The Newtown Pentacle

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Archive for April 30th, 2026

Squeaky wheel

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Thurs

– photo by Mitch Waxman

A few random shots from the end of a satisfying scuttle. I swear, the working guys have no idea how esthetically pleasing I find these sorts of arrangements they leave behind. They’re artists, and don’t even know it.

I was moving through the area surrounding Allegheny Commons Park, which has a trench running through it for the railroads.

– photo by Mitch Waxman

Norfolk Southern #1832 came through, heading north/west. It was hauling short blue cargo boxes, of the type which sewer solids are shipped within. Likely heading towards the sewer plant nearby the McKees Rocks Bridge, or Ohio. A lot of things nobody else wants end up in Ohio. I’ve been there, and really – they pretty much sent their best to Washington in Vance.

Stay out of Ohio, you’re not ready for what you might see there.

Regardless, one haughtily scuttled on.

– photo by Mitch Waxman

This truck caught my eye. I was intrigued by those Doberman silhouettes silk screened on the thing. Also, that’s one crazy truck, yo.

My steps carried me into the ‘ceremonial center’ section of the Coty of Pittsburgh, where the Stadiums are found, and where there’s coincidental opportunities to board the T light rail service and ‘get out of dodge.’

– photo by Mitch Waxman

See that mound on the right side of the shot? Coal mine’s historical entrance, as it turns out.

As I mentioned a few posts ago, this coal thing suddenly brings everything into a place where it makes sense. I’m not ‘smart enough’ to really delve into the topic here yet, but I’ve started reading up on the Pittsburgh Coal Company Trust, and others.

Heck of a story there. Eventually, I’ll know enough of it to point y’all at primary sources on the subject.

– photo by Mitch Waxman

The T station came into sight, just as one of the light rail units rose out of the tunnel that it travels under downtown within, and climbed up the truss to the terminal stop opposite Acrisure Stadium.

Most of the Yinzers I meet ‘poo-poo’ the T, but I ride it all the time.

– photo by Mitch Waxman

My chariot arrived, and as soon as those doors opened, I was ensconced in a seat. This was about a six or seven mile walk, all told. I had a nice time, and nobody threw any rotting fruit at me, for a change.

Back tomorrow with something different – at this – your Newtown Pentacle.


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In the Shadows at Newtown Creek,” an 88 page softcover 8.5×11 magazine format photo book by Mitch Waxman, is now on sale at blurb.com for $30.

Written by Mitch Waxman

April 30, 2026 at 11:00 am