As everyone from Pittsburgh knows, directions are often given in reference to what "used to be there", an event that happened there, or compared to where "someone lived". For example, "Follow Main Street to where they had that big fire, make a left, go for awhile and make a right where the Isaly's used to be. Go a little past where Uncle Joe lived and its just a bit further on the left!" You get the idea. Well, this cache is located near the end of the "High Level Bridge", right where Chiodo's was! Please don't bother to tell us that the bridge has been renamed and that a chain drugstore and chain sandwich shop now stand where historic Chiodo's Tavern once stood.
Chiodo's Tavern was a local landmark, renowned for its "mystery sandwich, memorabilia, (including a bra collection) hanging from the rafters, and varieties of beer available. Started by Joe Chiodo in 1948, it was mostly frequented by steel workers from the nearby Homestead Works. Over the years it's notoriety spread and people from all of the region would stop by. Unfortunately, as occurs all to often in today's world, the spot has given way to national chain stores and a bit of local tradition is lost.
A recipe for the "Mystery Sandwich" and a photo of Joe Chiodo are available in the gallery below (courtesy of the Post Gazette). While picking up the easy smiley, see if you can still sense the history of the place. Feel free to log any experiences or memories you have of Chiodo's. By the way, you can also thank us for not hiding the cache under the railroad car across the street! LOL
UPDATE: July 2012
The cache has again been moved slightly due to changes in the landscape. This time, the container was a victim of vicious pruners! It continues to be a camo'd pill bottle.
Congrats to beans&franks for the FTF!
