Welcome to Panther Hollow, once one of Pittsburgh's most hidden and
unique neighborhoods!
The hollow, which is in the shadow of the Cathedral of Learning
on the very outskirts of Oakland, was once a small community of
Italian immigrants, complete with 2 banks, a family-run grocery
store and a ground so muddy, women would lose high heels just
walking in it.
In this photo dated in the early 1900s, you can see just
how stripped of plantlife Oakland and Panther Hollow were, thanks
to the nearby coal power-plant and active railway
line.
However, after the Park Conservancy moved in and restored
Schenely Park, Panther Hollow was reclaimed by trees, wildflowers
and other greenery. When you're down here, it's hard to believe
that you're still in Oakland. But, well, you are. So deal with
it.
This cache celebrates Panther Hollow's sprawling legacy of
obscurity, and the FTF items in the cache reflect this area's
unique history. I hope you enjoy it.