Pittsburgh Memories of the 2,000,000 who moved

There are Pittsburgh expatriates all over the country, that's why the Steelers seem to have a "home field advantage" even when they play away. Here in Collin County (suburb North of Dallas) I have noticed three sports bars which advertise "All Steelers Games!". No other "foreign" team is so featured here in the heart of Cowboy Country.

The population of Greater Pittsburgh is pretty much the same as when I left for graduate school in 1969: 2,000,000. Had the career prospects been there I would have returned, but the grass was greener in Northern Virginia. Had the Pittsburgh economy not been affliced by "hardening of the arteries" the population would have been 4,000,000 by now. Interestingly, my four children - all born and raised in Redskin Country - are all Steelers fans!

Sad, but true: the major industry in Greater Pittsburgh is now health care for its aging population. In my youth Pennsylvania had the same number of Electoral Votes as California and Texas was just another "Southern state". I figure that I am just one among several million scattered about the Sun Belt who still consider Pittsburgh to be home. Times indeed have changed, but our loyalties never will.

So, here is a place to remember the food and the life we once enjoyed and a place for the 2,000,000 who still live there to make us hunger to return, even if just for a visit.
BLACK & GOLD forever!

CHIPPED HAM!

Metroplex...Were you in Pittsburgh in the late 80's early 90's? Anyone?

Your sentence about the food, life and hunger to return sums up how we feel about the Niagara Falls/Buffalo area, Jim.

Here's to the memories:

Watching the incomparable Roberto Clemente at Three Rivers. Listening to Bob Prince say: "Let's get some chicken on the hill with Will."

Taking the high school sweetheart to the Samurai Steakhouse and taking the incline to Le Mont for Chateaubriand.

Going to my first rock concert at Civic Arena to watch J Geils open for Emerson Lake and Palmer in Nov. 71.

Myron Cope.

Duck a l'orange at the top of the US Steel Buiding.

Isaly's and Sweet William's.

The Boss at Syria Mosque just before "Born to Run" came out. Aug 75.

The Post-Gazette Sunday funnies.

Here's to salt-of-the-earth steel workers like my dad.

Not a bad list, and I grew up in Youngstown.

Brick Alley (Iron City Houserockers) at The Decade

Norm Nardini and The Tigers, The Silencers with Warren King

Community College of Allegheny County (South Campus)

Watching air shows at the Allegheny County Airport from the slag heap... Watching the glow as the rail cars dumped slag at night

Fish sandwiches at Dorido's in South Park... pizza and hoagies at Danny's and Beto's in South Park

Post Gazette in the morning, Press in the late afternoon

Loving/hating/loving Prince, but detesting Hamilton, and kinda liking Frattere

Cope in the late '60s/early '70s; "SOS again this year; Same Old Steelers..."

Party Pretzel with Ed and Wendy King

quote:

Originally posted by Baah Ben

Metroplex...Were you in Pittsburgh in the late 80's early 90's? Anyone?

I moved away in '87.

Who remembers "These's No Winky's in Wilmerding"? Who remember's Winky's? Isaly's had the BEST Chipped Ham but also Skyscraper cones. Station Street Original, open 23 hours a day, along with The Dirty "O".

OMG! Somebody remembers the Silencers (not to be confused with the Minneapolis Silencers). "Modern Love" and "Peter Gunn Theme". Killer songs.

And the Iron City Houserockers. "Have a Good Time But Get Out Alive."

WDVE.

Iron City Beer in tiny cans?

...Russ

Can you guys and gals from Pittsburgh answer a question for me. Why is the Steelers Logo only on one side of the helmet?

...Russ

The colors were chosen to promote the attributes for steel: yellow lightens your work; orange brightens your leisure; and blue widens your world. The logo's meaning was later amended to represent the three materials used to produce steel: yellow for coal; orange for iron ore; and blue for steel scrap

The Steelers liked the idea presented by Republic Steel, despite the fact that the company was located in the city of their bitterest rival, the Cleveland Browns, and proudly sported the new logo on their helmets for the 1962 season. After qualifying that year for their first-ever postseason game, they changed the color of their helmets from gold to solid black, which also served to highlight the new logo they felt had brought them good luck.

The new Steelmark logo was originally only applied to one side of the helmet (the right side) by equipment manager Jack Hart because the Steelers were uncertain how it would look on their solid gold helmets. Even when they later switched their helmet color to solid black, they decided to permanently retain the logo on just the one side due to the team's new success and the interest generated by the logo's uniqueness. The Steelers are now the only team in the NFL to sport its logo on only one side of the helmet.

