Bost Building facts for kids
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Bost Building
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Front (south) elevation and east profile, 2008
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 621-623 East Eighth Avenue, Homestead, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1892 |
| Part of | Homestead Historic District (ID90000696) |
| NRHP reference No. | 99000627 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 20, 1999 |
| Designated NHL | January 20, 1999 |
| Designated CP | May 10, 1990 |
The Bost Building, also known as the Columbia Hotel, is a historic building in Homestead, Pennsylvania. It stands on East Eighth Avenue, which is also PA 837. This building was constructed just before a very important event in American labor history: the Homestead Strike of 1892.
During the strike, the Bost Building became the main office for the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers. It was also where reporters gathered to cover the big news. It is the only major building from that time that is still standing today. The Bost Building is part of the Homestead Historic District and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1999.
After serving as a hotel and rooming house for some time, the Bost Building now has a new purpose. It is the main office and visitor center for the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.
Explore the Bost Building Museum
The Bost Building is home to a museum that tells the story of the area's industrial past. You can learn about the history of steel, coal, aluminum, and glass industries. The museum also shows how people lived and worked in the region.
Inside, you'll find two rooms that have been restored to look like they did during the 1892 Homestead Strike. These exhibits explain the events of the strike. There is also a special room dedicated to the famous Homestead Steel Works. Visitors can get information about other historical places nearby. You can also find maps for driving tours to explore communities that grew because of these industries.
About the Building Itself
The Bost Building is about 40 feet wide and 90 feet long. It sits at the corner of East Eighth and Heisel Avenue. The building has three stories and is made of brick, resting on a strong stone foundation. It has a flat asphalt roof on top.
Look closely at the front of the building (the south side). You'll see stone bands above the windows on the upper floors. These bands match the stone sills below the windows. The roofline has decorative stepped bricks called corbels on the south and east sides. On the ground level, the east side has a modern glass and aluminum storefront.
Inside, the first floor is now the museum. You can still see the original wooden floorboards. One room focuses on the history of the strike, while another shows how the building was carefully restored. The second and third floors used to be guest rooms. They have been kept mostly the same since the time of the strike. On the second-floor stair landing, and at the top of the stairs, you can see old paint that has peeled away. Underneath, there's graffiti on the plaster. You might spot the words "Homestead 1892" and some names, which could have been written during the strike.
A Look Back at History
The Bost Building was originally planned as a hotel for new workers coming to the growing Homestead Steel Works. The steel mill was right next door at the time. However, the building wasn't fully finished inside when the company stopped its workers from coming to work. This event led to the big strike.
The workers' union found the Bost Building to be a perfect headquarters. From its upper floors, they had a clear view of the factory next door. Reporters from newspapers in America and Britain came to cover the strike. They sent their stories home from a telegraph office located on the first floor. During some tense moments, deputy sheriffs and Pinkerton agents were held safely inside the Bost Building. This was to protect them from any harm.
After the strike, the building did become a hotel and rooming house. However, it was never very successful for a long time. The main changes to the building over the years were a new storefront in the 20th century. Also, some updates were made to the upper floors during its restoration in the late 1900s. These changes helped the building meet modern fire safety rules.
See also
