A Pittsburgh city photographer stood on the corner with Ellsworth Avenue (left) and South Highland Avenue (right) and took a photograph pointing straight across to the corner, behind a person crossing the street, of Centre Avenue (across street and right) and South Highland Avenue (across street and left). October 29, 1917. Image courtesy of Historic Pittsburgh, the Digital Research Library at the University of Pittsburgh.

A hundred years ago Ellsworth Avenue crossed over a bridge from where Ellsworth Avenue intersects with Spahr Street today, spanned the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks, and ended at the five way intersection shown in the image above (taken on October 29, 1917).

In the image, Centre Avenue runs from far right, straight through the intersection in front of parked cars, and past the corner across the intersection at far left.

South Highland Avenue runs from the right lower corner and through the intersection to where a street car and automobiles are seen on the move.

To the immediate left, Ellsworth Avenue meets the intersection.

Currently the Patron Mexican Grill is in the building visible directly across the intersection.

Looking down Walnut Street from South Aiken Avenue, February 19, 1935. Image courtesy of Historic Pittsburgh, the Digital Research Library at the University of Pittsburgh.

It’s difficult to find historic photographs of commercial Walnut Street, which is surprising given the area’s popularity.

In the 1935 image above, we can recognize buildings like the fifth building down Walnut Street (left side) known as the Minnetonka Building (1908). Designed by Frank G. Scheibler Jr., the Minnetonka Building now houses the Shadyside Variety Store, Mazur Galleries, and Cappy’s Cafe. Schiller’s Drug Store sign is visible at far right on the corner of Aiken and Walnut.

Perhaps you have an early photograph of Walnut Street? Please share it with us!