Pittsburgh Newsletter (August 29th)

Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in Pittsburgh.

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Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Covestro commits $40M to R&D upgrades in Pittsburgh.

  • Upcoming Anthony Hamilton concert

  • A deep-dive into the life of Gus Greenlee

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“If plan “A” doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters – 204 if you’re in Japan.” 

–Claire Cook

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which historic event took place at the Homestead Steel Works near Pittsburgh in 1892?

A) The Homestead Strike

B) The first steel production

C) The founding of U.S. Steel

D) The Monongahela River Flood

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines were originally built for C) Residential commuting.

News

💼Business

See inside this home in Cranberry Township that's for sale for $2.5M. (Link)

Amazon Air upgrading service at Pittsburgh International Airport. (Link)

🏒Sports

Steelers make several cuts ahead of deadline to finalize 53-man roster. (Link)

Lydia Ko completes 'Cinderella-like story' by winning Women's British Open soon after Olympic gold. (Link)

🏦Finance

Covestro commits $40M to R&D upgrades in Pittsburgh. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏈 Kent State Golden Flashes at Pittsburgh Panthers Football
Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh
Saturday, Aug 31st | 12:00 PM | (More info)

🏐 Buffalo Bulls at Pittsburgh Panthers Women's Volleyball
Fitzgerald Field House, Pittsburgh
Tuesday, Sep 3rd | 6:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Anthony Hamilton
Benedum Center, Pittsburgh
Friday, Aug 30th | (More info)

🎤 Pete Holmes
Pittsburgh Improv, Pittsburgh
Saturday, Aug 31st | (More info)

Family

📚 Sunday Storytime at Squirrel Hill
5841 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
Sunday, Sep 1st | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Urban landscape of Pittsburgh with a focus on pedestrian pathways and green spaces” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Pittsburgh Historical Events

1837: The Panic of 1837 severely impacts Pittsburgh's economy.

In 1837, Pittsburgh's economy was severely impacted by the Panic of 1837, a financial crisis that triggered a multi-year economic depression in the United States. The panic was caused by a combination of fiscal and monetary policies in the United States and Great Britain, global movements of gold and silver, a collapsing land bubble, and falling cotton prices. This led to a major depression that lasted until the mid-1840s, with profits, prices, and wages dropping, westward expansion stalling, unemployment rising, and pessimism abounding. Pittsburgh, as a key industrial and commercial center, felt the negative effects of the panic, leading to significant economic challenges for the city and its residents.

The Panic of 1837 had both domestic and foreign origins, and its impact on Pittsburgh's economy was profound. The city's industrial and commercial sectors experienced a downturn, and the local population faced economic hardships as a result. The collapse of land values and falling prices further exacerbated the economic challenges faced by Pittsburgh, making it a difficult period for the city's residents. The effects of the panic were felt for years, and Pittsburgh had to navigate through a challenging economic landscape during this time.

Despite the severity of the Panic of 1837, Pittsburgh persevered and eventually recovered from the economic downturn. The city's resilience and determination, coupled with strategic economic measures, contributed to its eventual recovery. The experience of the Panic of 1837 left a lasting impact on Pittsburgh's economic history, shaping the city's approach to financial stability and resilience in the face of economic crises.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Gus Greenlee (1893–1952): Owner of the Pittsburgh Crawfords in the Negro leagues.

Gus Greenlee, born William Augustus Greenlee on December 26, 1893, was a highly successful businessman in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His contributions to baseball and his impact on the Pittsburgh community are significant aspects of his legacy. Greenlee passed away on July 7, 1952, and he is buried in Pittsburgh's Allegheny Cemetery.

Early Life and Business Ventures

William Augustus Greenlee was born and raised in Marion, North Carolina, and migrated to Pittsburgh as a young man. He initially worked in the steel industry before venturing into entrepreneurship. Greenlee's business acumen led him to acquire his own businesses, marking the beginning of his successful career as a businessman in Pittsburgh.

Contribution to Baseball and the Pittsburgh Crawfords

In the 1930s, Gus Greenlee became a prominent figure in Pittsburgh's political arena, establishing himself as a power player in the city. Greenlee's most notable contribution to baseball was his ownership of the Pittsburgh Crawfords, a team in the Negro Leagues. His involvement with the Crawfords solidified his place in baseball history and his connection to Pittsburgh.

Legacy and Impact

Greenlee's legacy extends beyond his business ventures and ownership of the Pittsburgh Crawfords. His influence on the Pittsburgh community and his contributions to the city's political and baseball landscape are enduring aspects of his impact. The first black-owned ballpark in Negro League history, Greenlee Field, stands as a testament to his influence and the mark he left on Pittsburgh's sports history.

Key Achievements of Gus Greenlee:

  • Established himself as a highly successful businessman in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

  • Owned and operated the Pittsburgh Crawfords, leaving a lasting legacy in the Negro Leagues and Pittsburgh's baseball history.

  • Played a significant role in Pittsburgh's political arena, further solidifying his influence in the city.

Gus Greenlee's story is one of entrepreneurship, community impact, and a lasting legacy in Pittsburgh's sports and political history. His contributions to baseball and business continue to be remembered and celebrated, making him an influential figure in Pittsburgh's rich cultural tapestry.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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