I have been working on a deal for the last 15 months that will make me move to Pittsburgh. Having visited there several times in the past year or so I will say this. First it is nothing like I expected. Pittsburgh is clean, beautiful, historic, and some of the nicest people of any big city I have ever spent time in. The residents love there city and love to talk about it. Doors are opened for women and still a lot of suit and ties. Drivers are way more pleasant than anywhere in Ohio. A great variation in nationalities and food. Locals are passionate about there city, food and most of all sports. They are also very willing to share information with non-locals. I am looking forward to my move if it happens...Russ

quote:

Originally posted by Capybara91

OMG! Somebody remembers the Silencers (not to be confused with the Minneapolis Silencers). "Modern Love" and "Peter Gunn Theme". Killer songs.

And the Iron City Houserockers. "Have a Good Time But Get Out Alive."

WDVE.

Capybara, there are two things that you have to do.

First, watch this Joe Grushecky music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoZ4olrxr7o

Second, go here and order the documentary about Joe Grushecky: http://www.flatbrokeproductions.com/agoodlifemovie.htm

I was a HUGE Silencers fan; the high point of their set was "Secret Agent Man" segueing into "Peter Gunn"! I was at The Decade one night when Albert Collins played there; during his encore he called out, "Where's Warren? Warren, ma' man, c'mon up here!" And Warren King, who was truly and totally lit up, barely coherent, got up on stage and jammed with Albert Collins, and completely held his own.

Steelers fans should head over to http://www.steelersfever.com and register; tell 'em Mosca sent you! I know Mamaduck43 has dual citizenship.

quote:

Originally posted by Mosca

quote:

Originally posted by Capybara91

OMG! Somebody remembers the Silencers (not to be confused with the Minneapolis Silencers). "Modern Love" and "Peter Gunn Theme". Killer songs.

And the Iron City Houserockers. "Have a Good Time But Get Out Alive."

WDVE.

Capybara, there are two things that you have to do.

First, watch this Joe Grushecky music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoZ4olrxr7o

Second, go here and order the documentary about Joe Grushecky: http://www.flatbrokeproductions.com/agoodlifemovie.htm

I was a HUGE Silencers fan; the high point of their set was "Secret Agent Man" segueing into "Peter Gunn"! I was at The Decade one night when Albert Collins played there; during his encore he called out, "Where's Warren? Warren, ma' man, c'mon up here!" And Warren King, who was truly and totally lit up, barely coherent, got up on stage and jammed with Albert Collins, and completely held his own.

Steelers fans should head over to http://www.steelersfever.com and register; tell 'em Mosca sent you! I know Mamaduck49 has dual citizenship.

Thank you, Mosca! Joe's all salt-and-pepper now, kinda like me. I really liked "A Good Life." We all need a good-feeling, no regrets song these days. So then, of course, I had to hang around on YouTube to listen to "Goodbye Steeltown". Then I went on ebay to buy Rhino's Iron City Houserockers collection. I still have "Have a Good Time..." on cassette and it's gotten kind of wobbly-sounding. Wish I could find "Rock and Roll Enforcers" on CD.

quote:

Originally posted by Baah Ben

Metroplex...Were you in Pittsburgh in the late 80's early 90's? Anyone?

I was born in 1948 and lived in Eighty-Four until 1962 when we moved to New Wilmington. I stayed there through college and left for grad school at U.Va in 1969. Even though I lived in Virginia until 2005 and Texas since, I always go the Pittsburgh area several times a year to visit family and friends.

quote:

Originally posted by Capybara91



Going to my first rock concert at Civic Arena to watch J Geils open for Emerson Lake and Palmer in Nov. 71.

I was there, too! They opened the roof of the Civic Arena that night and had the U.S. Steel building fully lit.

Before the concert we ate at the Top of the Triangle and had the Chateaubriand jardenaire. That was the first time I ever enjoyed broccoli (my family always boiled the (crap) out of it).

When we lived in New Wilmington I saw a lot of Youngstown. And I saw a lot IN Youngstown's Park Burlesque!

quote:

Originally posted by MetroplexJim

quote:

Originally posted by Capybara91



Going to my first rock concert at Civic Arena to watch J Geils open for Emerson Lake and Palmer in Nov. 71.

I was there, too! They opened the roof of the Civic Arena that night and had the U.S. Steel building fully lit.

Before the concert we ate at the Top of the Triangle and had the Chateaubriand jardenaire. That was the first time I ever enjoyed broccoli (my family always boiled the (crap) out of it).

When we lived in New Wilmington I saw a lot of Youngstown. And I saw a lot IN Youngstown's Park Burlesque!

I could tell you some stories about the Park Burlesque (parking lot stories) but they would be inappropriate for this forum and would seem tame by today's standards. Wasn't there an Amish community near New Wilmington? My dad loved horses and he would take us for Sunday drives for ice cream and we'd go into PA and we'd pass the carriages. It seemed to relax him after days in the mill. Think he just liked the smell of manure and to hear the clip-clop of the horses.

quote:

Originally posted by Mosca

CHIPPED HAM!

Not just chipped ham-----ISLEY'S CHIPPED HAM!!!

