![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 23, 1857
Novelist Margaret (Wade Campbell) Deland was born in Allegheny, Pa. [Historic Pittsburgh]](http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzjq793UD21qakblyo1_500.png)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 23, 1857
Novelist Margaret (Wade Campbell) Deland was born in Allegheny, Pa. [Historic Pittsburgh]
![Republican national convention in Pittsburgh, 1856 (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 22, 1856
The first national convention of Republicans met in Lafayette Hall in Pittsburgh for a two-day session to complete national party organization. [Historic Pittsburgh]
“Why Pittsburgh Lays Claim to Being Birthplace of the Republican Party,” from The Pittsburgh Press, 1928](http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzjs6cQrVi1qakblyo1_500.jpg)
Republican national convention in Pittsburgh, 1856 (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 22, 1856
The first national convention of Republicans met in Lafayette Hall in Pittsburgh for a two-day session to complete national party organization. [Historic Pittsburgh]
“Why Pittsburgh Lays Claim to Being Birthplace of the Republican Party,” from The Pittsburgh Press, 1928
![KDKA workers on strike (via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 21, 1960
KDKA performers, members of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, go on strike. [Historic Pittsburgh]](http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzjpq0P3it1qakblyo1_500.png)
KDKA workers on strike (via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 21, 1960
KDKA performers, members of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, go on strike. [Historic Pittsburgh]
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 20, 1935
Government attorneys accused Andrew W. Mellon, former Secretary of the Treasury, at today’s continuation of the [Mellon tax trial] hearing, of short selling, involving an alleged deficiency in his income-tax payments before the Board of Tax Appeals. [The New York Times]](http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzjpk1z43G1qakblyo1_500.jpg)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 20, 1935
Government attorneys accused Andrew W. Mellon, former Secretary of the Treasury, at today’s continuation of the [Mellon tax trial] hearing, of short selling, involving an alleged deficiency in his income-tax payments before the Board of Tax Appeals. [The New York Times]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 19, 1968
“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” the longest-running program on public television, premieres in America. [Family Communications, Inc.; The Neighborhood Archive]
![Western University of Pennsylvania, 1833, by Russell Smith, Oil on Canvas, Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, Pa. (wiki)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 18, 1819
Pittsburgh Academy was rechartered by the Legislature and renamed Western University of Pennsylvania; its location was on Third Avenue. [Historic Pittsburgh]](http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzjoo33VI11qakblyo1_500.jpg)
Western University of Pennsylvania, 1833, by Russell Smith, Oil on Canvas, Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, Pa. (wiki)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 18, 1819
Pittsburgh Academy was rechartered by the Legislature and renamed Western University of Pennsylvania; its location was on Third Avenue. [Historic Pittsburgh]
![Ethelbert Nevin in his studio at Queen Anne Lodge in Edgeworth, Pennsylvania (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 17, 1901
Ethelbert Nevin, Pittsburgh composer of “Cradle Song,” “A Day in Venice,” “The Rosary,” and other well-known songs, died. [Historic Pittsburgh]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz4wmaUcdV1qakblyo1_500.jpg)
Ethelbert Nevin in his studio at Queen Anne Lodge in Edgeworth, Pennsylvania (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 17, 1901
Ethelbert Nevin, Pittsburgh composer of “Cradle Song,” “A Day in Venice,” “The Rosary,” and other well-known songs, died. [Historic Pittsburgh]
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 16, 1946
The nationwide steel strike was virtually settled today, breaking one of the worst industrial crises in the country’s history.
The backbone of the 27-day-old strike was broken when the United Steelworkers(CIO) and United States Steel Corp. was settled last night approximating the terms proposed by President Truman four weeks ago. U.S. Steel historically sets the wage pattern for the entire basic steel industry. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]](http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz4wefNMXm1qakblyo1_500.png)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 16, 1946
The nationwide steel strike was virtually settled today, breaking one of the worst industrial crises in the country’s history.
The backbone of the 27-day-old strike was broken when the United Steelworkers(CIO) and United States Steel Corp. was settled last night approximating the terms proposed by President Truman four weeks ago. U.S. Steel historically sets the wage pattern for the entire basic steel industry. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 15, 1861
Abraham Lincoln, president-elect of the United States, delivers a speech to more than 4,000 Pittsburgh residents from the balcony of the Monongahela House.
