Tom Ratchkauskas Photography: Oakland - The Power of Steel

Steel magnates in the late 1800's and early 1900's almost single handedly shaped the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Immigrants or direct descendants of immigrants, these giants of industry knew the value of the workers that helped build their empires. Wanting their workers and the neighborhoods they built in to strive for educational success, these men gave back to the people to increase the value of the mind and community.

Andrew Carnegie, easily the most known philanthropist with ties in the Pittsburgh area, helped construct thousands of libraries throughout the United States. The first two being located by his mills in Braddock and his home neighborhood of the North Side, the libraries were free to the people. Libraries of the day instituted a closed stack policy due to the possibility of theft, but Carnegie began a revolutionary system of open stacks which allowed people to pull their own books and a checkout desk was strategically placed along the span of the entrance to deter thieves. Carnegie made sure libraries existed for all races, even during the era of segregation. The structures themselves are grand and aesthetically pleasing, and were designed to attract those who truly had the desire to learn and excel.

Within Pittsburgh's educational nucleus that is Oakland, the main Carnegie Library branch stands just down the road from another educational beacon of the region, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Given as a gift to Pittsburgh by Henry Phipps, local steel magnate, The structure, reminiscent of Victorian era construction, has several LEED certifications and its greenhouse production facility is the only one to be platinum certified. The Center for Sustainable Landscapes has achieved net-zero energy, producing as much or more renewable resources than what it uses. The glass and steel structure, filled with gardens, exotic plants and glass artwork by famed glass artist Dave Chihuly is a cornerstone of education and progress that symbolizes the devotion and prosperity of the region.

The previously mentioned structures border what is known as Pittsburgh's civic park. Schenley Park, donated to the city by Mary Schenely, granddaughter of General James O'Hara, was created by another Pittsburgh historic figure, Edward Bigelow. These founders of civic duty still have a presence in named streets throughout Oakland. The park, with its grand entrance once directly across from Forbes Field, now Schenley Plaza, hosts events such as the March of Dimes and the Vintage Grand Prix. The park contains biking and hiking trails, the Schenley Oval with an ice rink, tennis courts, soccer field and track, playgrounds, pool, a golf course and other recreational areas. The most unique part of the park is its sprawling view of downtown and the surrounding area. One can see various bridges, Mount Washington and downtown from the Vista atop the Schenley Oval.

Pittsburgh stands as a beacon of progress and civic duty and enjoyment as is evident through just one of its many neighborhoods, Oakland, covered with the good will, motivation and desire of some of America's greatest Philanthropists.