cutting Back While Keeping Faith,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 28, 2008.

December 30, 2008 By a vote of 6-2, the Council of the City of Pittsburgh approved designating St. Mary’s Academy Building as a historical landmark.
Source: “Lawrenceville: Old St. Mary’s Academy building wins reprieve,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 31, 2008.