HISTORY


A History of Polish Hill and the PHCA


"A seed is planted..."

Polish settlers first arrived in Pittsburgh in 1885, a strong influx which continued for a decade. Polish Hill was settled by immigrants who worked in Allegheny River Valley mills and factories. Seeking a stable home life for their families away from the smoke, noise and bustle of the valley, these people migrated up the steep slopes and created the neighborhood we know and love as Polish Hill. Here, they squeezed their frame construction homes closely together in an attempt to preserve and protect their native language and ways. Their roots firmly entrenched in Polskie Gory (Polish Hill), the settlers placed utmost importance on passing on their eastern European values to the next generation. And so, in 1896, construction of the Immaculate Heart of Mary School and Church began. Construction of the Basilica was aided by parishioners who applied skills honed in Strip District glass and steel foundries.
 

"The church its roots..."

Easily the most recognizable landmark in the neighborhood due to its three magnificent copper domes, the church was at the heart of most social engagements. It was Polish Hill's spiritual center, and it quickly became the nucleus of an ever-growing, thriving and self-sufficient community. The successful completion of the church inspired heavy commercial development, and between 1910 and 1950, every building on Brereton Avenue and Dixon Street (now Dobson Street) held a business. The parish grew from 493 families in 1896 to 1,000 families in 1922 to 1,350 families in 1945.
 

"The drought comes and the leaves begin to fall..."

After World War II, families and the businesses which served them began a century-long exodus from Polish Hill.  By 1976, President Carter paid a much publicized visit to Polish Hill, the name had already become synonymous with urban decay in ethnic neighborhoods.  But a small group of dedicated residents who had organized in the late 1960s had already devised a plan to change the neighborhood's image.
 

"A surviving root finds fertile ground..."

Incorporated as a chartered organization with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on September 15, 1969, the Polish Hill Civic Association of Pittsburgh's (PHCA) mission was "to participate in the orderly development, redevelopment, renewal and planning in the community."  PHCA founders, which included the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Pastor John Jendzura, worked hard to secure funding for the organization and shared an office with the church rectory.
 

"Drawing strength from within, blossoms begin to flourish..."

During this period, representatives from a government-sponsored organization called Model Cities, Inc. approached Polish Hill residents with a plan to re-shape the neighborhood's image. When PHCA founders and members realized that the newcomers' plan excluded community input and involvement, residents rallied to oust Model Cities, Inc. from Polish Hill.  Courageous and unprecedented, their actions quickly gained the attention of the media.  Polish Hill residents had sent a clear and unmistakable message, earning the community the autonomous reputation it deserved.  Regarded by some as Polish Hill's "Independence Day," this was a turning point in Polish Hill history.
 

"Resilient, the tree grows tall..."

As the neighborhood evolved, the PHCA kept pace. Now established in its own office with full-time staff, the group became a viable resource center on a wide range of topics for Polish Hill residents. Working closely with the City government, the group assisted in the planning and operation of a Community Health Center, mentored youth employment projects, instituted public safety programs, and provided support for the construction of the West Penn Recreation Center (a City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation facility).

In 1982, the PHCA was instrumental in the planning and construction of John Paul Plaza, a 70-unit low-income facility for the elderly. The high rise was quickly filled to capacity by Polish Hill residents who could no longer afford the upkeep of their three-story, deteriorating homes. As residents moved into John Paul Plaza, their children were enticed by suburban living and moved out of the City.  They left behind their now vacant houses, creating another challenge for the PHCA. The group joined neighboring organizations to lobby for the inception of low-income mortgage programs offered by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh. Then they turned to creative marketing strategies to put these homes back on the tax rolls, focussing on enticing ex-residents to move back to the neighborhood. To date, other successful PHCA housing projects have produced more than 30 owner-occupied single-family units throughout the neighborhood.
 

"Reaching for the sun, the sky's the limit..."

In 2004, the PHCA will celebrate 35 years as a chartered organization by honoring those founding members for their valiant efforts and countless hours.  Over the years, the PHCA developed three important organizational guidelines to ensure operation as the founders had set forth:  a solid and working set of By-laws, a Policies and Procedures Handbook, and a sworn Oath of Office for each inductee to the Board of Directors.  At least 300 monthly membership meetings and nearly 1,000 memberships later, the PHCA continues to thrive, it's roots firmly planted here in Polish Hill.
 
 

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