This is the top of the hill at the workhouse farm, which was located above Blawnox. When we were young us kids would go into the farm and steal apples or sometimes honey. When we were in HS this was one of the preimer party spots since we could see police cars coming from almost 1 mile away on the only road.

This is the view from the top of the giant set of stairs from walnut street up to the elementary school. For my first few years I made the trek there and back twice a day (we went home for lunch) then they built a cafeteria. I would always get in trouble for avoiding the steps and walking up a woods path instead.

The Allegheny County Workhouse. Literally the monument to Blawnox. The townspeople got along great with the trustees, usually not violent offenders, who often watched the little league games and worked the farm. But in the late 60s they started putting violent prisoners there. It closed in the early 70s as its property was taken over by the RIDC industrial park.

Not sure what the rubble pile is, likely part of the elementary school when they tore it down. This is the famous Blawnox watertower. Sad to admit I was scared to climb it but i did watch out for the police When a friend climbed it. I do not believe it is there any more.

The elemantary school and the 'thousand steps." There was some kind of bush that grew on the hill and attracted tent caterpillars, by the zillions! I remember getting yelled at for sliding down the steps on the crushed caterpillars and ruining my pants! They would occasionally have a controlled fire to eliminate them, but a few years later they were back.

One of the prides of Blawnox, in my opinion, is its fire and Police departments. I grew up respecting the police because They were respectable. They knew all us kids and our parents. When I became a teen they knew I was on the edge but they treated me like a little brother, and hence I never got in any trouble. It helped that I was known for having straight A's. I think many of the people thought I was a bit strange, but that is OK.

Another pic of the water tower. They razed The school and put apartments there.

View of the workhouse from the tracks. When I was in HS, I had a friend whose father was a deputy warden. They lived in a really cool, old-style apartment inside the prison. I always felt funny when I would visit him there. I understand he went on to be a successful physician and professor.

They finally cleaned up the river bank, something i always hoped for, because the river is part of the treasure of the town. Alas, they put in condos...but still they are cleaning It up. When I was in HS there were rusted construction equipment and giant stones (like a wall). It was behind the steel mill but only about 2 blocks from my house. I would take my guitar there to practice, sometimes other local kids would join me.

This is looking up Freeport road to the east. I think it was taken from North Ave.

Hoboken Presbyterian Church. Pastor Donald Patchel had a very big influence on my life. He was also a history buff and he explained the history of the Bible and how to differentiate between what Jesus (supposedly) said and what was written by others. Apparently years later he fell in love with a younger woman and was replaced by the church. :-(

I actually lived here from ages 5-8. The parking lot separated the building from Skalski's (Now Moondogs)Tavern and the Pink Lady landramat.

From 3rd grade until HS graduation I lived on the left side of this duplex on Freeport road at the eastern edge of town. We had a view of the river, about 2 blocks down the hill. It had a tiny back yard. Our neighbors were two elderly ladies, the Sabol sisters. I would always cut their grass and shovel their snow and never took any payment! they were like aunts to me. (Ann and Betty) I did take cookies!

Cicola's hardware was right next door to the little house. John and Audrey (?) Ciccola were wonderful people! Their son John Jr is at the right.

Moondogs Tavern used to be Skalski's Tavern in the old days. Ronnie Escher turned it into a major blues bar! I shamelessly took Moondog as my biker name when I was told I needed one. Apologies to Ronnie but the original Moondog was a blind musician in NYC. I think we both want to honor the name.

Part of the workhouse farm

View of workhouse from the railroad tracks.