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 RiverQuestion of the Monthfor March 2008
Question:
The Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Street Bridges that cross the Allegheny River linking the North Side to the Golden Triangle have historically been called the three sisters, but they have been named for some famous natives of the Pittsburgh region. The Sixth Street Bridge, next to PNC Park, is named for Roberto Clemente, while the Seventh Street Bridge is named for famed pop artist Andy Warhol. The Ninth Street Bridge was named in honor of Rachel Carson in 2006. Who was Rachel Carson?
Answer:Rachel Carson, whom many believe to be the founder of the modern environmental movement, was born in 1907 and raised in Springdale, Pennsylvania in a home overlooking the Allegheny River. Carson developed a love of nature and writing during her childhood. She obtained degrees in biology and marine biology, worked for the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries (for which she was the first woman to take and pass the civil service test), and wrote several books centered on the oceans. Her 1962 book, Silent Spring, brought national and international attention to the harmful effects of pesticides, including DDT. Rachel Carson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Jimmy Carter and was named one of Time magazine's Most Important People of the 20th Century (both posthumously). Rachel Carson passed away from cancer at the age of 56. Allegheny County Council (with encouragement from Chatham College and local press) felt that re-naming the Ninth Street Bridge across the Allegheny River after southwestern Pennsylvania's native daughter was a fitting tribute. Rachel Carson Homestead Rachel Carson's childhood home in Springdale has been preserved as the Rachel Carson Homestead, and is operated by the Rachel Carson Homestead Association. The Rachel Carson Homestead web site provides a variety of resources including a Rachel Carson Biography, Educational Resources, and event listings, such as the event listed below. Rachel Carson Spirit & Nature Forum: April 16, 2008 On April 16, 2008, Rachel Carson Homestead will present a multi-faith gathering to discuss the reverence for nature contained in all world religions. Through this roundtable discussion, participants can explore how earth stewardship is a matter of faith and how sustainable living, including conservation efforts, green building and using renewable energy, are practices that can be embraced by all. For more information on Rachel Carson Homestead events, visit the web site at rachelcarsonhomestead.org.
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