Category: default || By jt3y
OK, I'm a little late on this. Mea culpa. But it took me a while to pull this together, which is a major reason that Almanac production has been even thinner than usual.
May 21 marked the 30th anniversary of a devastating day in McKeesport history --- the day that a massive fire ripped through Downtown.
Just before 4 p.m. that Friday afternoon, sparks from a cutting torch set the roof of The Famous Department Store ablaze. Winds quickly whipped the flames into an inferno that spread uptown, wiping out seven buildings and damaging two dozen others.
The final damages were estimated at $5 million, or about $17 million in today's dollars. And the state and federal government both told McKeesport --- which was already facing a big budget deficit --- to go pound sand.
It wasn't the blow that wiped out the Downtown business district, but it certainly didn't help. Indeed, several of the lots that burned that day are still empty.
In preparing this new section of Tube City Online, I was especially fortunate that a friend, who has asked to remain anonymous, donated several color photos taken during the fire and the following morning.
(Also, if you were around on May 21, 1976, feel free to leave your comments below, or email them to me at jt three y at dementia dot org. Naturally, you'll need to replace that spelled-out "three" with the numeral "3.")
Otherwise, and without further ado ... return with me now to May 21, 1976. We pick up our story in the office of McKeesport Fire Chief David Fowler ....
30 years ago, and although I was ten years old, I can still remember that day. My family and I went to a Cub Scout function (I think it was a circus) and then afterwards went up to Port Vue to check out the fire. It was later in the evening and from what the article said, the fire was beginning to get under control.
As a kid, even though we lived in North Huntingdon, we went into downtown McKeesport for all of our doctors and stuff like that. I remember going to our doctor and waiting for hours to get in. The waiting room was filled with people, many smokers (even my dr smoked during the exam). My mom would let us go down a few blocks to where the stores were to look around while we waited. Sometimes, we even ran errands for the nurse/receptionist or other patients my mom knew who were waiting.
It was a very innocent time.
Scott - July 07, 2006
Wow, thank you Jason for the Blog. Your sight and insights provide much enjoyment to those that were around during the 50s, 60s and 70s. Balsamos, B and O, the tank at Renzie, so many more memories flash back into focus. A really great book that cronicals the rise and fall of the US steel industry and thus the MON valley is titled AND THE WOLF FINALLY CAME. I forget the author and the book is backed away however any one interested in the mon and its history must read. Again thank you. JIM C Altoona, former East McKeesport
jim carothers - July 27, 2006
To comment on any story at Tube City Almanac, email tubecitytiger@gmail.com, send a tweet to www.twitter.com/tubecityonline, visit our Facebook page, or write to Tube City Almanac, P.O. Box 94, McKeesport, PA 15134.
You are reading the July 06, 2006 entry of Tube City Almanac. Click the banner to return to the Almanac's front page, or click here to visit Tube City Online.
: :
Except where noted, all contents are copyright © 2003-2014 Tube City Community Media Inc., a non-profit corporation chartered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. No content from Tube City Online may be reproduced in whole or part in any digital or print publication without express permission, except that short excerpts may be used with attribution in commentary or for critical purposes.
Published weekdays (usually), except holidays (and when we have something better to do) at McKeesport, Pa., by Tube City Community Media Inc., P.O. Box 94, McKeesport, Pa. 15134.
Opinions expressed here are those of the individual authors, and do not necessarily represent those of any organization. No warranty is given or implied for the information and opinions contained herein; the reader uses that information at his or her peril.
Tube City Online is edited by Jason Togyer, member, National Writers Union, AFL-CIO, and Online News Association.
Also, objects in Tube City Online may be closer than they appear. If Tube City Online is swallowed, seek professional help immediately. Stop use of Tube City Online if condition persists or worsens. Tube City Online is produced in a facility that also includes Peanuts. Do not expose Tube City Online to open flames and keep it out of the reach of children. Do not back up, as severe tire damage may result. Not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Tube City Online is still not a significant source of saturated fats or Minnesota Fats.
Tube City Online does not collect personal information from visitors for any reasons. See our privacy policy.