I was in the Sigma Tau Gamma Frat House at Indiana State Teachers College with my brothers when MAZ hit the home run to win the World Series. We grabbed the beer, loaded into cars and drove to the Burgh to get in on the celebration! Cruised the streets 'til dawn and headed back to campus. I always think about that every year about this time! Great times!

There's a Bar, Harold's, in Cave Creek AZ just north of Scottsdale that's owned by an expat. Steelers fans gather there every Sunday morning in season to watch the Steelers Games. Good Grub too!http://www.haroldscorral.com

OMG!!!! The memories.... My dad was an Allegheny County Policeman, and I grew up in one of the log cabins in North Park... I ended up marrying a Duquesne U. grad and off we went to an AirForce life - - - - lived 16 places in 24 years and ended up retiring (and divorcing) in Hawaii.... The one constant through all of those years was the Pittsburgh connection.... The Steelers, of course 24/7/365, and the Pirates in the good years - - I will admit to being a fair weather Pirate fan. I was at the U. of Pa in Philly when Maz hit the homer.... My house mother in the dorm was also a Pirate fan and she treated me to a steak dinner that night!!!!

Every trip 'home' consists of frantic running around to visit relatives - - why is it always easier for me to visit them than for them to visit me??? - - and the endless search for old favorite foods and restaurants... Arsenal kielbasa - - homemade hot sausage from Giels market in Allison Park on Middle road and the yellow belt - - Ethels chocolates - - and coconut eggs from Yetters in Millvale..... I remember the skyscraper cones (whitehouse was a favorite flavor) and klondikes from Isaly Hqs. on the Boulevard.... And chipped ham - - I can get one market to shave ham for me here in Colorado, but it just isn't the same... My mom visited us one time while we were living in the UK - - we picked her up at Gatwick AP, and on our way through London, she opened up her carryon and handed me 5 pounds of chipped ham... We found a bakery, bought some rolls and had sandwiches on our way home.... It is a wonder she wasn't arrested!!!!

One of the few times that I have had my whole gang of kids and grandkids together was at my mothers funeral - - she lived a wonderful long life, and one of the 'must do' things was for my ex and I to conjure up a mystery trip for the day after the funeral/celebration.... We did the pilgrimage to North Park pool (where I grew up), Divine Providence Alpha School, St. Ursulas and Hampton HS... Also we went to Horace Mann School on California Ave and Oliver HS (where my ex went)..... We stopped at the bakeries that we grew up with, drove past West View Park (or where it used to be), and to the houses that we lived in on two short stays in the 'Burgh while he was active duty.... We checked out the YMWHA and IKS where we swam and coached, and the campuses of Robert Morris, Duquesne and Pitt - - my two older kids went to Pitt for a while but transferred to U of Hawaii..... Had a dog and fries at the 'O', and then we even took them past our favorite 'parking' places.... It was an absolutely glorious day, filled with laughter, tears and oodles of memories - - and blackmail material to last a lifetime....

At this time of the year, that part of the country is exceptionally beautiful... No place in this country has a more colorful autumn... And the roadside stands with cider, pumpkins and goats milk fudge were a great part of our annual roadtrips through the countryside....

I loved the old Folk Festivals, sponsored by the Tamburitzans of Duquesne University - - You could pig out for days at the food booths there.... Great ethnic eats, a wonderful show and impromptu dancing in the food halls... And when the Arena dome opened up, a collective sigh would go up from the stands.... Such good memories...

How about these? Watching and meeting the Vogues at the Red Rooster(?) back in the 60's. Also "Duke" in the 7 oz. 48 in a case beer. The little Rolling Rocks were almost as good but they had to be ice cold. And the Dirty O. And what about the old AHL team who played in the old arena?

Forbes Field. Every seat was guaranteed to be behind a steel girder! Didn't matter if it was a Pirates or Steelers Game.
Bobby Layne staying out all night Saturday nite and showing up for the game Sunday drunk as a skunk and winning the game! (May be an urban legend but makes a great story!) Who could forget the "Curse of Bobby Layne"? In 1958, the Lions traded Layne to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Layne responded to the trade by saying that the Lions would "not win for 50 years." At least. Now in 2008, it has been 50 years since the trade, and indeed the Lions have not won a championship in that time. During this time, they have accumulated the worst losing percentage of any team in the NFL.

I was married and had a little boy while going to College in Indiana PA. (1959-63) A special treet was driving down to the old Pittsburgh airport and go up on the rooftop observation deck and watch the planes take off & land. My son (And I)loved it! On the way home, we would stop at a little roadside stand near Blairsville that had the best Ring Bologna and Cheddar Cheese and get a snack for the ride home.

quote:

Originally posted by Foodbme

I was married and had a little boy while going to College in Indiana PA. (1959-63) A special treet was driving down to the old Pittsburgh airport and go up on the rooftop observation deck and watch the planes take off & land. My son (And I)loved it! On the way home, we would stop at a little roadside stand near Blairsville that had the best Ring Bologna and Cheddar Cheese and get a snack for the ride home.