The president-elect was on his way to his Washington inauguration when he stayed overnight in Pittsburgh, accompanied by his wife, sons, and a press contingent of 13 reporters. The next day, he delivered a speech to more than 4,000 residents of Pittsburgh from the balcony of the Monongahela House, whichfaced Smithfield Street between what is now First Avenue and Boulevard of the Allies.
Lincoln’s speech in Pittsburgh, Feb. 15, 1861, adapted from The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln (1953):
“Mayor Wilson and Citizens of Pennsylvania: I most cordially thank his Honor Mayor Wilson, and the citizens of Pittsburg generally for this flattering reception. It is the more grateful, because I know that, while it is not given to me alone, but to the cause which I represent, yet it is given under circumstances which clearly prove to me that there is good will and sincere feeling at the bottom of it. And here, fellow citizens, I may remark that in every short address I have made to the people, and in every crowd through which I have passed of late, some allusion has been made to the present distracted condition of the country. It is naturally expected that I should say something upon this subject, but to touch upon it all would involve an elaborate discussion of a great many questions and circumstances, would require more time than I can at present command, and would perhaps unnecessarily commit me upon matters which have not yet fully developed themselves. [Immense cheering, and cries of “good!” “that’s right!”]
The condition of the country, fellow-citizens, is an extraordinary one, and fills the mind of every patriot with anxiety and solicitude. My intention is to give this subject all the consideration which I possibly can before I speak fully and definitely in regard to it—-so that, when I do speak, I may be as nearly right as possible. And when I do speak, fellow-citizens, I hope to say nothing in opposition to the spirit of the Consititution, contrary to the integrity of the Union, or which will in any way prove inimical to the liberties of the people or to the peace of the whole country. And, furthermore, when the time arrives for me to speak on this great subject, I hope to say nothing which will disappoint the reasonable expectations of any man, or disappoint the people generally throughout the country, especially if their expectations have been based upon anything which I may have heretofore said.
Notwithstanding the troubles across the river, [the speaker pointing southwardly, and smiling] there is really no crisis, springing from anything in the government itself. In plain words, there is really no crisis except an artificial one! What is there now to warrant the condition of affairs presented by our friends “over the river?” Take even their own view of the questions involved, and there is nothing to justify the course which they are pursuing. I repeat it, then—-there is no crisis, excepting such a one as may be gotten up at any time by designing politicians. My advice, then, under such circumstances, is to keep cool. If the great American people will only keep their temper, on both sides of the line, the troubles will come to an end, and the question which now distracts the country will be settled just as surely as all other difficulties of like character which have originated in this government have been adjusted. Let the people on both sides keep their self-possession, and just as other clouds have cleared away in due time, so will this, and this great nation shall continue to prosper as heretofore. But, fellow citizens, I have spoken longer on this subject than I had intended in the outset—-and I shall say no more at present.
Fellow citizens, as this is the first opportunity which I have had to address a Pennsylvania assemblage, it seems a fitting time to indulge in a few remarks upon the important question of a tariff—-a subject of great magnitude, and one which is attended with many difficulties, owing to the great variety of interests which it involves. So long as direct taxation for the support of government is not resorted to, a tariff is necessary. The tariff is to the government what a meal is to the family; but, while this is admitted, it still becomes necessary to modify and change its operations according to new interests and new circumstances. So far there is little difference of opinion among politicians, but the question as to how far imposts may be adjusted for the protection of home industry, gives rise to various views and objections. I must confess that I do not understand this subject in all its multiform bearings, but I promise you that I will give it my closest attention, and endeavor to comprehend it more fully. And here I may remark that the Chicago platform contains a plank upon this subject, which I think should be regarded as law for the incoming administration. In fact, this question, as well as all other subjects embodied in that platform, should not be varied from what we gave the people to understand would be our policy when we obtained their votes. Permit me, fellow citizens, to read the tariff plank of the Chicago platform, or rather, to have it read in your hearing by one who has younger eyes than I have…
But I am trespassing upon your patience—-[cries of “no!” “no!” “Go on—-we’ll listen!”] and must bring my remarks to a close. Thanking you most cordially for the kind reception which you have extended me, I bid you all adieu.” [Enthusiastic applause.]](http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz4w3gmVdU1qakblyo1_500.jpg)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 15, 1861
Abraham Lincoln, president-elect of the United States, delivers a speech to more than 4,000 Pittsburgh residents from the balcony of the Monongahela House.
