A photo circa the late 1800s-early 1900s shows the former Limegrover’s Store on East Ohio Street decked out for the holidays.

Photo courtesy of Mary Wohleber

What Once Was

By Mary Wohleber

Published in the Christmas Edition 1985

Christmas — the most exciting time of the year was
especially so in Old Allegheny.

                The
eastern section, which included the heavily populated East Street Valley, Spring
Hill, Spring Garden and of course Troy Hill were predominately German. In these
neighborhoods the German customs were closely followed and some linger on even
today. For the chrildren, the Christmas season started with the Feast of St.
Nicholas on December 6. The night before all the stockings were hung with great
anticipation. What was in your stocking the next morning was very important
because it told you how you rated on a scale of one to 10. Usually your treat
consisted of an orange, a small toy (such as a whistle or a top) and a few
pieces of candy. If, on the other hand, things didn’t look too swift for you,
you got a piece of coal and onion. As the old saying goes: “A word to the
wise is sufficient”, and believe me you got the message real fast. This gave
you time to “shape up” before the big day. Once I was the recipient
of coal and an onion and I have never forgotten it. By the time Christmas came
I was so good that I was sure I could walk on water.

                East
Ohio Street was the Great White Way of Allegheny. I know some of you remember
Funk’s, Moon’s, Kleiner Meyer’s, Krupp’s, Beckert’s, Ferenbach’s, just to name
a few– you know I could go on and on with those that are gone. My spirit sags
when I drive through the pitiful small part that is left to us.

                I
thought some of you would find this interesting.

                The
picture accompanying this article is of Limegrover’s Store on East Ohio Street.
If one looks closely you can see that for the princely sum of $1.00, a quart of
Bridgeport pure rye whiskey and a quart of Port wine was yours! Makes you want
to eat your heart out. This lively, busy thorofare, all decorated with tinsel,
greens and lights, led us all to the heart of the Northside–but let’s stop
first at the Commons between Cedar and Union Avenues. Just writing about this
makes it so vivid in my minds eye. At that time a man’s trade was a niche he
alone filled. The ice man of the summer was the coal man of the winter and the
tree, moss and green sawdust man at Christmas. All hiss summer customers bought
their trees from their special person because they know instinctively it was
the only way his family would have Christmas. People were more personally
associated then. Each tree seller had a small contained fire going to keep him
warm and the square was ringed with them. This added to the festive look as you
walked into the big open space. On one corner would be the Salvation Army Band
and on the other was the German Band, which would come out of hibernation for
this best of all seasons. With the soft light of the fires, the fresh scent of
all the pine trees, the music of the bands and all the people greeting each
other, one know this was Christmas.

                Then–on
to the Market House– those of us who know it, can we ever forget it?! At
Christmas it was very special. One never walked around the market but always
through it. It had such a friendly feeling. Every stall was decorated, the
aisles crowded with shoppers picking up their Christmas orders, the stall
owners calling out ” Merry Christmas” to all that passed and you just
knew they meant it. There was just no place in the world like the Market House
at Christmas.

                Years
ago, Christmas was not strung out as it is today. Christmas merchandise was put
out just a couple weeks before. For the big gift there was Boggs and Buhl’s. It
was the pillar of the Allegheny commercial scene. Everyone received at least
one gift at Christmas that come from the great store. If you could not find the
right gift anywhere else you knew you would find it there. On the North Side of
the Allegheny it was mother, apple pie and then came Boggs & Buhl’s.

                Now we
have it all together and its Christmas Eve on Troy Hill. The tree is trimmed,
the Nativity set in the place of honor, the oldest child (me) placed Christ
child in the manger and Stille Nacht (Silent Night) sung by the family. I’m
about 10 years old and my little sister and I are waiting for the visit of
Betlsnuckel and Kriskringle (Santa Claus). A couple that had no children
assumed these roles and visited homes in the neighborhood that had made
previous arrangements with them. Whether you believe or not you took this very
seriously.. Beltsnuckel was always a woman and so called because she carried a
big black belt. Santa was primed as to your faults and would ask Beltsnuckel if
a spanking was in order. She never spoke, but shook the belt, so of course you
promised to do better and were spared. Then Santa distributed the gifts and
while we were busy with our new toys our parents took the couple to the kitchen
for a spot of schnapps. After visit more homes and the evening came to close,
they could be seen winding their unsteady way into the night.

                After
the excitement had died down, we were off to bed with a good night kiss from
our parents. We knew that in the morning we would all go to church to hear once
again the familiar words that told about the Child that was born that day to
bring Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all Men.

                Christmas,
the busiest and happiest time of the year, is almost here. Take time to enjoy
the simple tings: being with loved ones, the joy of a child, song and laughter,
lights shining in a window, the silent sound of falling snow, good friends. May
these blessings be yours is the wish to all of us on Troy hill to all of you
out there.