Home of the great Jimmy Stewart, I believe. We used to stop at the Cadet Restaurant in Kittanning on the way from Youngstown to Altoona to visit relatives. And then we'd have to stop in Indiana at a confectionary for some penny candy. I live in the Northwest now and we cannot get Lebanon balogna here so I order it for Christmas on line from some place in Erie.

quote:

Originally posted by Capybara91

quote:

Originally posted by Foodbme

I was married and had a little boy while going to College in Indiana PA. (1959-63) A special treet was driving down to the old Pittsburgh airport and go up on the rooftop observation deck and watch the planes take off & land. My son (And I)loved it! On the way home, we would stop at a little roadside stand near Blairsville that had the best Ring Bologna and Cheddar Cheese and get a snack for the ride home.

Home of the great Jimmy Stewart, I believe. We used to stop at the Cadet Restaurant in Kittanning on the way from Youngstown to Altoona to visit relatives. And then we'd have to stop in Indiana at a confectionary for some penny candy. I live in the Northwest now and we cannot get Lebanon balogna here so I order it for Christmas on line from some place in Erie.

While Erie is a nice place you should consider getting your Lebanon Bologna from the source/area of PA where it originated in this country- Eastern PA. Here are some sources:
http://www.seltzerslebanonbologna.com
http://www.kunzler.com
http://www.godshalls.com
http://www.stoltzfusmeats.com

Weaver's Famous Lebanon Bologna & Baum's Bologna
15th Avenue & Weavertown Road
Lebanon, PA 17042
717-274-6100,800-WEAVERS
Overview
Oldest commercial manufacturer of Lebanon Bologna using authentic outdoor smokehouses.
ENJOY!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Capybara91

quote:

Originally posted by Foodbme

I was married and had a little boy while going to College in Indiana PA. (1959-63) A special treet was driving down to the old Pittsburgh airport and go up on the rooftop observation deck and watch the planes take off & land. My son (And I)loved it! On the way home, we would stop at a little roadside stand near Blairsville that had the best Ring Bologna and Cheddar Cheese and get a snack for the ride home.

Home of the great Jimmy Stewart, I believe. We used to stop at the Cadet Restaurant in Kittanning on the way from Youngstown to Altoona to visit relatives. And then we'd have to stop in Indiana at a confectionary for some penny candy. I live in the Northwest now and we cannot get Lebanon balogna here so I order it for Christmas on line from some place in Erie.

Yep, Indiana PA is the home of Jimmy Stewart. His family owned the most fabulous Hardware store I've ever seen. When they liquidated it, there was stuff in there from 100 years ago. Parts for wagons, wooden buckets, you name it - it was an antique collectors best dream!

quote:

Originally posted by Capybara91

The colors were chosen to promote the attributes for steel: yellow lightens your work; orange brightens your leisure; and blue widens your world. The logo's meaning was later amended to represent the three materials used to produce steel: yellow for coal; orange for iron ore; and blue for steel scrap

The Steelers liked the idea presented by Republic Steel, despite the fact that the company was located in the city of their bitterest rival, the Cleveland Browns, and proudly sported the new logo on their helmets for the 1962 season. After qualifying that year for their first-ever postseason game, they changed the color of their helmets from gold to solid black, which also served to highlight the new logo they felt had brought them good luck.

The new Steelmark logo was originally only applied to one side of the helmet (the right side) by equipment manager Jack Hart because the Steelers were uncertain how it would look on their solid gold helmets. Even when they later switched their helmet color to solid black, they decided to permanently retain the logo on just the one side due to the team's new success and the interest generated by the logo's uniqueness. The Steelers are now the only team in the NFL to sport its logo on only one side of the helmet.

And they are the only team in the NFL NOT to have those cheesy cheerleaders!

quote:

Originally posted by MetroplexJim

quote:

Originally posted by Capybara91

The colors were chosen to promote the attributes for steel: yellow lightens your work; orange brightens your leisure; and blue widens your world. The logo's meaning was later amended to represent the three materials used to produce steel: yellow for coal; orange for iron ore; and blue for steel scrap

The Steelers liked the idea presented by Republic Steel, despite the fact that the company was located in the city of their bitterest rival, the Cleveland Browns, and proudly sported the new logo on their helmets for the 1962 season. After qualifying that year for their first-ever postseason game, they changed the color of their helmets from gold to solid black, which also served to highlight the new logo they felt had brought them good luck.

The new Steelmark logo was originally only applied to one side of the helmet (the right side) by equipment manager Jack Hart because the Steelers were uncertain how it would look on their solid gold helmets. Even when they later switched their helmet color to solid black, they decided to permanently retain the logo on just the one side due to the team's new success and the interest generated by the logo's uniqueness. The Steelers are now the only team in the NFL to sport its logo on only one side of the helmet.

