Friday, January 22, 2010

A Hardware Store in Squirrel Hill

So, Andy and I have often thought a hardware store would be perfect in Squirrel Hill. Many a time have we been working on a project around the house, only to be short a tool or other item needed to finish the job.

Rite-Aid often has small tools and household items, but its not uncommon for them to be out of a given item or not carry it. I could drive down to Lowe's at the Waterfront but its a pain to get down there across the Hi-Level bridge sometimes. But its one of those two choices - or nothing.

Well, we had to get some keys made. We had walked by this little shop on Murray numerous times and saw the big sign saying "Squirrel Hill Locksmith". So we knew right where to go.

And when we walked in, were we surprised! This wasn't just a locksmith shop - this was a hardware store. Caulk, vacuum cleaner bags, screws, hammers; it was all there! Glory!

Andy, who had to wait outside with Yellow Dog while I had the keys made, was very excited when he popped his snout up to the window. Oh, his tail was a waggin' and a fluttering.

I had the keys made - very affordable at 3 keys for around $5.00 - and then inquired about the selection. The very nice lady said they "have a little bit of everything." It sure did look like they have a lot!

The way it works is that you go in, tell the clerk what you need, and she gets it for you. If they don't have it, she'll tell you. For most small household jobs - putting up shelves, patching holes, screwing and hammering - this shop will do. For heavier duty remodeling or special jobs, you might have to head to the Waterfront still. But stop in here first and see if they can help you out. It will save gas, and nerves, trying to get over the bridge, especially on the weekends.

The sign is organized a little oddly, which is why I think we never noticed the place before. The sign actually is supposed to read "Squirrel Hill Hardware and Locksmith." It has a big squirrel front-and-center on the sign, which pleased Andy very much.

The hours are standard business hours Monday through Friday, and they do have Saturday hours til 2pm. They are closed on Sunday. They are located at 2004 Murray Avenue, next to Napoli Pizza. You can call them at 412.422.7354.


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Monday, January 18, 2010

Andy, Yellow Dog and I are hibernating until spring...until then..WELCOME!

Welcome to the SQuirrel HIll BLog, otherwise known as Sqhibble! Andy the Squirrel doesn't really come out until springtime, so Yellow Dog and I are hanging out and waiting while he hibernates. But we're hard at work getting ready for our big debut in the spring! Give us some time to get things up and running - there will be posts about all the wonderful things happening in Squirrel Hill and the surrounding area very soon!

Squirrel Hill Blog will be a regularly updated blog featuring the best of the Squirrel Hill neighborhood, one of the most versatile and well-balanced places to live in Pittsburgh. It will feature updates on food, culture, shopping, neighborhood news, events, against the backdrop of living in the Squirrel Hill area. Jason (a small town guy), Andy the Squirrel (who's from a city) and our good buddy Yellow Dog (who hails from the country) are transplants to the area, but we've been here long enough now to know a bit about the neighborhood and comment on how it's changing - and growing! We're really excited to be here!

Here is a link to information on our neighborhood while you wait for us to get up and writing:

Squirrel Hill's Wiki Page

Squirrel Hill Discussion Board

Squirrel Hill's About Page

The Squirrel Hill Urban Commission

Squirrel Hill Historical Society

The City of Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill Neighborhood Page

We hope you visit again. We'll have information up very soon! In the meantime, enjoy Squirrel Hill and we'll see you in the spring!

Jason, Andy the Squirrel, and Yellow Dog.