This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 40 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Pittsburgh Dispatch
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Mar 08, 1889
Page
2
A rambling collection of brief items reports on public figures like Superintendent Pitcairn, local happenings in East End and Allegheny, court actions, minor accidents, and social chatter. It references New York trips, street behavior, suspicions, a few criminal cases, and everyday questions about wallpaper and songs, all in a dated urban tone.
The Sub Survey Committee of City Councils chaired by K R Carnahan will meet at Wood street and Diamond alley at 2 PM to hear citizens on widening the alley from Liberty to Wood. The panel will study costs and benefits and decide who bears the expense.
Attorneys report that Farmers and Mechanics Bank assignees face court for depositors claims. Cash on hand may yield about one percent to depositors, with stockholders possibly liable for twice their stock. court action expected to determine further payouts.
A special committee of the Western Pennsylvania Engineers' Society, led by Colonel T. P. Roberts, urged state action to improve country roads. They propose state and local funding shares and a legal framework enabling county control, citing vast miles of impassable roads and economic losses to farmers and trade. Senator Newmyer supports the effort, with focus on macadamized paving and central state help.
An alarm from box 85 shortly after 7 o'clock last evening reported a small fire at the Crystal Oil Works just above the Sharpsburg bridge. The blaze started from an oil pipe escape and caused slight damage.
Ottawa reports that the Edison Electric Light Company's incandescent lighting patent was nullified for failure to meet Canadian patent regulations. Westinghouse and United States Electric Lighting had challenged the patent, arguing violations of import and domestic manufacture rules. The decision shifts the patent rights away from Edison, though no consolidation talks with Westinghouse are claimed.
Westinghouse Electric Company electricians tested a quarter horsepower Tesla motor on a sewing machine using an incandescent lamp jet. The switch enabled precise operation, and a treadle regulated speed. This first known use of alternating current on a sewing machine showed highly successful results and may lead to wider adoption.
Board of Assessors completes city valuations for 1889. Total city valuation is $200,804,695. Real estate $146,106,455 and personal property $1,518,332 taxed at full millage. Rural and agricultural adjustments raise total property taxable at full rate to $181,428,098. Rural property totals $44,780,140 and sedentary property $7,899,768.
The wife of John Tuigg of Superior station Allegheny asks police to locate her husband who left five months ago claiming he would go to Wilkes Barre for work. The 50 year old coal miner has no children and is in destitute circumstances. Mayor Pearson will contact Wilkes Barre authorities to verify if Tuigg is there.
John Fisher of Fisher and Renkin in McKeesport told Lt Teeters at the Twelfth ward station he was robbed of 500 dollars. He arrived in the city Monday with two friends and on Tuesday began a city tour to enjoy a night out. Late Tuesday he found his large leather pocket book missing containing the 500 dollars.
At the meeting of the Committee on Gas of Allegheny Councils last night Superintendent Hunter's report showed 41 new gas and 37 gasoline lamps erected during the year, totaling 17 555 lamps and 16 arc lights. The cost per lamp was 763 dollars and gasoline 15 dollars each. Total cost of gas was 22
Detective Eichenlaub of Allegheny arrested Peter Edwards of Lake Street on desertion charges. His wife had sued him for surety of the peace last August, prompting his departure from town. He is to be brought before a magistrate for hearing at once.
Retail liquor dealers in two cities held a large secret meeting at Grand Army Hall to form an organization. They aim to raise funds to defeat the prohibition amendment and to block unlicensed sales, with plans to circulate campaign documents statewide. Matt Weiss was elected president and John Sauer secretary as they prepare for a broad legal and political push next June.
W Firnhateer a Paris businessman criticizes General Boulanger as popular discontent grows. He advocates stable French government, notes rising debt, and argues for tariff easing as Americans flood French markets with foodstuffs while clocks and art face protections. He cites anti American student bias but says art transcends such disputes.
The Pittsburg Newsboys Home held its annual meeting in the schoolroom with Rev. Dr. George T. Purves presiding and Allan Kerr as secretary. Officers elected include Purves as president and Kerr as secretary. the school shows growth with 40 permanent boarders, active employment for many boys, and debt and renovations noted. A free evening entertainment features Mrs. C. C. Mellor and others, followed by cake and ice cream.
Residents of Mahon street packed the Board of Viewers to hear owners’ wishes on grading paving and curbing from Kirkpatrick to Chauncey. The Booth & Flinn contract was nearly finished except 92 feet near Chauncey where piles are needed. Some property owners sought abandonment but neighbors urged completion per ordinance. The City Attorney stated contractors must proceed if any objection remains.
Ed Morris, famed Allegheny Baseball Club pitcher, turned himself in after learning an information was filed against him and a partner for maintaining a gambling room. He returned from Mt Clemens, posted bail at Mayor Pearson’s office, and denied any gambling in his establishment. Community members dispute the raid, asserting the business was legitimate.
The McKeesport and Bellevennon Railroad Company nears completion and expected coal shipments grow. President Wainwright secured a contract with O'Neal, Peterson & Co. to ship all mined at their new works above Elizabeth. The plant will employ 200 men and produce a heavy daily output.