And they are the only team in the NFL NOT to have those cheesy cheerleaders!

Nothing wrong with a little "Cheese"!

quote:

Originally posted by Foodbme

quote:

Originally posted by Mosca

CHIPPED HAM!

Not just chipped ham-----ISLEY'S CHIPPED HAM!!!

The Isleys sang "Shout!"; Isaly's had the chipped ham!

was wondering if anyone remembers the St Paddy's Day blizzard of 1973. I was in high school-first time I had flown. We left Laguardia in New York and it was 70 degrees. By the time we skidded into Pittsburgh, there was 24 inches of snow. The teacher's daughter was driving and we slid off the highway like 3 times. Finally, we skidded into a pizza parlor sign in Coraopolis. So the teacher's relatives came and bailed us out, slept somewhere in Zelienople for the night.

I was born in Butler an then moved to Pgh from 75 til May of 93. Went to Duquesne and then Pitt. Left for a post doc and found my way back to Pennsylvania but to the land of bad football, outside of Phily. Go Steelers! Not that I care that much about football, I just like winding up the Phily fans. I do hope the Phillies do well in the playoffs but the Eagles....

I remember the skyscraper cones at Isley's and yes white house was my favorite. Chipped ham and Rhoda's (Rodents) rare roast beef o fresh bagels from Bagel land

Ahh the Electric Banana and Pirmanti's at 1:45 AM, Robert Fripp and the League of Gentlemen at the Decade(plus countless others including Stevie Ray Vaughan) and sneaking into every Frank Zappa concert at the Stanley.

The garlic puff's at Klines on lightup night
Fish sandwiches at Willies in Valencia
The shrimp rolls at the New Chinatown Inn
Aiellos pizza, always sausage and green pepper
The old fellow at vinnies making pizza with a cigarette in his mouth with about 2 inches of ash
Ribs at the House of Sauce
Mystery sandwiches from Chiodos
Gyros at Mike and Tonys
Tessaros
Kim's coffee shop, Vietnamese

But most of all wings with dry seasoning at the Lyndora hotel slathered with chicken hot sauce(sriachi) and hot dogs from the best place "where the best people on earth pass thru the doors, our customers" the Hot Dog Shop on Cunningham st in Butler.

Sadly the Hot dog shop is gone but thje Lyndora hotel is still there, closed 2 days out of the year with a fine patina of grease over everything. Thomas hot sausage!

The Hot Dog Shop had years of chewing gum under the tables, a standard at which we judged any resturant, if it didn't have gum under the table, it must not be any good. Does anyone remember the Hot Dog shop?

MamaDuck, your mother was a gem, may she always dine well in the stars. After many years of UK trips, ag snagged my back bacon from the UK.

many tanks to MetroplexJim for starting this!

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Originally posted by Foodbme

quote:

Originally posted by MetroplexJim

quote:

Originally posted by Capybara91

The colors were chosen to promote the attributes for steel: yellow lightens your work; orange brightens your leisure; and blue widens your world. The logo's meaning was later amended to represent the three materials used to produce steel: yellow for coal; orange for iron ore; and blue for steel scrap

The Steelers liked the idea presented by Republic Steel, despite the fact that the company was located in the city of their bitterest rival, the Cleveland Browns, and proudly sported the new logo on their helmets for the 1962 season. After qualifying that year for their first-ever postseason game, they changed the color of their helmets from gold to solid black, which also served to highlight the new logo they felt had brought them good luck.

The new Steelmark logo was originally only applied to one side of the helmet (the right side) by equipment manager Jack Hart because the Steelers were uncertain how it would look on their solid gold helmets. Even when they later switched their helmet color to solid black, they decided to permanently retain the logo on just the one side due to the team's new success and the interest generated by the logo's uniqueness. The Steelers are now the only team in the NFL to sport its logo on only one side of the helmet.

And they are the only team in the NFL NOT to have those cheesy cheerleaders!

Nothing wrong with a little "Cheese"!

Indeed, I live in Dallas now (actually safely north of Dallas) and am a great admirer of pulchritude. Dallas started the "professional cheerleader" craze. Maybe they needed to because you can always buy a "scalped" ticket at game-time at Texas Stadium for face value (or less). Try that outside Heinz Field where it takes five bills to have a whisper of a hope. I'm proud that the Rooneys have far too much class and respect for the game to have allowed such crass ancillary promotion "gimmicks".

There is no need to "promote" the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

Oh, my - - the more I read, the more the brain cells start working... I had a good friend who lived in New Wilmington, and relatives who graduated from Wesminister College.... My friends dad used to hate getting behind an Amish buggy on the two lane roads around NW....

