Duquesne, PA - out of business? (Pittsburgh, McKeesport: city hall, to rent, crime)

[Ken E. Wood]

Having grown up in the greater Pittsburgh area (Duquesne & McKeesport) I have an ingrained affection for my hometown. However, as I plan for a nostalgic trip home (from NYC/NJ) , I have heard from several Duq. H.S. alumni that Duquesne has become a festering crime hell-hole,even dangerous in the daytime!. That is, I have been told the following: (1.) Don't drive my Beemer home as I may get car-jacked at a traffic light and find myself on the street. (2.) That crime is so bad and continual in Duquesne, via a particular race, that even the high school "went out of business." (3.) That simply visiting the graves of my famly in St. Joseph's Cemetary (across the border, in West Mifflin) would find me a victim of crime, being robbed as I mourned or attended to the upkeep of graves! (4.) Even Duq. City Hall is out of business, unable to deal with the huge crime running rampant.

My question, to all of you who can appreciate my candor, and who can afford themselves the right to be honest, do I dare make the trip home to visit my roots? (I grew up there in the 40's - 60's)

[WoodturnerMike]

You heard right, it's a sh*t hole, a far, far cry from what you experienced back in the day. I'm a retired cop and spent many years working that entire valley, especially Duquesne. The description you've received is spot on. I retired 6 years ago, speaking with former colleagues, it's as bad or worse than when I spent time there. Lots of drug activity, assaults, robberies and thefts and more than their share of killings. Do yourself a favor and don't destroy your memories.

[Ken E. Wood]

WoodTurner Mike, Thank you for your courage in speaking plainly about Duquesne. I also appreciate the protection your perspective affords me. I will, indeed, re-think a visit home. I wonder, if Kennywood Park is safe.

[WoodturnerMike]

Kennywood is fine. Believe it or not though, they actually installed metal detectors because of a few shootings near 10 years ago, I assume the detectors are still there. There are occasional altercations, fights, etc but it's among the youth that go there. Kennywood has a security force that does its job. At any rate I wouldn't have a concern going there, especially with your name...................

[Seeker654321]

My boyfriend, a white guy who works for the Union Railroad in Duquesne, just started laughing when I asked him if it was dangerous to drive in and around Duquesne during the day.

His comments: "Rent a less flashy car when you get to Pittsburgh and just be aware of your surroundings."

Additionally, because my boyfriend and I, a white girl, like looking at the older architecture, we have gone walking through the so-called dangerous neighborhoods -- like Braddock and McKeesport -- during the day, and have encountered NO problems. Hell, I've even gone to the Hill District during the day to look at older architecture.

I really don't think you have anything to worry about.

[Ken E. Wood]

Seeker, Thank you for your reply, but I'm unclear about your intended message. That is, why was your boyfriend laughing - I missed the point there. Also, why would I want to rent a car that was less equipped than my own, or rent any other car, for that matter, just to visit the area? His suggestion that I do so may have inadvertently contradicted what he intended when he said the neighborhoods were "so-called dangerous," and possessed of "no problems." He may have actually supported the points made by WoodTurnerMike.

Also, if you're interested in architecture, may I suggest you treat yourself to Shadyside and Oakland?

[Bazzwell]

No, the valley you grew up in hasn't existed in several decades. Not since the death of the steel mills. Those days are simply the stuff of photographs and old video now.

Dangerous? Not my first choice for a day trip in the valley but you'll be ok if you have some city skills. GOOD city skills. Otherwise look at your family photos and say "I remember when" a lot. Seriously, what you remember isn't there anymore and if you're the sentimental kind, it will break your heart.

Kennywood? Still a fine trip and a safe one. Just don't get lost going home!

[Ken E. Wood]

Bazzwell, "You can't go home again" is a remark found in literature which is, certainly, further validated by your perspective, and given your occupation, rises to the level of sage advice. I don't need to "live dangerously," and, yes, I do have plenty of pictures. So, I don't need to offer up a car and a wallet to any in-da-hood "glitteratti." I'll forego the sentimental journey in favor of the photo album, alas.

By the way, is it true that the high school and City Hall actually gave up?

When I added your advice to that of WoodturnerMike, I heard the ring-of-truth. Thank you.

One of the old "Kennywood Boys."

[South Range Family]

The high school is closed. I don't know about City Hall.

You can still drive around Duquesne without leaving the safety of your own home. Go to Google maps street view. The pictures were taken last summer. You can drive up and down every street and back alley. The person they hired to drive the car was very thorough. Every dead end and lane is covered. I was impressed.

While you are driving along the edge of St. Joseph's, go to the corner of Kahler, and Savey streets. My sister owned all four houses on that corner. About 20 years ago, she had to pick up and move. It was that bad.

Her house was the tall brown one. The yard was manicured. Beautiful flowers were everywhere. She had a green house on her top floor with a balcony. There was a cement walkway between the neighbors and her houses. Go see what it looks like today.

Hold the left mouse button down on the photos, and you can move around just like moving your head.

[Ken E. Wood]

South Range Family: "Opinionated Ogre": I don't know how I can ever thank you for your kind gift of knowledge. The "Street View" technology was something of which I was unaware. Wow! What a trip you just granted me! Thank you so much!

What happened to Duquesne? At least, Duquesne Place,where I grew up, looked clean and neat, still (though a lot smaller!)

I knew well of a famly that lived in the area you mentioned around St. Joseph's R.C. Church - the Stanko's. I knew Michael.

I was the "Duke" of DHS, but I can see,now, that those ideas and days are long gone. I "can't go home again," indeed.