Workers from L A 1397 Knights of Labor and unions Nos 10 and 15 oppose a three class pay plan by the Master Painters Association. They warn it would favor 20 cent workers and reduce first class hiring. A rumor ties Elson and Buckeye glassworks closure to potential 800 job losses.
A post office civil service examination was held yesterday with 12 applicants from Western Pennsylvania but none from Pittsburgh. A new feature required applicants to read and sort a bundle of 100 differently addressed letters, testing reading accuracy and handling speed as if distributing mail in boxes.
State President M. F. Moran of the Miners' National Progressive Union, West Virginia, writes from his organizing tour stating the miners are flocking to the new union and describing the campaign as the most successful he has ever conducted.
The Executive Committee of the One Hundred and Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers will hold its annual reunion at Butler on May 15. Captain B. L. Fallwood will deliver the address at the Gettysburg monument unveiling on May 21.
J H Burtt of the American Flint Glass Workers' Union withdraws from the National Labor Commissioner race and endorses Sco st Martin of the Amalgamated Asso. Isaac Cline's weekly window glass report shows 1 125 pots active and 202 idle, a four pot increase. all sections are in operation.
A large temperance movement gathers support for a Constitutional amendment. Colonel W D Moore endorses the amendment and plans a major speech next Thursday. Meetings in Old City Hall and North Avenue M E Church feature speakers like Mary T. Late and Mrs Lathrop, while Rev Little and Hon B C Christy address the crowd. A Young Women's Christian Temperance Union is organized at Mt Washington.
A natural gas explosion last night in Lawrenceville injured James Creely, an employee at Carnegie’s Thirty third Street mill, after a lantern ignited escaping gas from a leak at a stand pipe. The blaze damaged the mill and nearby bridge while firefighters battled mud and delayed access as gas was shut off on the Allegheny side.
Stockholders of the Phonograph Printing and Copying Company elected Parker L. Walter as President. Directors named Harry McFarland John Hadlen H. H. Byram and P. L. Walter as officers for the year.
The People’s Store announces carpet stock on Wood Street 531 and 533 with handsome patterns available before April 1. Customers may choose now and have carpets made and ready to lay.
Black jersey and armor silks priced 100 to 200 per yard touted as best values. Watch repair at low prices. Fabrics and patterns offered by multiple merchants along Fifth Avenue and Penn Avenue. Misses gloves and buttons promoted with discounts. Large ads claim immense selections and cash for old gold and silver.
The Chartiers Natural Gas Company board ratified stockholders action to issue bonds. Eastern firms have taken 700000 of bonds. 300000 of stock remaining will be offered to stockholders. Directors note outsiders show confidence in natural gas over local holders.
Foreman Frank Marquis of the Allegheny Water Department vanished after leaving home on Monday. He was seen Tuesday evening at a hotel. He withdrew $500 from the bank and had several hundred dollars with him. No domestic issues or city account problems are reported, and no cause for his departure is given.
Campbell and Dick advertise new carpet stock at 531 and 533 Weed Street. They offer fresh handsome designs and invite customers to choose new goods beginning April 1.
A two day sale offers 300 new spring suits and overcoats at 800 each. Items are well made with silk serge trim and would normally retail 18 to 22. Also featuring durable children’s school suits at 150 and 175. Visit P. C. C. at Grant and Diamond streets opposite the new Court House.
Retail department unveils 50 000 wallpaper pieces from ten cent papers to fine hand prints at the new Crumline Bane Bassett store located 416 Wood Street in Palmer's old stand.
The Hub offers free examination of bargains in underwear overcoats suits and more for men and boys at 439 Smithfield st Boston Nothing House. Fresh spring importations feature lace curtains and Royal fruit biscuit while Penn Avenue Stores advertise patterns and prices for housekeepers and hotel keepers.
Cloak department showcases spring jackets wraps and black lace cloaks while Hueys and Hacks rings and Elgin watches are advertised. The ad promotes Sozodont and Kidd's cough syrup as health products amid a collage of fashion and cosmetic claims.
Dr James A McCann spoke at P R K Hall on Twenty eighth street about General Emergencies. The lecture offered practical advice on actions needed for accidents and stressed preparedness for railroad workers.
An ill actor named Phillip Hawley with consumption applied to Inspector McAleese for aid to return home to Philadelphia. He fell ill in Grand Rapids and, aided by Grand Army friends, reached Pittsburg. Hawley says he belongs to Thomas Stevens Post Boston and will receive assistance today.
Long wraps in plain stripe and check styles begin at $5 with Cambrett & Dice featuring India silks at 75 cents and sale at sight. Jos Horxe & Cos advertise Peon Avenue stores Curtais Department selling lace curtains from 65e to 7500 a pair and tambour designs just opened. Hauch's at 2995 Fifth Avenue calls for old gold and silver.
Joseph Stern and Mrs. Louisa Kun kel of South Eighth Street were jailed yesterday by Magistrate Brokaw of the Fa ae ey for keeping a gambling house and selling liquor without a license.
Pocketbooks, card cases, and portemonnaies in leather are on sale for 50 cents each at Jos. Homne & Co. Special table advertised.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.