Friends of my folks lived in Indiana, PA - - the Christmas tree Capital of the state - - miles and miles of trees.... There was a hobbyist there who had built a 'tiny town' - - that he opened to the public during the holidays... It rivaled Buhl Planetariums train layout.... And an interesting side note - - Jimmy Stewart traveled to South East Asia while my then hubby was stationed there... He needed a pair of size 13 combat boots so that he could go on a flight and he borrowed hubby's.... I though about getting them bronzed, but that seemed to be a bit much....

When I was a kid, we used to travel through Stowe Twp. on Thursday and Friday evenings.... We always stopped at Mancini Bakery to get fresh hot bread.... It was heavenly..... And we often brought a couple of big pots with us so that we could stop at one of the churches in McKees Rocks to pick up pierogies to take home...

Fish sandwiches at Wholeys were a standard Friday meal.... And remember when the churches had Friday fish fries and Strawberry festivals... Good eats for sure...

One of my first jobs was at a WT Grant store - - I loved the hotdogs in the split top buns... I guess you can still find the buns in New England, but they were so good toasted on the griddle while the customer waited patiently.... I used to have the job of roasting the raw nuts and tried to control the supply so that I could add that great aroma to the store on crowded Saturdays - - and fresh popped corn added to that....

I am sure that I will have more to add to this as the days go by....

Goooooo, Steelers!!!!!!

In times like these----Isn't it a wonderful thing to have an outlet like this that allows us to think and post comments that bring a smile to our faces and a nice feeling to our hearts. Thanx Metrojim! The sad thing is our kids and grandkids will probably not enjoy the same joy. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR GRANDKIDS ABOUT THE BEST TIME TO BE ALIVE IN AMERICA!

quote:

Originally posted by Oneiron339

How about these? Watching and meeting the Vogues at the Red Rooster(?) back in the 60's. Also "Duke" in the 7 oz. 48 in a case beer. The little Rolling Rocks were almost as good but they had to be ice cold. And the Dirty O. And what about the old AHL team who played in the old arena?

AAAh, yes - Duke - the Prince of Pilsners. 3 quarts for $1.00 when was a senior in high school in '70. I think that the other cheap beer we got, Stegmeier, was from the Pittsburgh area too, wasn't it?

quote:

Originally posted by badseed555



Ahh the Electric Banana and Pirmanti's at 1:45 AM, Robert Fripp and the League of Gentlemen at the Decade

Hey, I was at that show, it was AWESOME! I remember the encore; Steve Winwood's "Walking in the Wind". It started as chaos, eventually defined the theme, spun out into the ether, and then descended into the theme, and ended as chaos! the encore alone was what, maybe a half an hour?

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Ribs at the House of Sauce

Was that the place over by Bob McCall's soul food restaurant, in between Oakland and Bloomfield; no seating, takeout only? those were good ribs! And the shoofly pie was great, too!

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Gyros at Mike and Tonys

Gyros at The Souvlaki House, felafel at Khalil's...

How about The Rib Joint, down the Mon in West Elizabeth... with hot, atomic, and the mother of all sauces, BATMAN!

circa 1971 I thought the Monroeville Mall was the Taj Mahal or something. Made Youngstown's mall look pathetic. I checked out all the girls ice skating and imagined the possibilities.

Did Monroeville have a Schrafts?

Well, I still live around that area and you guys can have it. I'm looking forward to moving and the wife has finally agreed.

quote:

Originally posted by Niagara

quote:

Originally posted by Oneiron339

How about these? Watching and meeting the Vogues at the Red Rooster(?) back in the 60's. Also "Duke" in the 7 oz. 48 in a case beer. The little Rolling Rocks were almost as good but they had to be ice cold. And the Dirty O. And what about the old AHL team who played in the old arena?

AAAh, yes - Duke - the Prince of Pilsners. 3 quarts for $1.00 when was a senior in high school in '70. I think that the other cheap beer we got, Stegmeier, was from the Pittsburgh area too, wasn't it?

Seems to me Stegmaier was from around Pottstown, but it's been awhile so I'm not sure.

quote:

Originally posted by tkitna

Well, I still live around that area and you guys can have it. I'm looking forward to moving and the wife has finally agreed.

Can't blame you. The Youngstown-Steubenville-Wheeling corridor has been terribly depressed for years. Near New Wilmington, where my mother still lives, the cities of New Castle and Sharon have lost all of their industry and over two thirds of their population since we moved there in 1962. The business base of the area is now health care for those who remain, assisted-living, nursing homes, and funeral parlors.

Don't forget that this topic is "Pittsburgh Memories of the 2,000,000 who moved". When you make us 2,000,002 you will also have fond memories. Trust me on that.

And I realize that my old home is still a great place to visit: a wide variety of excellent food, e.g., The Villanova Inn and the original Quaker Steak & Lube, and 20+ public golf courses, some of which charge $16. for 18 with cart and others designed by Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast where a round is $25, with cart. Throw in the Amish Community and the antique and crafts shopping (Volant, PA -"the place where Christmas exploded") and one has a helluva vacation "on the cheap".