The president-elect was on his way to his Washington inauguration when he stayed overnight in Pittsburgh, accompanied by his wife, sons, and a press contingent of 13 reporters. The next day, he delivered a speech to more than 4,000 residents of Pittsburgh from the balcony of the Monongahela House, whichfaced Smithfield Street between what is now First Avenue and Boulevard of the Allies.
Lincoln’s speech in Pittsburgh, Feb. 15, 1861, adapted from The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln (1953):
“Mayor Wilson and Citizens of Pennsylvania: I most cordially thank his Honor Mayor Wilson, and the citizens of Pittsburg generally for this flattering reception. It is the more grateful, because I know that, while it is not given to me alone, but to the cause which I represent, yet it is given under circumstances which clearly prove to me that there is good will and sincere feeling at the bottom of it. And here, fellow citizens, I may remark that in every short address I have made to the people, and in every crowd through which I have passed of late, some allusion has been made to the present distracted condition of the country. It is naturally expected that I should say something upon this subject, but to touch upon it all would involve an elaborate discussion of a great many questions and circumstances, would require more time than I can at present command, and would perhaps unnecessarily commit me upon matters which have not yet fully developed themselves. [Immense cheering, and cries of “good!” “that’s right!”]
The condition of the country, fellow-citizens, is an extraordinary one, and fills the mind of every patriot with anxiety and solicitude. My intention is to give this subject all the consideration which I possibly can before I speak fully and definitely in regard to it—-so that, when I do speak, I may be as nearly right as possible. And when I do speak, fellow-citizens, I hope to say nothing in opposition to the spirit of the Consititution, contrary to the integrity of the Union, or which will in any way prove inimical to the liberties of the people or to the peace of the whole country. And, furthermore, when the time arrives for me to speak on this great subject, I hope to say nothing which will disappoint the reasonable expectations of any man, or disappoint the people generally throughout the country, especially if their expectations have been based upon anything which I may have heretofore said.
Notwithstanding the troubles across the river, [the speaker pointing southwardly, and smiling] there is really no crisis, springing from anything in the government itself. In plain words, there is really no crisis except an artificial one! What is there now to warrant the condition of affairs presented by our friends “over the river?” Take even their own view of the questions involved, and there is nothing to justify the course which they are pursuing. I repeat it, then—-there is no crisis, excepting such a one as may be gotten up at any time by designing politicians. My advice, then, under such circumstances, is to keep cool. If the great American people will only keep their temper, on both sides of the line, the troubles will come to an end, and the question which now distracts the country will be settled just as surely as all other difficulties of like character which have originated in this government have been adjusted. Let the people on both sides keep their self-possession, and just as other clouds have cleared away in due time, so will this, and this great nation shall continue to prosper as heretofore. But, fellow citizens, I have spoken longer on this subject than I had intended in the outset—-and I shall say no more at present.
Fellow citizens, as this is the first opportunity which I have had to address a Pennsylvania assemblage, it seems a fitting time to indulge in a few remarks upon the important question of a tariff—-a subject of great magnitude, and one which is attended with many difficulties, owing to the great variety of interests which it involves. So long as direct taxation for the support of government is not resorted to, a tariff is necessary. The tariff is to the government what a meal is to the family; but, while this is admitted, it still becomes necessary to modify and change its operations according to new interests and new circumstances. So far there is little difference of opinion among politicians, but the question as to how far imposts may be adjusted for the protection of home industry, gives rise to various views and objections. I must confess that I do not understand this subject in all its multiform bearings, but I promise you that I will give it my closest attention, and endeavor to comprehend it more fully. And here I may remark that the Chicago platform contains a plank upon this subject, which I think should be regarded as law for the incoming administration. In fact, this question, as well as all other subjects embodied in that platform, should not be varied from what we gave the people to understand would be our policy when we obtained their votes. Permit me, fellow citizens, to read the tariff plank of the Chicago platform, or rather, to have it read in your hearing by one who has younger eyes than I have…
But I am trespassing upon your patience—-[cries of “no!” “no!” “Go on—-we’ll listen!”] and must bring my remarks to a close. Thanking you most cordially for the kind reception which you have extended me, I bid you all adieu.” [Enthusiastic applause.]
