Mon Valley Photo Tour, Part II: Donora (Pittsburgh, Wilkinsburg: home, live)

[PreservationPioneer]

Donora is an old industrial town located in a region south of Pittsburgh known as the "Mon Valley." Many of the towns in this area, due to the loss of industry and suburbanization, have suffered population decline for decades. Donora has an interesting and tragic history. In 1948, air pollution from local steel plants became trapped in the town. Within days, 20 people had died. This event was known as the Donora Smog of 1948. Although intact, the main business district of Donora is largely vacant.

For more historic photo tours, visit: Discovering Historic Pittsburgh

[ML North]

Great pictures as usual. I'm actually very familiar with the Mon Valley towns, as my grandma still lives in Monessen (family immigrated to Monessen in the early 20th century from Southern Italy). A little while back I read a short book called Monessen: A Typical Steel Country Town, which did a pretty good job at explaining the many contributing factors that led to the demise of the Mon towns.

Ah, and Anthony's (shown in the sixth picture) is a decent joint.

[TechieTransplant]

Originally Posted by ML North

Great pictures as usual.

I agree, he's wonderful.

I have to admit, we have drove past Donora and have always been curious. I am surprised at what I am seeing though, I thought Donora was known as the most uninhibited town in the US, and didn't expect to see all of the buildings.

[BrianTH]

Reminds me of Wilkinsburg's commercial area.

[cheezit34141988]

...but where's Wilmerding?

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by dtrtrggr13

...but where's Wilmerding?

I'd estimate around Part IV or Part V.

[PreservationPioneer]

That's going to be part of my East Pittsburgh - Wall - Wilmerding - Turtle Creek tour (not sure when I will get around to that).

[Caladium]

Another great set of photos!

[Evergrey]

Donora has awesome downtown buildings.

[DaBurgh]

home of Ken Griffey Jr !