When Oakdale began in the 1680s; it was a woodland wilderness. Following the American Revolution; farmers cleared and worked the land. �Oyster King� Jacob Ockers and his men followed; working the bay. The railroad ushered in wealthy sportsmen to the South Side Sportsmen�s Club. Some of these men; like William K. Vanderbilt and William Bayard Cutting; stayed and built palaces for their families. The scene changed starting in the 1920s; bringing flappers; artists; bootleggers; and Broncho Charlie; the last living Pony Express rider. The former mansions of the well-to-do now served as homes to a military academy and a religious cult; while still retaining their turn-of-the-century style.
#189526 in eBooks 2008-01-16 2008-01-16File Name: B0099IROBW
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Interesting historical perspective of Pittsburghs wealthier Second City before Urban Renewal crashed it.By LegalBeagleA fascinating historical perspective of what was once Pittsburghs thriving second business center and the many wealthy people who lived there. Along with those people were professionals such as doctors. lawyers. architechs and the famous such as Frick. Carnegie. Mellon etc.It was an area of Pittsburgh which enjoyed many restaurants. several department stores. and a thriving entertainment business. Additionally the schools in the area contributed to building Peabody High School (now a specialized school) into a competition with Taylor Allderdice High School in Squirrel Hill for best Pittsburgh Public high school. Many famous graduates who have starred in movies. dance and even writing novels.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. My home town East LibertyBy H. Brashthis is where I grew up and I know every street and many buildings; some long gone since I was a child in the forties. I learned so much that I did not know even though I grew up there. Many mansions were still in existance when I roamed that part of the city. I loved it and plan to buy more books on Pittsburgh.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great pictures and readingBy susanWonderful pictures and information. This will surely bring you back in time.Youll love it if you grew up there !
