A Brief History of the South Side
The South Side, a neighborhood located across from downtown Pittsburgh, is divided into two sub-neighborhoods, South Side Flats and South Side Slopes. The South Side has a business district along East Carson Street. The neighborhood is also home to almost 100 bars and pubs, making it a well-known neighborhood to visit for a fun night out. The South Side was originally known as the village of Birmingham, annexed to Pittsburgh in 1872. It was settled by German and Eastern European immigrants who came to Pittsburgh to work.
The immigrants who came to work on the South Side made it a central place for industry, including the Jones and Laughlin Steel Company, which closed in the 1980s and redeveloped. There’s also the 1906 completion of the construction of the Pittsburgh Terminal Properties, which made it the largest warehouse between New York and Chicago.
Fun Facts
Did you know Dr. Nathaniel Bedford planned a large part of Birmingham before it was named the South Side. He named streets after his friends and family—this is why South Siders will see Jane Street, Sarah Street and Carson Street. The South Side flats sub-neighborhood has one of the largest Victorian main streets in the United States. Some of the South Side’s streets are so steep that actual staircases serve as the street. Also, as many Pittsburghers know, the South Side has some of the tightest parking spaces in the city… and a high population of Pittsburgh parking chairs!
I grew up in Pittsburgh. I lived in the Uptown area at 1433 Fifth Avenue (Mellon Bank bought our property) until I was 12. I loved Forbes School!
My parents moved to South Side for another business opportunity right across the street from J & L Steel at 2504 E. Carson Street, now a dance studio.
I relocated to Nebraska before South Side closed down the mills. It became a popular area afterwards. I’ve visited several times through the years for South High and family reunions and love the change, especially the cleaner air quality, upscale eateries, shopping, new buildings, and Kennywood Park!
I’ll always be a STEELER, PIRATE, and PENQUIN fan no matter where I live. I’m proud to be a South Sider of Pittsburgh.
I’m looking at random info on South Side, Pittsburgh where I grew and after reading your comment and seeing your last name “Chin” in reference to a business on 25Th E Carson, I wanted to know if your brothers were William, Willy and Wee Ping? Wee Ping hung out with our group of friends. My name is Bob Rendleman. I lived at 2347 Sidney St. There was also Richy Dervin, Bob Mirt, GM Wittman and others. Not a person of many words, but I had and still do have great respect for him (These 3 that I mention were the fastest runners I have ever had the experience of seeing!) I was always curious as to what happened to him and his family. For a while, we were a tight group of friends. If Wee Ping is indeed your brother, tell him Bob Rendleman (Rock) said hello and wishes him well!
To Bob Rendleman,,
I appreciate your kind note. Yes, these three guys you mentioned are my brothers., William, Wee Ping, and Willy. They are doing well. They are still active in sports, mainly Pickle ball. They are avid Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins fans! I will relay your well-wishes to them. Thank you!
Betty Chin
Betty,
I ran Track at South High with both Wee Ping and Willy, both a year or two ahead of me. Please give them my Best, so glad everyone is well in Nebraska. Dino Petrakis South 75 Penn State 79 “Go Big10” New York City
I love reading about the history of Pittsburgh and all the home towns!
My parents had a home where we grew up on the Southside. Our address was 1208 Sarah Street. We lived across from the park, we they did crafts, played tennis and basketball and a big baseball field. We attended St . Adalbert’s school until the 8th grade. Then my parents moved to Cheswick, Pa. My brother Walt graduated from South HIgh in 63. I graduated from West Deer High in 65. My sister Janet and Bob and Theresa also graduated from West Deer. About 2 years ago I went back to Southside and my house looked the same. With the bricks and they added a small porch for 2 chairs. I had a great childhood.
Hi there. Reviewing old south side history. I lived at 416 Cabot Way; house was demolished but some remnants of the back steps remain. Recall the flooding from the Mon River early 60’s. Terminal Bldgs were popular as the parking lot was commonly used for weekend baseball in the late 1950’s. Always heard the shift change whistle every dawn from the J&L plant. Fun memories.
Now living in Seattle; it’s a real arm-pit of a town. Not at all like people from the Burgh.
I am a native Pittsburgh. Born and raised 2009 Larkins Way. Such wonderful memories from those days. Family lived close by, playing in the alley until the street lights came on. It was a good life. Went to St. Casimir’s School and then on to Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Oakland. My house there looks pretty much the way it did back in the day.