![Cover of The Pittsburgh Press (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 14, 1930
Police used tear-gas bombs to disperse a crowd on Center Avenue; two cabs were burned and 10 persons arrested as taxi strike violence continued. [Historic Pittsburgh]](http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz4vujZAQ51qakblyo1_r1_500.png)
Cover of The Pittsburgh Press (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 14, 1930
Police used tear-gas bombs to disperse a crowd on Center Avenue; two cabs were burned and 10 persons arrested as taxi strike violence continued. [Historic Pittsburgh]
Ford ad from 1923 (top) and The Pittsburgh Press announcement (below)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 13, 1923
Henry Ford announced purchase of the Allegheny Plate Glass Company plant at Glassmere for establishment of the first Ford plant in the Pittsburgh district. [Historic Pittsburgh]
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 12, 1958
Boggs & Buhl, one of Pittsburgh’s oldest department stores, announced it would go out of business after 89 years of operation. [Historic Pittsburgh]
Russell H. Boggs and Henry Buhl, Jr., opened the store in the North Side in 1869. From the Pittsburgh Senior News, by Paul S. Korol:
In 1912, after 43 years in business, the two partners decided to retire, and sold the store to the May Company of Cleveland. Customer service, merchandise quality and profitability immediately began to decline. Neither retired partner could tolerate the loss of reputation in the store that bore their names. In a decisive move, they bought it back in 1915. The partners were once again in business.In 1921 Boggs & Buhl became the focal point of a two-week manhunt headlined by newspapers across the country. The theft of $45,000 in cash and the shooting death of the assistant building superintendent outraged the community. Within two weeks, three individuals including a husband-wife team were convicted of the theft and slaying. A fourth suspect who had masterminded the robbery eluded police for 13 years until his capture in 1934. All four received long prison sentences.Boggs continued as senior partner until his death in 1922, the same year in which Henry’s wife, Louise, died. In his 70s without heirs, Henry continued to operate the store and planned for the distribution of his estate. His will included $100,000 for the Boggs & Buhl Welfare Association that benefited retired employees. Henry died in 1927. […] By 1955, the death knell was being sounded for the store, which had been waging an unsuccessful battle to retain its business and reputation. The opening of North Hills Village Shopping Centerwas a crucial blow. Surveys had shown that up to 60 percent of those shoppers had been Boggs & Buhl customers before becoming suburban shopping center patrons. Federal Street, once the heartbeat of the North Side, was giving way to businesses of lesser caliber. The store survived until 1958 before closing with the loss of 400 jobs. On May 8, 1960, demolition crews began dismantling the store. Newspapers reported that there were many tear-filled eyes when the wrecking ball struck.](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz4v1mtjCp1qakblyo1_500.png)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 12, 1958
Boggs & Buhl, one of Pittsburgh’s oldest department stores, announced it would go out of business after 89 years of operation. [Historic Pittsburgh]
Russell H. Boggs and Henry Buhl, Jr., opened the store in the North Side in 1869. From the Pittsburgh Senior News, by Paul S. Korol:
In 1912, after 43 years in business, the two partners decided to retire, and sold the store to the May Company of Cleveland. Customer service, merchandise quality and profitability immediately began to decline. Neither retired partner could tolerate the loss of reputation in the store that bore their names. In a decisive move, they bought it back in 1915. The partners were once again in business.
In 1921 Boggs & Buhl became the focal point of a two-week manhunt headlined by newspapers across the country. The theft of $45,000 in cash and the shooting death of the assistant building superintendent outraged the community. Within two weeks, three individuals including a husband-wife team were convicted of the theft and slaying. A fourth suspect who had masterminded the robbery eluded police for 13 years until his capture in 1934. All four received long prison sentences.
Boggs continued as senior partner until his death in 1922, the same year in which Henry’s wife, Louise, died. In his 70s without heirs, Henry continued to operate the store and planned for the distribution of his estate. His will included $100,000 for the Boggs & Buhl Welfare Association that benefited retired employees. Henry died in 1927. […]
By 1955, the death knell was being sounded for the store, which had been waging an unsuccessful battle to retain its business and reputation. The opening of North Hills Village Shopping Centerwas a crucial blow. Surveys had shown that up to 60 percent of those shoppers had been Boggs & Buhl customers before becoming suburban shopping center patrons. Federal Street, once the heartbeat of the North Side, was giving way to businesses of lesser caliber. The store survived until 1958 before closing with the loss of 400 jobs. On May 8, 1960, demolition crews began dismantling the store. Newspapers reported that there were many tear-filled eyes when the wrecking ball struck.
