My grandfather was an ex-police chief of Mckeesport at the time and he flew over the city in a helicopter, directing firefighters from the air. He probably saved most of downtown through his efforts along with the many firefighters that day.
The "Famous" was a department store based in Braddock. The McKeesport branch ended up being bigger (Physically) Cox's was a great McKeesport based store, BUT G.C. Murphy was the biggest (retail) thing to come out of the Tube City reaching all the way to Florida! (Now, I just need some MENZIE Chocolate milk!)
I fought this fire. I was the only fire dept that was willing to get a pumper down to the river, there was no other water source to be found. My dept was from North Versailles Township, Arlington Station, that was willing to draft water out of the Yough river, all the hydrants in down town were sucked dry, from all the other pumpers in use. I was relay pumping to several other pumpers that were getting the water up to the homes just above downtown. In fairness to the City, the fire was far more than the town could have ever fought, they would of needed 10 times the man power and equipment. With winds that hit 35 mph, was very difficult to keep up with glowing embers that traveled in some cases a few miles, which set more fires. The fire started when a water tank on the roof of the Famous was being cut apart for demolition.
damn im sad that "elk temple" burned too, i wonder if there were more temple buildings, apart from moose and elk. and surprised the penn mckee hotel survived this
It will never return take a good look on the hillside Evan ave, jennylind st and Bailey Ave. I'm suprises to see my house is still there but everything around is gone. Rest in peace
I wasn't born in McKeesport I was born in Duquesne which is not even anywhere near better and I agree with you it will never return to what it once was. That makes a lot of sense for how McKeesport Acts. Half the city burns down and crime rate goes up
Never say never. When I was a kid Lawrenceville was a shithole. Now it would cost me as much to rent a GARAGE for what I could buy a house in Brentwood. These old mill towns have PHYISCAL advantages that WILL be valued in the future.
Funny how they found tires and other "things" nicely stacked within the Famous. Like the old saying goes better to burn it than to sale it or pay for the demolition.
You forgot to include all of the corrupt politicians included in this disaster..maybe if they would have kept the money and paid those firefighters instead of pocketing it the devastation would have not been so severe
My grandfather almost died in this fire in the only thing you care about is corrupt politicians. Stop making everything about politics that's the problem with this world. Even an old geezer like you should know better.
@@talk-is-pitt since an old geezer like me has been around a hell of a lot longer than you you might want to listen to someone who has seen the bullshit in this town first hand. You have no idea how long this crap has been going on.. get your head out of your ass and pay attention
My grandfather was an ex-police chief of Mckeesport at the time and he flew over the city in a helicopter, directing firefighters from the air. He probably saved most of downtown through his efforts along with the many firefighters that day.
Excellent description and info.
Ikr
Best video on this EVER.
the "still" photo at the 2:33 mark isn't McK. It's a shot of Clay ave. in Jeannette
The "Famous" was a department store based in Braddock. The McKeesport branch ended up being bigger (Physically) Cox's was a great McKeesport based store, BUT G.C. Murphy was the biggest (retail) thing to come out of the Tube City reaching all the way to Florida! (Now, I just need some MENZIE Chocolate milk!)
Like the PHEONIX, Very nice job young lady. The City had just laid off 12 firefighters. All were hired back soon after the fire.
I fought this fire. I was the only fire dept that was willing to get a pumper down to the river, there was no other water source to be found. My dept was from North Versailles Township, Arlington Station, that was willing to draft water out of the Yough river, all the hydrants in down town were sucked dry, from all the other pumpers in use. I was relay pumping to several other pumpers that were getting the water up to the homes just above downtown. In fairness to the City, the fire was far more than the town could have ever fought, they would of needed 10 times the man power and equipment. With winds that hit 35 mph, was very difficult to keep up with glowing embers that traveled in some cases a few miles, which set more fires. The fire started when a water tank on the roof of the Famous was being cut apart for demolition.
Why do you have a picture of City of Jeannette at the 2:33 mark?
Wow.. 1:18 , that looks like my Dad.
damn im sad that "elk temple" burned too, i wonder if there were more temple buildings, apart from moose and elk. and surprised the penn mckee hotel survived this
It will never return take a good look on the hillside Evan ave, jennylind st and Bailey Ave. I'm suprises to see my house is still there but everything around is gone. Rest in peace
I wasn't born in McKeesport I was born in Duquesne which is not even anywhere near better and I agree with you it will never return to what it once was. That makes a lot of sense for how McKeesport Acts. Half the city burns down and crime rate goes up
Never say never. When I was a kid Lawrenceville was a shithole. Now it would cost me as much to rent a GARAGE for what I could buy a house in Brentwood. These old mill towns have PHYISCAL advantages that WILL be valued in the future.
Its still cleaner then today
Funny how they found tires and other "things" nicely stacked within the Famous. Like the old saying goes better to burn it than to sale it or pay for the demolition.
Jewish lightning?
You forgot to include all of the corrupt politicians included in this disaster..maybe if they would have kept the money and paid those firefighters instead of pocketing it the devastation would have not been so severe
My grandfather almost died in this fire in the only thing you care about is corrupt politicians. Stop making everything about politics that's the problem with this world. Even an old geezer like you should know better.
@@talk-is-pitt since an old geezer like me has been around a hell of a lot longer than you you might want to listen to someone who has seen the bullshit in this town first hand. You have no idea how long this crap has been going on.. get your head out of your ass and pay attention
:)♡