Are There Gangs in Fairywood? (Pittsburgh, Manor: section 8, apartments, amusement park)

[Caladium]

And if so, do they use "Fairywood" to identify themselves?

Fairywood is one area of Pittsburgh that's always intrigued me. So hats off to AA for bringing it up in another thread. Everytime I see it on a map I want to know more. Such a funny name for an area that isn't talked about very much, but when it is, it sounds like it could be a little rough. But... how could a place named Fairywood be rough? Have I gotten the wrong impression? Are the rumors about Fairyland nothing more than fairy tales?

I want to hear more about this little area with the funny name. What it used to be like, and what it's like today. And how did it get this name? (Please tell me it's because back in the 60s the hippies went there to get "magic dust" . Or even better, that it was originally home to retired artists from the Disney studios. Or, maybe an amusement park was once there?)

[Craziaskowboi]

Yep, you gotta worry about the Tinkerbell Mafia in that area.

[jay5835]

Here's something from two years ago in the City Paper: Fairywood Tale - News - Pittsburgh City Paper

Google "fairywood pittsburgh" and see more.

[Herodotus]

Fairywood was the location of the Broadhead Manor housing project, and also Westgate Village, a private development that had declined to mostly Section 8 tenants. Broadhead has been razed, and Westgate is now higher end apartments. The rest of Fairywood consists of about 3 short streets containing older brick homes, along with a block of homes dating from the 70's. There is also a strange little area at the end of Broadhead Fordind Rd. that contains a small development of little one story frame houses. These are a type of house that is commom in the Midwest, but nearly unknown in Pittsburgh. There was once a gang in Broadhead that had chosen green as their color, but there are so few people in the area now, that I never hear of anything going on out there.

[Caladium]

Jay--thanks for the link. Actually, googling didn't come up with much on the history of the area except a note that it once inspired the movie Candyman. The article was interesting but it just covered recent events. I want history.

It's like Fairyland has been forgotten--even Google doesn't seem to know much (beyond current day woes). Why? It just sounds like a place with an interesting story. How did this area come to be, why has it been abandoned, and why did it get such a funny name? Does it have a future?

ps. Herodutus--I just saw your post. Guess we posted at the same time. Anyway, thanks! That's the sort of thing I was looking for. Is there anything else anyone remembers on this area?

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by Caladium

But... how could a place named Fairywood be rough?

Overcompensating, perhaps?

[Caladium]

This is the description on the City Council website:

"It contains sedate old homes tucked among trees on hillsides, trees and open space - room to grow, lots of blue sky and the hush that only woodlands can create."

Fairywood

[Benzman66]

Just google "Broadhead Manor Pittsburgh" and also "Westgate Village Pittsburgh" for the rich history. LOL!

[PreservationPioneer]

I know a little about Fairywood. The neighborhood is only two or three short streets (and an alley) of older (probably 1910s-1930s) brick and frame homes. It's one of the smallest neighborhoods I have seen. However, that said, the conditions are deplorable. Many of the homes look as if they are barely standing, and there are gaps in the urban fabric where some have been torn down.

I have gone to this neighborhood several times to do photo tours, but I feel uncomfortable every time. There are always shady looking people standing on the sidewalks, which discourage me from walking the area and taking pictures (i.e. looking conspicuous!). Thus, in spite of the neighborhood's small size, I have always chickened out in the middle of taking photo tours and ran for my car (this NEVER happens to me!). lol

[Caladium]

AA I was hoping to hear from you. You always seem to know the history of these older neighborhoods. So... do you have any idea how it got that name?

I'm also a little curious about the Westgate. Why would they put higher end apartments there? Who rents them?