Masonry Magazine October 1975 Page. 6

Masonry Magazine October 1975 Page. 6

Masonry Magazine October 1975 Page. 6
The Fort Pitt blockhouse was built of brick, with a stone foundation, in 1764, and has seen many generations of Pennsylvanians come and go. BM&PIU Local 33-Pa. Stone & Marble Masons Laid the Pennsylvania sandstone around the base of the tree during recent development of Point State Park.


THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

By: Neal English
Executive Director
International Masonry Institute

As Americans celebrate their Bicentennial and get re-acquainted with their nation's history, there's a tiny tip of land in Pittsburgh, Pa., that will undoubtedly become an increasingly popular mecca for tourists. It's where the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers converge to create the mighty, and often flooding, Ohio River.

Few people know that an unnamed fourth river flows beneath Pittsburgh. Called the Wisconsin Glacial Flow by geologists, the river lies about 54-ft. below ground. It was formed by the Wisconsin ice sheet that covered much of the northern U.S. during the Ice Age 70,000 years ago. The underground river is the source of drinking water for some downtown buildings which have their own wells.

Those visiting the tiny tip of land will be intrigued with the restored fortifications of Fort Pitt and a fabulous fountain, designed by architects Stotz, Hess, MacLachian & Fosner, which dominates its point. The fountain is fed by the waters of the underground river and its 200-ft. high geyser, whose force and lights are controlled by computer, often sprays onlookers who stray too close or aren't familiar with the idiocyncracies of the winds whipping in from the three rivers, the surrounding cliffs, or the canyons of nearby narrow-streets which make up the Pittsburgh downtown business area.

Visitors will also find points throughout the area of special interest with its beautiful walkways, plantings, river views, nearby shops and hotels. Across the Monongahela, a couple of restaurants perch precariously on a cliff high above the river. They're reached by the adventurous on a brightly painted incline that slowly scales the cliff and provides breathtaking and somewhat frightening views of Fort Pitt, the fountain, and other points miles away, including the Three Rivers Stadium.

To nearby residents of Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, the tip of land and adjacent business arca, spearheaded by the Pittsburgh Hilton, is the Golden Triangle.

To the Pa. Dept. of Forests & Waters, which is in charge of maintaining the park section for future generations, and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development which guided its development, it's the Point State Park. To the International Masonry Institute, a trust