During an era where segregation was openly thriving in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, many African Americans created lasting fond memories at Fairview Park.
It became a place of recreation and entertainment for African Americans who, at the time, were not permitted to swim in pools or enter dance halls at venues such as Kennywood Park.
Fairview Park Board president Anita Jackson-Lowe, affectionately known as “Miss Anita,” explained how the park came into existence. “The Monongahela Valley Sunday School Association assembled in 1918 to acquire land to provide a place of recreation for our Black children.” The group eventually purchased 106 acres of land in Delmont, Pennsylvania, during 1945 from George Emricko for $35,000. They currently own 55 of the original acres, having sold some to pay levied taxes.
To this day, Fairview Park is believed to be the oldest owned and operated African American park east of the Mississippi, and perhaps in the entire United States. “Record keeping at that time was not a priority, and there were little to no photos because cameras were a luxury that many people couldn’t afford,” clarified Miss Anita. “This made verification difficult, although many details were passed down orally through generations. Therefore, I always say we are the oldest… second only to none.” After much hard work on the part of committee members, in 2011, Fairview Park was inducted into the National Register of Historic Places.
In the past, the park housed amusement rides. African American photographer “Teenie” Harris photographed events there, including their major annual fundraiser, the May Queen and King event. During its heyday, nearly every African American organization and churches of multiple denominations from surrounding counties were members and regular supporters of the park. Over the years, as overt segregation came to an end, the park became less utilized. Currently, it is home to a barn, basketball court, playground, three shelters, and a large grassy area for all to enjoy. Anyone can rent the park, which is the perfect setting for a family reunion, party, or event.
Volunteer board members and the community at large are binding together to preserve and improve this precious piece of African American History. The Black Diamond Campaign, commemorating Fairview’s 75th anniversary, hosted a tea party on Saturday, October 26, 2010, which was the first in a series of fundraising events to be held over the next year. The Diamond Gala 1945 May Day Affair will be held on May 16, 2020. Additionally, the Diamond Legacy 20th Annual Old Fashion Picnic will take place on August 15, 2020.
“We rely solely on donations,” explained Ms. Anita, who emphasized the imperative need to preserve and maintain this rich legacy. Donations can be made payable via check to FAIRVIEW PARK, P.O. Box 5114, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, or through PayPal: fairviewpark1930@gmail.com. Additional information is available on the website: historicfairviewpark.com, and on Facebook: Historic Fairview Park. If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a volunteer in any capacity, please contact 412-553-6450.
(Photographers: Marcia Liggett, Fairview Park Committee photos)
This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Winter 2020). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved.
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