Arcadia Publishing (ARC)

  • Hidden History of Pittsburgh boasts a collection of riveting firsthand accounts and anecdotes found deep in the archives of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. When Mark Twain visited in 1884, he claimed to spy a little bit of hell in Pittsburgh’s smoky appearance.  The Ringling Brothers Circus held its last outdoor performance here in 1956 and left eight hundred show workers without jobs in the city.  The Great War hit home after the sinking of the Lusitania, which carried more than a dozen Pittsburgh residents. A few years later, cheering throngs of black and white residents lined downtown streets to welcome African American soldiers returning home from the conflict. With these stories from the archives and more, veteran journalist Len Barcousky shines a light on the hidden corners of Pittsburgh’s history.
  • "The earliest physicians arriving in Pittsburgh had their roots in military service. The legacy of these physician-soldiers extends from pioneer days through modern times. The involvement of military contingents, physicians serving with or trained by military units, and the myriad organizations that were created to respond to their efforts have played a critical role in the long-term development of healthcare in the city.
  • The years between 1900 and 1945 witnessed the peak of Pittsburgh's commercial development and industrial might. Pittsburgh: 1900–1945 features postcard views taken during this period and illustrates the power, wealth, and beauty of the city of Pittsburgh during its era of industrial greatness.
  • Pittsburgh Jazz documents the almost-forgotten magic created in the city of Pittsburgh.  Revisit the smoke-filled clubs, bars, restaurants, and theaters & learn about the countless improvised songs, compositions, and unique styles of Jazz musicians who were born in, raised in, & influenced by Pittsburgh.  Features Pittsburgh Courier photographers between the 1930s and 1980s.
  • Pittsburgh is a hardworking city. Many hard workers enjoy the occasional spirit. When Prohibition hit the Steel City, it created a level of violence and corruption residents had never before experienced. Illegal producers ran stills in kitchens, basements, bathroom tubs, warehouses and even abandoned distilleries. Wars between gangs of bootleggers resulted in a number of murders and bombings that placed Pittsburgh on the same level as New York City and Chicago with regard to criminal activity.  Author Richard Gazarik details the shady side of the Steel City during a tumultuous era.
  • Muckraking journalist Walter Liggett dubbed Pittsburgh the "Metropolis of Corruption" in 1930 when he reported the city had more vice per square foot than New York, Detroit, Cleveland or Boston. Decades earlier, the Magee-Flinn political machine ruled public officials, and crooked police helped racketeers protect brothels and gambling dens. Mayor (later Governor) David Lawrence was indicted several times for graft but acquitted each time. Even Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr. colluded with gangsters, according to FBI reports. Join author Richard Gazarik as he reveals the wicked history of the Steel City.

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