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Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Rivers Casino Pittsburgh payments toward arena construction hit $116.9M.

• Upcoming Bill Bellamy concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Gertrude Stein

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

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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 river is not found in Pittsburgh?

A) Allegheny River

B) Monongahela River

C) Ohio River

D) Susquehanna River

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

Pittsburgh was founded in A) 1758.

News

💼Business

Spirit Airlines cuts back on service at Pittsburgh International Airport. (Link)

NorthPoint Development lands new tenant as it nears leasing capacity at Westport Ridge. (Link)

🏒Sports

Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes named Baseball America's 2024 Rookie of the Year. (Link)

Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick expresses frustration with unnecessary roughness call. (Link)

🏦Finance

Rivers Casino Pittsburgh payments toward arena construction hit $116.9M. (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

🏈 LIU Sharks at Duquesne Dukes Football
Arthur J. Rooney Athletic Field, Pittsburgh
Saturday, Oct. 5th | (More info)

🏒 Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh
Friday, Oct. 4th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Thrown
Preserving Underground, Pittsburgh
Thursday, Oct. 3rd | (More info)

🎤 Bill Bellamy
Pittsburgh Improv, Pittsburgh
Friday, Oct. 4th | (More info)

Family

📚 Sunday Storytime at Squirrel Hill
5841 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
Sunday, Oct. 6th | (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 “Pittsburgh skyline with floating gardens and skyscrapers” 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

1758: British forces, led by General John Forbes, capture Fort Duquesne and rename it Fort Pitt.

In 1758, a crucial event unfolded in the history of Pittsburgh during the French and Indian War: the capture of Fort Duquesne by British forces led by General John Forbes. This victory was significant in the ongoing struggle between the British and French for control over the strategic region of the Ohio Valley. General Forbes' expedition, which included Highlanders, Royal Americans, and Colonial troops, marked a turning point in the war.

Upon reaching the fort, Forbes found it abandoned and destroyed by the French, who retreated rather than face the advancing British army. He promptly claimed the site for Britain and began constructing a new fortification, named Fort Pitt in honor of William Pitt the Elder, the British Secretary of State. This new fort symbolized British dominance in the region and was a pivotal move in expanding their colonial territories in North America.

The capture and renaming of Fort Duquesne as Fort Pitt in 1758 were significant not only in the context of the French and Indian War but also in the broader scope of American history. It marked the beginning of British control in the area, paving the way for the growth of what would become the city of Pittsburgh. This event was a key moment in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region, influencing the patterns of settlement and trade in the years to follow.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Gertrude Stein (1874–1946): Avant-garde writer, poet, and playwright.

Gertrude Stein was born on February 3, 1874, in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, which later became part of Pittsburgh. She grew up in an affluent Jewish family and was educated at Radcliffe College under psychologist William James. Stein developed a love for literature and the arts during her college years.

Move to Paris and Literary Career (1903-1914)

In 1903, Stein moved to Paris, where she began to write and immerse herself in the avant-garde art scene. Her Paris home, shared with her brother Leo, became a gathering place for artists and writers. Stein's unconventional writing style, characterized by its stream of consciousness and repetitive phrases, began to take shape.

World War I and 'The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas' (1914-1933)

During World War I, Stein and her partner Alice B. Toklas aided the war effort, which influenced her writing. In 1933, Stein published The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, which became her most popular book, bringing her fame for its unique perspective and narrative style.

Later Works and Lectures (1933-1946)

In her later years, Stein continued to write and deliver lectures. Her works from this period include Wars I Have Seen and Brewsie and Willie, exploring themes of war and society. She remained an influential figure in modernist literature.

Art Patronage and Influence (Throughout Career)

Stein was also known for her role as an art patron, supporting and collecting the works of various artists, including Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Her Paris salon was a hub for the avant-garde art and literary community.

Stein's Key Achievements:

• Pioneering avant-garde writer, poet, and playwright.

• Author of The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, which brought her mainstream success.

• Influential figure in the Parisian art scene, patronizing and supporting modernist artists.

• Contributor to the development of stream-of-consciousness writing and experimental literature.

Gertrude Stein's legacy as an avant-garde writer and cultural figure extends far beyond her innovative literary style. Her influence on the modernist movement, her role in the Parisian art scene, and her contributions to literature and art make her a significant figure in 20th-century culture. Her unique approach to writing and her commitment to the arts continue to inspire and challenge readers and writers alike.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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