“Teenie Harris’ photo archive takes one man on a search for the Hill — and himself”
Chuck Tillman used to cross paths with the late, great photographer and documenter of the Hill District, Charles “Teenie” Harris. Now he pores over the archive, exploring the neighborhood as it once was and musing: “I gotta be in some of them pictures!”
Chuck thinks about the countless houses, businesses, and people displaced so the city could build parking. ‘What are you gonna do when the city says ‘go?’ Chuck ponders. Fifty-six years ago, Teenie Harris photographed a minister and two boys carrying a crucifix and a picture of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. leading a march down this very street.
Published on PublicSource.
Chuck Tillman drives by the condemned John Wesley AME Zion Church on Herron Avenue, November 2024. Photo by Amaya Lobato Rivas.
Herron Avenue near Wylie Avenue with John Wesley AME Zion Church and Speck’s Market, Hill District, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, ca. 1960. Photo by Charles “Teenie” Harris.
Terrance Hall Hotel, abandoned, November 2024. Photo by Amaya Lobato Rivas.
Terrace Hall Hotel, Centre Avenue, Hill District, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, ca. 1960. Photo by Charles “Teenie” Harris.
Crawford Street from Chuck’s truck, the Hill District, November 2024. Photo by Amaya Lobato Rivas.
Minister and two boys carrying crucifix and picture of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. leading march down sidewalk in front of Connelley Vocational School, with Father Donald McIlvane following second - turned right, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, ca. 1970. Photo by Charles “Teenie” Harris.
Intersection of Center Avenue and Kirkpatrick Street, November 2024. Photo by Amaya Lobato Rivas.
Kirkpatrick Street at corner of Centre Avenue, with Gordon’s Shoe Store on left, ca. 1940. Photo by Charles “Teenie” Harris.
A sign reads “The Great Return of New Granada” in front of the New Granada theater, November 2024. Photo by Amaya Lobato Rivas.
New Granada Theater, Centre Avenue, Hill District, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, ca. 1960. Photo by Charles “Teenie” Harris.
Chuck Tillman runs down the street to an empty lot on Ledlie and Arcena Street, November 2024. Photos by Amaya Lobato Rivas.
Chuck Tillman runs down the street to an empty lot on Ledlie and Arcena Street, November 2024. Photos by Amaya Lobato Rivas.
Chuck Tillman runs down the street to an empty lot on Ledlie and Arcena Street, November 2024. Photos by Amaya Lobato Rivas.
Memory Lane street sign, Middle Hill, November 2024. Photo by Amaya Lobato Rivas.