Tonight: Wednesday, May 1, 2013 | 6:30 p.m. | Heinz History Center
Celebrate the release of the new book “Allegheny City: A History of Pittsburgh’s North Side“ with co-authors Dan Rooney, chairman of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and architectural historian Carol Peterson. Rooney and Peterson will present a short program about Allegheny City, moderated by History Center President and CEO Andy Masich. Signed copies of the book will be on sale at the Museum Shop for $24.95.
Admission to the event is free and available at the door.
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: January 21, 1979
The Pittsburgh Steelers win the Super Bowl 35-31 over the Dallas Cowboys. Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw is named Super Bowl MVP. [Youtube]
(Source: thepittsburghhistoryjournal)
![Super Bowl 1975 - Steelers vs. Vikings (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: January 12, 1975
Steelers win the Super Bowl in New Orleans, 16-6 over Minnesota Vikings. Ten thousand people invade Downtown area after victory; 224 were arrested for drunkenness. [Historic Pittsburgh]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxckxwBnG11qakblyo1_500.jpg)
Super Bowl 1975 - Steelers vs. Vikings (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: January 12, 1975
Steelers win the Super Bowl in New Orleans, 16-6 over Minnesota Vikings. Ten thousand people invade Downtown area after victory; 224 were arrested for drunkenness. [Historic Pittsburgh]
(Source: thepittsburghhistoryjournal)
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 27, 1975
The Steelers wave Terrible Towels for the first time as they take the Three Rivers field for a divisional playoff against Baltimore. Andy Russell wins the game on a 93-yard return for a touchdown. [Wikipedia]
From Pittsburgh Magazine (2010):
In 1975, Cope’s bosses at WTAE Radio asked him to come up with a clever promotional gimmick for the station that would be embraced by Steelers fans. After considering black masks emblazoned with then-head coach Chuck Noll’s motto, “Whatever It Takes,” Cope came up with a less expensive idea: a gold rally towel. Cope spent several weeks promoting the idea on the radio, with little apparent success. He even took a sample towel into the Steelers’ locker room for a straw poll.“I think your idea stinks,” said linebacker Jack Ham. One can imagine Cope reacting to Ham’s assessment with his trademark, “Feh!” (more)](http://25.media.tumblr.com/c03a284f2f1c4f0af2761fe2aca136e1/tumblr_mfp8zht6YC1qakblyo1_500.jpg)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 27, 1975
The Steelers wave Terrible Towels for the first time as they take the Three Rivers field for a divisional playoff against Baltimore. Andy Russell wins the game on a 93-yard return for a touchdown. [Wikipedia]
From Pittsburgh Magazine (2010):
In 1975, Cope’s bosses at WTAE Radio asked him to come up with a clever promotional gimmick for the station that would be embraced by Steelers fans. After considering black masks emblazoned with then-head coach Chuck Noll’s motto, “Whatever It Takes,” Cope came up with a less expensive idea: a gold rally towel. Cope spent several weeks promoting the idea on the radio, with little apparent success. He even took a sample towel into the Steelers’ locker room for a straw poll.
“I think your idea stinks,” said linebacker Jack Ham. One can imagine Cope reacting to Ham’s assessment with his trademark, “Feh!” (more)
![On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 26, 1991
Steelers coach Chuck Noll retires after 23 seasons, 209 wins, seven title games and four Super Bowl wins, the most by any NFL coach. [Wikipedia]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/f934e066e7d541b9cdd2c9131798b782/tumblr_mfn7rv6k4n1qakblyo1_500.jpg)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 26, 1991
Steelers coach Chuck Noll retires after 23 seasons, 209 wins, seven title games and four Super Bowl wins, the most by any NFL coach. [Wikipedia]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 23, 1972
In the first Steelers playoff in 25 years (and their first postseason win), Franco Harris salvages a Terry Bradshaw pass in the greatest NFL play in history—to beat the Raiders 13-7 at Three Rivers. Art Rooney and Bob Prince miss the play while in the elevator to the locker room. [Wikipedia; Pro Football Hall of Fame]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 21, 1947
Forbes Field hosts the city’s first NFL Playoff game as the Steelers lose to Philadelphia.
Mel Blount. Cornerback. Pittsburgh Steelers (1970-1983). Super Bowl IX, X, XIII, XIV Champion. Hall of Fame, Class of ‘89.
Sept. 20, 1964: If you’re a baby boomer, you’ve probably seen this photograph before. It’s been called the “agony of defeat picture” — a phrase obviously coined by a boomer familiar with the dramatic introduction of ABC’s Wide World of Sports.
The image was made at Pitt Stadium on a Sunday afternoon in autumn of 1964. New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle had just been the recipient of a ferocious hit by Steelers defensive end John Baker. Tittle was 38 years old — ancient, by football standards. He was one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. But the moment this picture was made, Tittle’s career was nearing a painful conclusion. “That was the end of my dream,” he’d later say.
The photographer was the Post-Gazette’s Morris Berman, himself something of a legend. You’ve probably seen his 1945 picture of the bodies of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and his mistress hanging upside down. Those who worked with Berman at the PG say he always wore a suit, a tie and a smile. We often come across Berman’s photographs in the PG archives. They stand out as being carefully composed, and show that Berman had a knack for capturing moments that were at once surprising and representative of whatever news event he was covering.
Berman’s image of Tittle is one of a handful of football pictures that transcend the game. It stands as a reminder of what we all must face — aging, and the deterioration of our skills and abilities. In Berman’s picture, Tittle looks like a man who has lost his place in the world. It’s a painful and not uncommon thing.
Oh, and one other note: The Steelers won the game, 27-24.