Check these accomodations: http://www.buhlmansion.com/

And Mr. Kitna, you will always have Oglebay Park: http://www.oglebay-resort.com/

yes Isaly's Chipped Ham is still made and available at local deli counters.

A trip to the burgh over the Columbus Day weekend rekindles my memories of great local foods like Klondike bars, Mancini's bread and of course, Pierogi's Plus, in McKees Rocks.

Only the Jenny Lee Bakery has bit the dust in recent months.

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Originally posted by Oneiron339

quote:

Originally posted by Niagara

quote:

Originally posted by Oneiron339

How about these? Watching and meeting the Vogues at the Red Rooster(?) back in the 60's. Also "Duke" in the 7 oz. 48 in a case beer. The little Rolling Rocks were almost as good but they had to be ice cold. And the Dirty O. And what about the old AHL team who played in the old arena?

AAAh, yes - Duke - the Prince of Pilsners. 3 quarts for $1.00 when was a senior in high school in '70. I think that the other cheap beer we got, Stegmeier, was from the Pittsburgh area too, wasn't it?

Seems to me Stegmaier was from around Pottstown, but it's been awhile so I'm not sure.

Stegmaier has always been brewed right here in Wilkes-Barre!

The other cheap local beer was Stoney's, IIRC.

I'm surprised that Porky Chedwick ("the Daddio of the Radioo") hasn't been mentioned yet.

Because of him I bought my first FM radio in 1964 - a table model RCA encased in Pecan wood and with 'new fangled' transistors instead of tubes. It was quite the investment then: $80 at a time when I was making $1.25/hr. after school and a new Pontiac GTO cost $2,600. The last time I remember, it was still working in the laundry room of our McLean, VA home in 2005. Evidently, my wife tossed it to lighten our move to Dallas. Oh, well; life goes on.

Happily, it goes on for the "Pork Man" as well: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porky_Chedwick

Porky Chedwick was the attendant at the South Park indoor tennis courts, the inflatable ones.

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Originally posted by Capybara91


Watching the incomparable Roberto Clemente at Three Rivers.

When asked who was the best they ever played against, Mays and Aaron both answered "Clemente".

To remind myself of excellence and decency I keep two pictures on the wall behind the display on which I write: one is an 8x10" signed to me by "Bob Clemente" at Forbes Field in 1959 and the other is a half-lifesize photo of him standing safely on second after his 3,000th and, tragically, final hit. His expression and the fact that he actually took his hat off to acknowledge the ovation still makes the hair on my arms stand up when I reflect on the totality of his career.

I've "seen them all" in the past 50 years and the only one who even approached his level of play was Sandy Koufax.

Enjoy these sound files of "the Gunner" describing "The Great One's" play:

http://home.comcast.net/~edinmb/prince.html

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Originally posted by MetroplexJim

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Originally posted by Capybara91


Watching the incomparable Roberto Clemente at Three Rivers.

When asked who was the best they ever played against, Mays and Aaron both answered "Clemente".

To remind myself of excellence and decency I keep two pictures on the wall behind the display on which I write: one is an 8x10" signed to me by "Bob Clemente" at Forbes Field in 1959 and the other is a half-lifesize photo of him standing safely on second after his 3,000th and, tragically, final hit. His expression and the fact that he actually took his hat off to acknowledge the ovation still makes the hair on my arms stand up when I reflect on the totality of his career.

I've "seen them all" in the past 50 years and the only one who even approached his level of play was Sandy Koufax.

Enjoy these sound files of "the Gunner" describing "The Great One's" play:

http://home.comcast.net/~edinmb/prince.html

He could do it all. Hit, catch, run, steal, and lead a team. And he had modesty to boot. I feel lucky to have been alive to watch him play. Having said that, it sure was fun to watch Manny Sanguillen, Davey Cash, Jose Pagan, Dock Ellis, Kent Tekulve.

Remember Paul Shannon's "Adventure Time" on Channel 4?

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Originally posted by MetroplexJim

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Originally posted by tkitna

Well, I still live around that area and you guys can have it. I'm looking forward to moving and the wife has finally agreed.

Can't blame you. The Youngstown-Steubenville-Wheeling corridor has been terribly depressed for years. Near New Wilmington, where my mother still lives, the cities of New Castle and Sharon have lost all of their industry and over two thirds of their population since we moved there in 1962. The business base of the area is now health care for those who remain, assisted-living, nursing homes, and funeral parlors.

Don't forget that this topic is "Pittsburgh Memories of the 2,000,000 who moved". When you make us 2,000,002 you will also have fond memories. Trust me on that.