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 11, 1933
A miner is accused of trying to poison a fellow worker by placing brass filings in his sandwiches. Michael Lucas, a coal miner from Castle Shannon, is charged with attempted murder. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
Michael Lucas, 46, Castle Shannon coal miner, left, was lodged in jail on a charge of attempted murder last night, after he was accused of putting brass filings in sandwiches which William Lewis, 21, neighbor and fellow worker, center, carried in his lunch into Castle Shannon Mine No. 2. Private Detective John Popp, right, arrested Lucas. Popp is holding a bottle of brass filings, which he said he found in the Lucas home. The lunch is shown on the table in front of the three men.](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz4uwaiBtn1qakblyo1_500.png)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 11, 1933
A miner is accused of trying to poison a fellow worker by placing brass filings in his sandwiches. Michael Lucas, a coal miner from Castle Shannon, is charged with attempted murder. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
Michael Lucas, 46, Castle Shannon coal miner, left, was lodged in jail on a charge of attempted murder last night, after he was accused of putting brass filings in sandwiches which William Lewis, 21, neighbor and fellow worker, center, carried in his lunch into Castle Shannon Mine No. 2. Private Detective John Popp, right, arrested Lucas. Popp is holding a bottle of brass filings, which he said he found in the Lucas home. The lunch is shown on the table in front of the three men.
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 10, 1933
The 10th Street Bridge was completed and opened to traffic. [Historic Pittsburgh]
From The Pittsburgh Press:
NEW 10TH STREET BRIDGE OPENED WITHOUT DEDICATION CEREMONY
Undedicated and without ceremony, the county’s new bridge across Monongahela River at Tenth Street went into service yesterday. South Side business men said they had insufficient time to plan dedication ceremonies, and the County Commissioners said they didn’t have money for them. The Commissioners were due to drive across the span yesterday afternoon as a gesture of formal opening. If did few saw them, because few yesterday used the bridge, under construction 18 months and costing $1,600,000.
![Howard Heinz with his wife, Elizabeth Rust Heinz (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 9, 1941
Howard Heinz, president of the H. J. Heinz Company, and son of its founder, died at the age of 63 in a Philadelphia hospital. [Historic Pittsburgh]](http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz2zr5QQ961qakblyo1_500.png)
Howard Heinz with his wife, Elizabeth Rust Heinz (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 9, 1941
Howard Heinz, president of the H. J. Heinz Company, and son of its founder, died at the age of 63 in a Philadelphia hospital. [Historic Pittsburgh]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 23, 1857 Novelist Margaret (Wade Campbell) Deland was born in Allegheny, Pa. [Historic Pittsburgh]
Republican national convention in Pittsburgh, 1856 (via) On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 22, 1856 The first national convention of Republicans met in Lafayette Hall in Pittsburgh for a two-day session to complete national party organization. [Historic Pittsburgh] “Why Pittsburgh Lays Claim to Being Birthplace of the Republican Party,” from The Pittsburgh Press, 1928
KDKA workers on strike (via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 21, 1960
KDKA performers, members of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, go on strike. [Historic Pittsburgh]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 20, 1935 Government attorneys accused Andrew W. Mellon, former Secretary of the Treasury, at today’s continuation of the [Mellon tax trial] hearing, of short selling, involving an alleged deficiency in his income-tax payments before the Board of Tax Appeals. [The New York Times]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 19, 1968
“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” the longest-running program on public television, premieres in America. [Family Communications, Inc.; The Neighborhood Archive]
Western University of Pennsylvania, 1833, by Russell Smith, Oil on Canvas, Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, Pa. (wiki) On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 18, 1819 Pittsburgh Academy was rechartered by the Legislature and renamed Western University of Pennsylvania; its location was on Third Avenue. [Historic Pittsburgh]
Ethelbert Nevin in his studio at Queen Anne Lodge in Edgeworth, Pennsylvania (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 17, 1901
