The South Side in 1980 (Pittsburgh, Oakland: shops, bars, parking)

[I_Like_Spam]

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Google News Archive Search



Charlie Samaha, who died in 1991, was the father of the rebirth of the South Side, beginning in the 1970's.

In 1980, junk shops were the first attraction for tourists to the area- which showcased (according to the linked story) plenty of parking available on the South Side.

The neighbors down there complained about the junk stores just like they complain about the bars today.


Out of the businesses on Carson featured in the story, only Mike and Tony's is still in business.

[Geeo]

Interesting story! I remember in the early 1980s that all the antique shops along carson Street hung yellow flags outside their stores so that you could find them. We'd often spend a Saturday strolling and going into the shops. Very few young people back then, but there were always the shot and beer bars along Carson and many of the side streets. And down at the bend leaving the South Side, there was always the hulking presence of the huge J&L mill with the giant sign on top that could be seen from Oakland.