Wellington
ESTATE
REAL
The History of Brookside Farms
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cially formed in 1913, when the Freehold Real Estate Company (Freehold) combined its purchase of the Albert Fife farm with property the company owned in neighboring Bethel Park. Neighborhoods like Brookside Farms were appealing to many Pittsburghers who were seeking to escape city life. The completion of the Washington Interurban in 1909 made this suburban lifestyle possible for those employed in the city by providing hourly rail service into Pittsburgh. Freehold promoted its new neighborhood’s natural charms, offering an idealized view of life in this suburban oasis. Brookside Farms, Freehold touted, was “distinguished for its picturesque woodlands, romantic nooks, babbling brooks, broad-hedged lawns, artistic flower beds, prolific vegetable gardens, bountiful fruit groves, modern playgrounds, nicely kept poultry yards, and distinctive architecture.” In promotional materials produced around 1920, Freehold advertised Brookside’s proximity to the newly-built Clifton School and the Saint Clair Country Club. Additionally, it publicized, “When the new Liberty Tubes are finished, residents of Brookside Farms may easily motor to Pittsburgh in less than minutes without breaking the speed laws.” Not just a beautiful location, Brookside Farms soon grew into a close-knit community. G e rt r u d e Ta n n e r, a n e a r l y Brookside resident, recalled that neighborhood men chatting at the Brookside trolley stop while waiting to commute to work eventually formed the Brookside Civic Club in 1926. The club discussed practical matters of concern to the neighborhood, such as lighting, garbage collection, and sewers. At the time, these matters were handled by individual plans instead of the Township. Gertrude also recalled how the Brookside Women’s Club, originally the Women’s Literary Club, formed in 1925. Providing intellectually stimulating discussions, this club also dedicated itself to community service. The club’s fundraising efforts over the years benefited St. Clair Hospital, Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair libraries, volunteer fire departments, and many other local organizations. While the days of summer picnics to attract new residents and a well-stocked brook for fishing may be past, Brookside Farms still holds many charms for the residents of this neighborhood shared by Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park. —Article courtesy of Carolyn Jones Friedrich, Historian, Historical Society of Upper St. Clair; photos shown are from a promotional booklet, circa 1920. n
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