Ethelbert Nevin, Pittsburgh composer of “Cradle Song,” “A Day in Venice,” “The Rosary,” and other well-known songs, died. [Historic Pittsburgh]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 16, 1946 The nationwide steel strike was virtually settled today, breaking one of the worst industrial crises in the country’s history. The backbone of the 27-day-old strike was broken when the United Steelworkers(CIO) and United States Steel Corp. was settled last night approximating the terms proposed by President Truman four weeks ago. U.S. Steel historically sets the wage pattern for the entire basic steel industry. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 15, 1861 Abraham Lincoln, president-elect of the United States, delivers a speech to more than 4,000 Pittsburgh residents from the balcony of the Monongahela House. The president-elect was on his way to his Washington inauguration when he stayed overnight in Pittsburgh, accompanied by his wife, sons, and a press contingent of 13 reporters. The next day, he delivered a speech to more than 4,000 residents of Pittsburgh from the balcony of the Monongahela House, whichfaced Smithfield Street between what is now First Avenue and Boulevard of the Allies. Lincoln’s speech in Pittsburgh, Feb. 15, 1861, adapted from The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln (1953): “Mayor Wilson and Citizens of Pennsylvania: I most cordially thank his Honor Mayor Wilson, and the citizens of Pittsburg generally for this flattering reception. It is the more grateful, because I know that, while it is not given to me alone, but to the cause which I represent, yet it is given under circumstances which clearly prove to me that there is good will and sincere feeling at the bottom of it. And here, fellow citizens, I may remark that in every short address I have made to the people, and in every crowd through which I have passed of late, some allusion has been made to the present distracted condition of the country. It is naturally expected that I should say something upon this subject, but to touch upon it all would involve an elaborate discussion of a great many questions and circumstances, would require more time than I can at present command, and would perhaps unnecessarily commit me upon matters which have not yet fully developed themselves. [Immense cheering, and cries of “good!” “that’s right!”] The condition of the country, fellow-citizens, is an extraordinary one, and fills the mind of every patriot with anxiety and solicitude. My intention is to give this subject all the consideration which I possibly can before I speak fully and definitely in regard to it—-so that, when I do speak, I may be as nearly right as possible. And when I do speak, fellow-citizens, I hope to say nothing in opposition to the spirit of the Consititution, contrary to the integrity of the Union, or which will in any way prove inimical to the liberties of the people or to the peace of the whole country. And, furthermore, when the time arrives for me to speak on this great subject, I hope to say nothing which will disappoint the reasonable expectations of any man, or disappoint the people generally throughout the country, especially if their expectations have been based upon anything which I may have heretofore said. Notwithstanding the troubles across the river, [the speaker pointing southwardly, and smiling] there is really no crisis, springing from anything in the government itself. In plain words, there is really no crisis except an artificial one! What is there now to warrant the condition of affairs presented by our friends “over the river?” Take even their own view of the questions involved, and there is nothing to justify the course which they are pursuing. I repeat it, then—-there is no crisis, excepting such a one as may be gotten up at any time by designing politicians. My advice, then, under such circumstances, is to keep cool. If the great American people will only keep their temper, on both sides of the line, the troubles will come to an end, and the question which now distracts the country will be settled just as surely as all other difficulties of like character which have originated in this government have been adjusted. Let the people on both sides keep their self-possession, and just as other clouds have cleared away in due time, so will this, and this great nation shall continue to prosper as heretofore. But, fellow citizens, I have spoken longer on this subject than I had intended in the outset—-and I shall say no more at present. Fellow citizens, as this is the first opportunity which I have had to address a Pennsylvania assemblage, it seems a fitting time to indulge in a few remarks upon the important question of a tariff—-a subject of great magnitude, and one which is attended with many difficulties, owing to the great variety of interests which it involves. So long as direct taxation for the support of government is not resorted to, a tariff is necessary. The tariff is to the government what a meal is to the family; but, while this is admitted, it still becomes necessary to modify and change its operations according to new interests and new circumstances. So far there is little difference of opinion among politicians, but the question as to how far imposts may be adjusted for the protection of home industry, gives rise to various views and objections. I must confess that I do not understand this subject in all its multiform bearings, but I promise you that I will give it my closest attention, and endeavor to comprehend it more fully. And here I may remark that the Chicago platform contains a plank upon this subject, which I think should be regarded as law for the incoming administration. In fact, this question, as well as all other subjects embodied in that platform, should not be varied from what we gave the people to understand would be our policy when we obtained their votes. Permit me, fellow citizens, to read the tariff plank of the Chicago platform, or rather, to have it read in your hearing by one who has younger eyes than I have… But I am trespassing upon your patience—-[cries of “no!” “no!” “Go on—-we’ll listen!”] and must bring my remarks to a close. Thanking you most cordially for the kind reception which you have extended me, I bid you all adieu.” [Enthusiastic applause.]
