Medals relating to Pittsburgh
As always, you can click or tap medals to see the reverse. Some medals might have multiple variants that differ in material, size, or other details. If multiple variants are available you can drag or slide medals sideways to display them.
The medal's obverse shows University of Pittsburgh's "Cathedral of Learning." Around, to left and right, UNIVERSITY OF - PITTSBURGH; to left and right, 1787 - 1937
The reverse bears an inscription that reads THEY SHALL / FIND WISDOM HERE / AND FAITH - IN STEEL / AND STONE - IN CHARAC / TER AND THOUGHT - THEY / SHALL FIND BEAUTY - AD / VENTURE - AND MO / MENTS OF HIGH / VICTORY
In 1937 the University of Pittsbrgh celebrated both its 150th anniversary and the long-awaited completion of its 42-story "Cathedral of Learning." The impressive tower had been under construction for ten years and is still the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere (only the University of Moscow's main building is taller).
The building's construction evoked public support rarely seen for college construction projects. Local industries donated steel, cement, elevators, glass, plumbing and heating elements. In 1924, 17,000 men and women and 97,000 school children made individual cash contributions to help fund the project. Today, many adults still have the certificates they received as school children upon contributing 10 cents, which they had earned themselves, to "buy a brick" in the Cathedral of Learning.
The inscription on the reverse is a quote of Dr. Bowman, at the time the University's Chancellor:
"THEY SHALL FIND WISDOM HERE AND FAITH - IN STEEL AND STONE - IN CHARACTER AND THOUGHT - THEY SHALL FIND BEAUTY - ADVENTURE - AND MOMENTS OF HIGH VICTORY"
The medal bears neither a maker's mark nor a signature. Please contact me if you know the sculptor or have additional information on this medal.
The medal measures 76mm (3in) in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York.
The medal's obverse bears an aerial view of the "modern city of Pittsburgh." Above, PITTSBURGH / BICENTENNIAL / 1758 - 1958
The reverse depicts the plan for Fort Pitt and shows the convergence of the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers. Also seen are the official seals of the City of Pittsburgh, the County of Allegheny, and the Pittsburgh Bicentennial. Above, THE POINT / and / FORT PITT - 1758; signed below map, RJM / ©58
This handsome medal's obverse shows the city of Pittsbrgh with Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers convergeing in front. The site of Fort Pitt and the city's central business district (The Golden Triangle) and modern skyline are in the background while the reverse goes as far back in the city's history as possible: to the plans for historic Fort Pitt.
The medal measures 73mm (2 15/16in) in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York.