Graff, Hugus & Co.
Photographer: Leonardo Reyes-Gonzalez
Date: October 21 2007
Place: Mexican War Streets, North Side, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County
Why this sign?
I like to look into details. In addition, I liked this door because it is old and has a lot of history
Posted by Mark at April 3, 2008 2:11 PM
Comments
According to A Century and a Half of Pittsburg and Her People the Hugus family were related to Victor Hugo. Coal deliveries were an intermediary between gathering your own wood and flipping a switch or valve for heat from a distant source.
The coal chutes started rusting after Renaissance I, when homes stopped burning coal -- the least expensive home heating alternative. Pittsburgh's air was cleaned up a great deal because of the economic sacrifice of the general population.
For more coal chute (and manhole) goodness go to Forgotten New York.
Posted by: Registered User 
at April 3, 2008 2:49 PM