And I realize that my old home is still a great place to visit: a wide variety of excellent food, e.g., The Villanova Inn and the original Quaker Steak & Lube, and 20+ public golf courses, some of which charge $16. for 18 with cart and others designed by Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast where a round is $25, with cart. Throw in the Amish Community and the antique and crafts shopping (Volant, PA -"the place where Christmas exploded") and one has a helluva vacation "on the cheap".

Check these accomodations: http://www.buhlmansion.com/

And Mr. Kitna, you will always have Oglebay Park: http://www.oglebay-resort.com/

I know. Sorry about my negativity its just I work in Robinson Township and we're losing all our jobs to the people in India and Mexico. I'm just bitter.

I live about 15 minutes away from Oglebay, but my family and I never seem to do anything there. Nice scenery, but unless you golf or ski, your kind of left out.

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Originally posted by Capybara91

Remember Paul Shannon's "Adventure Time" on Channel 4?

With Joe Negri, and Nosmo King....

Now the old memories are pouring back. I don't think I would have ever remembered "Adventure Time". But I watched it all the time. What was the name of the show on Sat. mornings that always had Tarzan movies? I remember being at the airport with my Dad and He said come with me and we walked up to Roberto And my Dad had me shake his hand. Boy was he big, but then I was only about 10 at the time.

In the '60s & '70s There was a restaurant up on Mt Washington called Tambellini's. Overall, It was the best restaurant I've ever enjoyed - food, ambiance, service, etc and I've eaten in some fine restaurants around the world. Is it still there? This place is not to be confused with the Tambellini's downtown.

You have to see buffetbuster's great pics of a classic Western PA Roadhouse of page 2 of this: http://roadfood.com/Forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=30783

Thanks, buffetbuster!!!

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Originally posted by Capybara91

Remember Paul Shannon's "Adventure Time" on Channel 4?

And Studio Wrestling with Bill Cardill!

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Originally posted by MetroplexJim

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Originally posted by Capybara91

Remember Paul Shannon's "Adventure Time" on Channel 4?

And Studio Wrestling with Bill Cardill!

And Bowling for Dollars with Nick Perry of "Triple Six Fix" infamy!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_Pennsylvania_Lottery_scandal

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Originally posted by MetroplexJim

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Originally posted by Capybara91

Remember Paul Shannon's "Adventure Time" on Channel 4?

And Studio Wrestling with Bill Cardill!

I have a personalized autographed picture of Bruno Sammartino on the wall in my home office....

How about Chiller Theatre with Chilly Billy Cardilly! It was always the same 4 or 5 flicks, it seemed; I must have seen The Crawling Eye 50 times, plus Invasion of the Saucer Men (teenagers vs aliens with alcohol in their fingers), The Bell from Hell, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman....

The best part of living in Youngstown was being midway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. On a good day, when all the tubes were functioning, if we turned our antenna in just the right direction, we could pick up Pittsburgh and Cleveland channels. Cleveland had Captain Penny and Barnaby, who were almost as cool as Cpt Kangaroo.

I would also be remiss if I didn't mention Fred Rogers, originally of WQED. What a great human being. I confess to watching him as an adult. He always made me feel calm inside.

And how about Donnie Iris and the Jaggerz? Rap,rap,rap,rap,rap, they call him the rapper.

Oh, wow - - - when Bruno Sammartino was a kid, he used to work out at the YMWHA on Bellefield Street in Oakland... I was on swim team, and he used to peek into the pool from the lockerroom and all of us girls would get all giggly!!!! He sure didn't have a 'swimmers' body, but he was fine to look at.....

Nick Perry used to have some sort of traveling around Allegheny County interview show, and one spring he was looking for things to do in North Park... My dad set him up with an interview with my two best friends and I - - we were rollerskating in the swimming pool parking lot.... My first 15 minutes of fame.... Who knew where he would end up????

I managed to get to Channel 11 studios a few times to watch Bill Cardille's Wrestling... But I also remember when it was broadcast from some arena in the North Side - - across the park from Allegheny General Hospital... Those were the days of Gorgeous George and a few more who's names escape me now...

I remember trips to the Zoo, and to the Aviary - - I know that they had to isolate the Mynah birds from the public, because the kids who went to the HS across the street delighted in teaching the Mynahs cuss words on their lunch hours.....

I wish I could find a bakery that makes kielbasa bread... There was one on Perry Highway who made fantastic rolls on Saturdays - - a crusty roll with wedges of kielbasa inside and seeds and salt on top... Yummy....

quote:

Originally posted by mamaduck43


I managed to get to Channel 11 studios a few times to watch Bill Cardille's Wrestling... But I also remember when it was broadcast from some arena in the North Side - - across the park from Allegheny General Hospital... Those were the days of Gorgeous George and a few more who's names escape me now...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reginald_Lisowski
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killer_Kowalski
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haystacks_Calhoun
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobo_Brazil
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Rogers_(wrestler)

And Bruno is still alive and body-slamming!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruno_Sammartino