OddIsHeRU posted:Terry, interesting to read of the soil instability downhill of Sprague Street. While Turtle Creek looks benign enough, the thought had crossed my mind that Wilmerding “valley” might well have had its own Johnstown episode at one time.
I’m a lifelong Southern Californian, but remember fondly when my wife and I drove from Chicago to York in 2000 and 2002. We found Pennsylvania so very beautiful. Out here, we’ve only recently begun to appreciate the rich architectural heritage in our older structures.
Sorry Richard but I did a poor job explaining the soil issue. The slough was on the west or uphill side of our former house on Sprague and was apparently localized near that house. The other homes on Sprague are still standing.
I have no idea why the homes below Sprague Street were condemned. That Street is St. Joseph's but I'm just not certain that was always the name. I've asked my sister to research it.
There are some beautiful structures in that town. First and foremost the Westinghouse Castle which was the general headquarters of WABCO. It has been purchased and plans are to make it a boutique hotel. There are also the old churches on the south side of the creek, namely the First Methodist, The Lutheran and Presbyterian churches. Growing up there it seemed like the town was bars, funeral homes and churches. A typical small factory town I suppose