Cover of The Pittsburgh Press (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 14, 1930
Police used tear-gas bombs to disperse a crowd on Center Avenue; two cabs were burned and 10 persons arrested as taxi strike violence continued. [Historic Pittsburgh]
Ford ad from 1923 (top) and The Pittsburgh Press announcement (below)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 13, 1923
Henry Ford announced purchase of the Allegheny Plate Glass Company plant at Glassmere for establishment of the first Ford plant in the Pittsburgh district. [Historic Pittsburgh]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 12, 1958
Boggs & Buhl, one of Pittsburgh’s oldest department stores, announced it would go out of business after 89 years of operation. [Historic Pittsburgh]
Russell H. Boggs and Henry Buhl, Jr., opened the store in the North Side in 1869. From the Pittsburgh Senior News, by Paul S. Korol:
In 1912, after 43 years in business, the two partners decided to retire, and sold the store to the May Company of Cleveland. Customer service, merchandise quality and profitability immediately began to decline. Neither retired partner could tolerate the loss of reputation in the store that bore their names. In a decisive move, they bought it back in 1915. The partners were once again in business.
In 1921 Boggs & Buhl became the focal point of a two-week manhunt headlined by newspapers across the country. The theft of $45,000 in cash and the shooting death of the assistant building superintendent outraged the community. Within two weeks, three individuals including a husband-wife team were convicted of the theft and slaying. A fourth suspect who had masterminded the robbery eluded police for 13 years until his capture in 1934. All four received long prison sentences.
Boggs continued as senior partner until his death in 1922, the same year in which Henry’s wife, Louise, died. In his 70s without heirs, Henry continued to operate the store and planned for the distribution of his estate. His will included $100,000 for the Boggs & Buhl Welfare Association that benefited retired employees. Henry died in 1927. […]
By 1955, the death knell was being sounded for the store, which had been waging an unsuccessful battle to retain its business and reputation. The opening of North Hills Village Shopping Centerwas a crucial blow. Surveys had shown that up to 60 percent of those shoppers had been Boggs & Buhl customers before becoming suburban shopping center patrons. Federal Street, once the heartbeat of the North Side, was giving way to businesses of lesser caliber. The store survived until 1958 before closing with the loss of 400 jobs. On May 8, 1960, demolition crews began dismantling the store. Newspapers reported that there were many tear-filled eyes when the wrecking ball struck.
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 11, 1933
A miner is accused of trying to poison a fellow worker by placing brass filings in his sandwiches. Michael Lucas, a coal miner from Castle Shannon, is charged with attempted murder. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
Michael Lucas, 46, Castle Shannon coal miner, left, was lodged in jail on a charge of attempted murder last night, after he was accused of putting brass filings in sandwiches which William Lewis, 21, neighbor and fellow worker, center, carried in his lunch into Castle Shannon Mine No. 2. Private Detective John Popp, right, arrested Lucas. Popp is holding a bottle of brass filings, which he said he found in the Lucas home. The lunch is shown on the table in front of the three men.
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 10, 1933 The 10th Street Bridge was completed and opened to traffic. [Historic Pittsburgh] From The Pittsburgh Press:NEW 10TH STREET BRIDGE OPENED WITHOUT DEDICATION CEREMONY
Undedicated and without ceremony, the county’s new bridge across Monongahela River at Tenth Street went into service yesterday. South Side business men said they had insufficient time to plan dedication ceremonies, and the County Commissioners said they didn’t have money for them. The Commissioners were due to drive across the span yesterday afternoon as a gesture of formal opening. If did few saw them, because few yesterday used the bridge, under construction 18 months and costing $1,600,000.
Howard Heinz with his wife, Elizabeth Rust Heinz (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: February 9, 1941 Howard Heinz, president of the H. J. Heinz Company, and son of its founder, died at the age of 63 in a Philadelphia hospital. [Historic Pittsburgh]
