9 Incredible Inventions The World Can Thank Pittsburgh For
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Stand up and take a bow, Pittsburgh! We’re lucky to live in a city that has been so innovative, today with medicine and technology, and so forward-thinking. Throughout the decades, Pittsburgh and Pittsburghers have consistently contributed to the world of innovation. In fact, without these nine Pittsburgh inventions, the world would certainly be a very different place.
The world's first Ferris Wheel debuted at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1839. However, George Ferris invented it right here in Pittsburgh. Those who rode the Ferris Wheel at the World's Fair paid just 50 cents and enjoyed a 20-minute ride that provided spectacular views of the Chicago landscape.
The world certainly owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Jonas Salk, who created the polio vaccine in 1955 while working at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Salk was a champion of making the vaccine mandatory - worldwide.
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Pittsburgh has always been an entertainment hub. It debuted the world's first movie theater in June of 1905. (The photo above is not of that movie theater.) The Nickelodean boasted 96 seats and originally showed the films "The Baffled Burglar" and "Poor But Honest."
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So, the Big Mac wasn't technically invented right in Pittsburgh - but close. Jim Delligatti, who originally ran the Uniontown McDonald's, invented what just might be the world's most popular sandwich in 1967.
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Most of us probably had Mr. Yuck stickers under our sinks growing up. However, did you know that Mr. Yuk got his start right here in Pittsburgh? That's right. The Pittsburgh Poison Center invented the stickers, which are still popular and in use today.
Pittsburgh's KDKA earns props as having the first radio broadcast in the United States. KDKA first went on the airways on Election Day - November 2, 1920 - to provide Pittsburghers with election results.
Remember the day before emojis? We smiled like this :-). The very first emoticon was that very smiley face, and it was invented by a professor at Carnegie Melon University. Dr. Scott Fahlman was the first to use both the smiley face and the sad face emoticon. The rest, as they say, is history.
We all knew the Civic Arena as The Igloo, but did you know that it was also the first arena with a retractable roof in the U.S.? The Civic Arena opened in 1961 and hosted countless Penguins' games, concerts, and other events throughout its history. The process of demolishing the Civic Arena began in September 2011.
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The Jeep was invented in Butler County, not too far from the City of Pittsburgh. During World War II, companies were asked to design a vehicle that could easily and safely transport soldiers and heavy artillery. The American Bantam Car Company got the contract and invented the Jeep.
What other Pittsburgh inventions should be added to the list? Let us know in the comments! If you’re in the mood for a blast from the past, here are nine photos from yesteryear to satisfy your nostalgia.
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