Stove, Paving
Object number2023.135.1
Date1900-1925
OriginPittsburgh, PA
MediumGranite; Cement(?) or Concrete(?); Stone
Credit LineGift of Raymond Werner
DescriptionBelgian block. Rectangular block of granite stone. Stone is variegated grays and browns with rough surface. One long face is smoother than the others. Some faces have horizontal lines/striations visible in the stone. Scattered adhesions on the surface include concrete(?) or cement(?) and small stones/pebbles. DimensionsLength x Width x Depth: 15.25 x 6.75 x 5.625 in. (38.7 x 17.1 x 14.3 cm)Historical NotesBelgian block from a street in the Strip District neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Label TextThe paving of Pittsburgh’s streets posed special challenges. Wooden blocks proved to be too slippery when it rained, or the streets flooded. Horse hoofs on cobblestones made an incredible clatter and the smooth, rounded stones got slippery when wet. The rough surface and hard edges of Belgian block provided a better hold for horses, especially on steep, winding roads, and its durability made it appealing. Blocks like these, excavated nearby in the Strip District, are still in use or lie beneath the city’s asphalt covered streets.
Previous owner
Raymond Werner
On View
Not on view
1916
2013
Unknown
Unknown
Seneca
