United Presbyterian Home for Aged People

Located at the current location of the Pyramid Health rehabilitation facility, the United Presbyterian Home for Aged People was founded in 1892 by the United Presbyterian Women's Association of North America (UPWANA).

UPWANA raised money for the maintenance of the Home by hosting an annual "Lawn Fete" starting in 1892. The fete lasted from down until dusk and featured decorated booths and picnic tables brimming with food. Pounds and pounds of candy, which had been made in the basement kitchen of the Home, were sold at the candy booth. While some of the streets in the vicinity of the Home were yet unpaved, pony rides for the children were a big attraction. When automobiles became more popular, automobile rides through Wilkinsburg were offered. WWII put an end to the fetes in 1942.

The association purchased the five-acre Bissell homestead (formerly the Woodwell and the Horback homestead). The home formed the center of the new facility, opened in 1892. Over time, three wings and an annex for men were added. The home closed in 2000.

More info in our digital archives!

Source:

Wilkinsburg Historical Society. (2007). Images of America: Wilkinsburg. Arcadia Publishing.

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History....1892-1971 United Presbyterian Home for Aged People