A Brief History of Millvale
Millvale is a borough in Allegheny County located along the Allegheny River. Millvale is opposite the city of Pittsburgh. The history of Millvale shows us the lower half was previously a portion of the Allegheny city limits before it was annexed by the City around 110 years ago. Up until the early 1950s, the 3 Millvale trolley was operated by Pittsburgh Railways. St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church was the first Croatian parish in the U.S. An interesting historical fact about the parish is that Croatian artist Maksimilian Vanka painted murals on St. Nicholas’ wall in the 1930s and 1940s as a gift to the U.S. In the past, Millvale was full of iron manufacturers, saw works, lumber mills, breweries and more. Millvale is located at the confluence of Girtys Run and the Allegheny River. A lot of the community is on a floodplain and has been subjected to large amounts of flooding during its history.
Fast Facts about Millvale
Millvale is bordered by the city of Pittsburgh and Reserve Township, as well as Shaler Township. As of the 2000 census, there were just over 4,000 people and 959 families living in the neighborhood. Almost 30 percent of Millvale’s families had children under the age of 18. The median income of the family was $30,478. The Millvale Riverfront Park is great for recreation. It includes a nearly 2 mile bike and walking trail that goes from Millvale to the North Shore, including all the sports stadiums. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail, as the path is called, goes along the Allegheny River and stretches all the way to Herr’s Island, the TRRA Millvale Boathouse and then into the riverfront park. There are plans for a bike and pedestrian trail that goes from the riverfront to Herr’s Island and has already received partial funding. In August, the park hosts a BrewFest and a Harvest Moon Wine Festival in the fall. The Millvale Community Library has launched a project through volunteers to take vacant buildings and turn them into multi-use spaces centered on making a new public library and garden for Millvale residents.
A very nice story about my home town. The lessons I learned growing up in Millvale made me who I am today.
I was born in Millvale during the 1936 flood. When I was a day old we were taken out of the third storie window in a row boat to Troy Hill. On 3-17-18 I will be 82 years old and I now reside in Myrtle Beach Sc. Every year I visit Pgh, and I go to Millvale. Last year I visited all of the craft beer places. Looking forward to returning there this year.
Great times and experiences living and growing up in Millvale during the 40’s, 50’s and the 60’s. Many great memories.
Just found a photo from 1887 of Millvale School with students. Would like to know more about it. Who might I contact?
Thanks for any help.