Our first location was easy enough to find, right across the street from the Wilkinsburg Police. Obviously there would be very little way inside this location, but to be honest, the exterior of the building was enough to please us both. Once an active station, this Pennsylvania Railroad Station closed many moons ago, taken over by vines, weeds, and vegetation. Built in 1916 and serving a large community with multiple platforms, beautiful architecture, wooden benches and an ornate clock, this station closed in the 60's or 70's, reopened briefly later, but has been closed for some time. We imagined what the interior looked like, with a ticket counter and people holding their luggage eager to board to visit Grandma's and Poppy's, go to the beach or even see Mickey Land (ah, the imagination of a five year old).
So we boarded our own Scion train and headed into East Liberty. We stopped by a church we had visited in the past. They seem to be doing work on it to maybe rehab it and I am happy to see that. The building, the setting for many scenes in Dogma, is quite a sight and should not be wasted to the elements. However, after meeting a trio of UrbEx folks like ourselves, as I turned the bend, I saw a building. It was in deep disrepair and looked like it needed to be seen by our curious eye. Three circles around the block in search of an entryway brought us to behind a current church. Upon parking, Little Lamby jumped out of the car. She was so eager to see. The location was, I think, once a school, although I am not certain. It had a definite school feel, but was much taller than most schools. A woman walking her dog stated she had the same suspicions as myself. We walked around the school and although we were close to the ground, we were able to peek into the upper windows. Peeled paint, drooping lights and shattered glass and wood littered the view. SO many vines on the fire escapes. But such detail in the architecture and brickwork. The fire escapes really peaked the curiosity of a certain five year old. We discussed their purpose and how they worked. There was actually quite a lot of persuasion on her account to try to climb up the fire escape. Oh how I wanted to say yes, but I knew a no was the right choice - right?
And so, as we exited past the church and drove home, Little Sweet Girl asked, "Are we close to home?" We were, not even a ten minute drive to home. "We can adventure this close to our house, Mommy? I love Pittsburgh! Can I have some cookies?" Yep, on all fronts, Little Adventure Light. Let's go get some cookies.