Local History Connected to the Month of February
- IN Community Magazines
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Here are some interesting February-related stories tied to Pittsburgh neighborhoods and suburbs.
February 1916 – Birth of modern radio
Pittsburgh is often called the birthplace of commercial radio.
In February 1916, local inventor Frank Conrad made one of the first regular radio music broadcasts from his garage in Wilkinsburg, just outside the city.
This work directly led to KDKA, the world’s first commercial radio station.
February 9, 1967 – The Penguins are born
The NHL officially awarded Pittsburgh an expansion franchise on Feb. 9, 1967.
The team’s name, “Penguins,” was inspired by the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, nicknamed “The Igloo.”
Winter industry & steel dominance
February historically marked peak production time for Pittsburgh’s steel mills, which ran nonstop through harsh winters.
By the early 20th century, Pittsburgh was producing more steel than any city in the world, shaping its identity as the Steel City.
Pittsburgh Winters & Resilience
February floods, snowstorms, and icy rivers played a role in shaping local engineering feats—especially the city’s bridges, which were designed to survive extreme winter conditions.
North Side (formerly Allegheny City)
In February 1907, Allegheny City officially became part of Pittsburgh after a long legal and political battle.
Many of Allegheny’s residents opposed the annexation, but winter court sessions finalized the merger, instantly reshaping the city of Pittsburgh.
Homestead
Winters were brutal for steelworkers in Homestead.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, mills ran nonstop even in February’s cold, with molten steel visible against frozen riverbanks—an image often described in local newspapers.
Lawrenceville
February ice jams on the Allegheny River repeatedly threatened Lawrenceville in the 19th century.
These winter floods influenced the neighborhood’s early street elevations and warehouse construction.
Mount Washington
Before the Duquesne and Monongahela inclines were electrified, February ice made hillside travel extremely dangerous.
Winter accidents helped build support for safer incline technology in the late 1800s.
Millvale
February floods along the Girty’s Run watershed were especially destructive.
Repeated winter flooding shaped Millvale’s reputation as one of the region’s most flood-prone boroughs.
Dormont & Beechview
February streetcar reliability was crucial here.
Snowy winters helped make these areas popular “streetcar suburbs,” allowing residents to commute even in harsh weather.
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