Those SHJ Tee Shirts

[Kenneth Josephson]

"Dietrich, Robert J." wrote:

> Some time back there was reference made to South Hills Junction Tee Shirts
> that graphically showed the demise of the junction.  Does anyone have one
> they would like to part with?  Or at least send me a picture or scan of the
> graphic.  I would like to have a couple made, with adjusted dates of course
> - 2001 to ????

I saw several worn at the PCC Farewell event. I am sure someone on this list
knows where to get ahold of one.

Someone mentioned that perhaps the shirt simply was indicating the span of time
the junction existed up to that point. But I do remember some people stating
that it was to mark the end of the junction as it existed. Like all manmade
things that survive over generations, evolution occurs to some degree. But that
is not the same as an abandonment. In a 1969 article lamenting PAT's decision
to phase out trolley service, Harre Demoro referred to SHJ "appearing as an
interurban junction during the 1930s rather than the hub of a dying rail
transit system in 1969." It was a snowy night when he made this observation and
I must admit, snow on the roof of the main building added charm to the scene,
especially at night. I spent two snowy evenings there during 1976 and 1979 just
watching the cars go about their business.

I recently received an e-mail from a friend who believes the Pittsburgh PCC era
ended when the last 1700 was retired. He does not consider 4000s to be "real"
PCCs. So I suppose there are some people who believe SHJ died with the coming
of the Light Rail era.

Ken J.