![Pittsburgh Pirates football team photo, 1933 (via)
On This Day in Pitsburgh History: September 20, 1933
Modern professional football began in Pittsburgh when the Pittsburgh Pirates, under ownership of Arthur J. Rooney, lost 23-2 to the New York Giants before 25,000 at Forbes Field. [Historic Pittsburgh]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mals7fdntk1qakblyo1_500.jpg)
Pittsburgh Pirates football team photo, 1933 (via)
On This Day in Pitsburgh History: September 20, 1933
Modern professional football began in Pittsburgh when the Pittsburgh Pirates, under ownership of Arthur J. Rooney, lost 23-2 to the New York Giants before 25,000 at Forbes Field. [Historic Pittsburgh]
President Carter hosted a reception in the East Room of the White House for the members of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates in honor of their championships. February 22, 1980.
![Arthur Rooney (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: August 25, 1988
Arthur J. Rooney, who acquired the Steelers in 1933 for $52,500 and saw them win four Super Bowls, dies at the age of 87. [Historic Pittsburgh]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9by2fGVsY1qakblyo1_500.png)
Arthur Rooney (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: August 25, 1988
Arthur J. Rooney, who acquired the Steelers in 1933 for $52,500 and saw them win four Super Bowls, dies at the age of 87. [Historic Pittsburgh]
Admission to the event is free and available at the door.
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: January 21, 1979
The Pittsburgh Steelers win the Super Bowl 35-31 over the Dallas Cowboys. Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw is named Super Bowl MVP. [Youtube]
(Source: thepittsburghhistoryjournal)
Super Bowl 1975 - Steelers vs. Vikings (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: January 12, 1975
Steelers win the Super Bowl in New Orleans, 16-6 over Minnesota Vikings. Ten thousand people invade Downtown area after victory; 224 were arrested for drunkenness. [Historic Pittsburgh]
(Source: thepittsburghhistoryjournal)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 27, 1975
The Steelers wave Terrible Towels for the first time as they take the Three Rivers field for a divisional playoff against Baltimore. Andy Russell wins the game on a 93-yard return for a touchdown. [Wikipedia]
From Pittsburgh Magazine (2010):
In 1975, Cope’s bosses at WTAE Radio asked him to come up with a clever promotional gimmick for the station that would be embraced by Steelers fans. After considering black masks emblazoned with then-head coach Chuck Noll’s motto, “Whatever It Takes,” Cope came up with a less expensive idea: a gold rally towel. Cope spent several weeks promoting the idea on the radio, with little apparent success. He even took a sample towel into the Steelers’ locker room for a straw poll.
“I think your idea stinks,” said linebacker Jack Ham. One can imagine Cope reacting to Ham’s assessment with his trademark, “Feh!” (more)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 26, 1991
Steelers coach Chuck Noll retires after 23 seasons, 209 wins, seven title games and four Super Bowl wins, the most by any NFL coach. [Wikipedia]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 23, 1972
In the first Steelers playoff in 25 years (and their first postseason win), Franco Harris salvages a Terry Bradshaw pass in the greatest NFL play in history—to beat the Raiders 13-7 at Three Rivers. Art Rooney and Bob Prince miss the play while in the elevator to the locker room. [Wikipedia; Pro Football Hall of Fame]
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: December 21, 1947
Forbes Field hosts the city’s first NFL Playoff game as the Steelers lose to Philadelphia.
Mel Blount. Cornerback. Pittsburgh Steelers (1970-1983). Super Bowl IX, X, XIII, XIV Champion. Hall of Fame, Class of ‘89.
Sept. 20, 1964: If you’re a baby boomer, you’ve probably seen this photograph before. It’s been called the “agony of defeat picture” — a phrase obviously coined by a boomer familiar with the dramatic introduction of ABC’s Wide World of Sports.
The image was made at Pitt Stadium on a Sunday afternoon in autumn of 1964. New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle had just been the recipient of a ferocious hit by Steelers defensive end John Baker. Tittle was 38 years old — ancient, by football standards. He was one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. But the moment this picture was made, Tittle’s career was nearing a painful conclusion. “That was the end of my dream,” he’d later say.
The photographer was the Post-Gazette’s Morris Berman, himself something of a legend. You’ve probably seen his 1945 picture of the bodies of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and his mistress hanging upside down. Those who worked with Berman at the PG say he always wore a suit, a tie and a smile. We often come across Berman’s photographs in the PG archives. They stand out as being carefully composed, and show that Berman had a knack for capturing moments that were at once surprising and representative of whatever news event he was covering.
Berman’s image of Tittle is one of a handful of football pictures that transcend the game. It stands as a reminder of what we all must face — aging, and the deterioration of our skills and abilities. In Berman’s picture, Tittle looks like a man who has lost his place in the world. It’s a painful and not uncommon thing.
Oh, and one other note: The Steelers won the game, 27-24.
![Pittsburgh Steelers, 1934. [Steelers Depot]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mcm6doKD571qakblyo1_500.jpg)
Pittsburgh Pirates football team photo, 1933 (via)
On This Day in Pitsburgh History: September 20, 1933
Modern professional football began in Pittsburgh when the Pittsburgh Pirates, under ownership of Arthur J. Rooney, lost 23-2 to the New York Giants before 25,000 at Forbes Field. [Historic Pittsburgh]
President Carter hosted a reception in the East Room of the White House for the members of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates in honor of their championships. February 22, 1980.
Arthur Rooney (via)
On This Day in Pittsburgh History: August 25, 1988
Arthur J. Rooney, who acquired the Steelers in 1933 for $52,500 and saw them win four Super Bowls, dies at the age of 87. [Historic Pittsburgh]
