Let's go time traveling today, Pittsburgh! Can you believe that we're already almost two decades into the 21st century? That makes now the perfect time to look back at the rich history of Pittsburgh and how people lived in the early 20th century. These 11 candid photos give us a peek into what life was like in Pittsburgh in the 1930s and show us how drastically different life is today.
1. The Pittsburgh skyline is seen from Homestead in 1938.
2. Billboards and homes line the Boulevard of the Allies, near the Monongahela River, in July 1938.
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3. A man ponders going in to the "Men’s Doctor," who offers free advice, in Pittsburgh. The photo, titled "Quack Doctor" was taken in May 1938.
4. A young boy, the son of a Pittsburgh steelworker, waves to the camera in this July 1938 photo.
5. Pittsburghers frolic in a homemade pool on a hot July day in the Burgh in 1938.
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6. Some things never change, like parking in parking lots alongside the river. Cars park along the Allegheny River in this July 1938 photo.
7. A boat meanders down the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers in September 1936.
8. Pittsburgh steelworkers kick back and relax while soaking up the July sun in 1938.
9. A Pittsburgher stands in front of her home’s window (notice the shoe on the railing) in this July 1938 photo.
10. A Pittsburgh steelworker pours a test mold in a blast furnace in July 1938.
11. Kids play on the window ledges of an apartment building in the "slums" of Pittsburgh in July 1938.
Which of these pictures from Pittsburgh in the 1930s are your favorites? Join the conversation in the comments! Then, click here to see 15 of the oldest photos ever taken in Pittsburgh.
Wintertime is just about one of the prettiest times of the year. Neighborhoods shine with glowing lights and house windows frame Christmas trees. Winter, especially the holiday season, is also one of the busiest times of the year. The calendar's often brimming with activities. Holiday Lights on the Lake near Pittsburgh, for example, promises a relaxing way to embrace the season and admire more than one million twinkling lights. It's one of the best drive-thru holiday lights near Pittsburgh and more than deserving of a spot on your Christmas bucket list.
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Lakemont Park in Altoona, just over an hour and a half from downtown Pittsburgh, transforms into a magical winter wonderland of colorful lights every holiday season, and this year's no different.
A Pittsburgh Christmas really should include a visit to this drive-thru Christmas lights display in Pennsylvania.
Keep your car toasty warm, and turn on the Christmas carols for your journey along the 50-acre Holiday Lights on the Lake drive-thru experience.
You might even want to pack some holiday goodies - maybe candy canes? - for your Christmas adventure.
A popular Christmastime activity for more than two decades, Holiday Lights on the Lake boasts more than one million shimmering lights and jaw-dropping light displays.
Slowly wander through the park that features a light tunnel, Santa on a motorcycle, reindeer pulling Santa, and old-fashioned sparkling Christmas trees.
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You won't find a better way to celebrate Christmas in Pittsburgh.
The twinkling lights and breathtaking trees are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
The popular Christmas tradition generally runs from mid-November through early January.
Tickets are per vehicle, and prices depend upon the type of vehicle - car, commercial van, school bus or RV, or motorcoach - you're driving.
If you plan to visit these Pittsburgh drive-thru lights, purchase an unlimited pass.
Get a bird's eye view of Holiday Lights on the Lake in this beautiful YouTube video captured by Two Twenty Studios.
Have you been to these drive-thru holiday lights near Pittsburgh? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! Christmas in Pittsburgh is absolutely magical. How about adding a visit to one of these Christmas towns near Pittsburgh to your must-visit list this holiday season? Or go one of the best hikes in Pennsylvania on a crisp winter day. You can find them on AllTrails.
Visit Canonsburg, The One Christmas Town Near Pittsburgh That’s Simply A Must Visit This Season
Canonsburg transforms into an old-fashioned Christmas town with festive activities and decorations, making it a must-visit holiday destination near Pittsburgh.
Christmastime is here again, and there's really nothing that compares to Christmas in Pittsburgh. One of the most treasured holiday traditions has become gathering around the TV, the lights from the Christmas tree reflecting off of the screen, and watching It's A Wonderful Life. This holiday season, plan a visit to this Christmas town near Pittsburgh that will make you feel like you've stepped straight into Bedford Falls.
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Wrap yourself in the holiday spirit in Canonsburg, which transforms into an old-fashioned Christmas town every holiday season.
From the moment you arrive in Canonsburg, you'll understand why this is one of the best Christmas towns in Pennsylvania.
For two glorious days in December, the quaint town hosts the beloved annual Canonsburg's Old-Fashioned Christmas. This year's festival will be held on Dec. 1-2, 2023.
This PA Christmas town is the place to be this December, so be sure to mark your calendar.
The two-day celebration will take you back to Christmases of yesteryear with classic storefronts decorated with twinkling lights and featuring festive scenes.
You really can't help getting swept in all of the Christmas cheer when you visit this Christmas town in Pennsylvania.
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The Christmas celebration offers something for the whole family, and Santa plays a pretty big role in the festivities. He'll be on hand to listen to Christmas wishes and pose for photos throughout the two-day festival.
While Santa is listening to Christmas wishes, Mrs. Claus will host a story time at the Canonsburg Senior Center.
The whole family will have a merry time at Santa's Reindeer Games. Held at the Clearview Credit Union Parking Lot, the epic family event will feature such activities as face painting and games.
If you're in a bah-humbug frame of mind, head over to the Canonsburg Senior Center to pose with the Grinch. You can even frown instead of smiling, if you want to.
Stop by the intersection of Pike Street and Central Avenue on Saturday afternoon to meet Santa's reindeer. Yep, they're real ones!
Show off your artistic skills at the make-your-own gingerbread tree program, held on Saturday at the Frank Sarris Library.
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All entrants must pay a $5 fee for supplies, and you must register by Nov. 22, 2023.
The weekend also features a Christmas parade (with Santa, of course) and the official lighting of the town Christmas tree.
A Christmas celebration wouldn't be complete without miniature trains. Stop by the City Mission Thrift Store window to check out the miniature train display.
Don't forget to bring your Christmas list to do a little shopping at the Christmas Market. You can also warm up with hot chocolate and other goodies at the Holiday Food Court.
More than 50 vendors are set to attend, so you might be able to start - and finish - your Christmas shopping.
Gear up for your visit to this charming Christmas town near Pittsburgh by taking a peek at this video of An Old-Fashioned Christmas in Canonsburg. The Jefferson College Historical Society shared this video on YouTube.
What's your favorite Christmas town near Pittsburgh, PA? What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate Christmas in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! The holiday season provides the perfect backdrop to visit the seven best Christmas towns in Pittsburgh that look like they belong in a Hallmark Christmas movie. Plan your visit soon.
No matter where your holiday adventures take you, don't forget to bring your camera to capture every magical moment.