My dad was born and raised in Brownsville, PA, a small industrial town along the Monongahela River, the economic vein that runs Southeast out of Pittsburgh that gave life to so many small towns in the early 20th century, but then took it away after the Pittsburgh steel industry retired. Like so many of these small river towns, Main St. is now boarded up, and there are little jobs to be had. Walking around town with my dad I know it is hard for him to see his hometown in such a sad state, which might be why I only visit this side of the family every other year or so. I would love to go back and branch out more next time and try to get a feel for what life is like in these small towns, but in the two days I was there this time it was just about seeing my family.
My aunt's yard, five grandchildren in the past six years have transformed their house. Allison, PA.
My father's childhood bed room, now a doll room for my grandma.
Grandma.
Where my dad grew up. Brownsville, PA.
Grandchildren's toys.
My aunt, who after seeing me take this picture moved the checked cloth in front of the underwear. I only see this side of the family once every couple years, we're still bashful around each other.
Fayette City, PA, one of the many cities down river from Pittsburgh that has seen its economy vanish in the wake of the steel industry's decline.
A brutal summer storm.
After the storm cleared.
Also after the storm, at the weekly Strickler County Auction in Fayette City.
My brother at my grandmother's house.
Time to say goodbye.
