Dorseyville, Pennsylvania facts for kids

Dorseyville is a community near Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, United States. It is not an official town or city, but rather an "unincorporated suburb." This means it is part of a larger township called Indiana Township in Allegheny County.

History of Dorseyville

Dorseyville was first known as "Crowtown" by local farmers. Later, it was named after the Dorsey family, who lived on what is now Cedar Run Road.

The Dorseyville fire hall was a popular spot. It used to host the "Dorseyville Corn Carnival" until the early 2000s. The old fire hall was taken down and a new one was built in 2009.

In 1880, a farm was built on an old trail. Today, this location is known as 400 Meadow Springs Farm Lane. Dorseyville is also home to Hartwood Elementary School. This school is considered one of the best elementary schools in Pennsylvania.

Interesting Places in Dorseyville

Trinity United Church Of Christ

The Trinity United Church Of Christ has a long history. Its earliest records go back to 1851. Many believe the church was built around that time. Some older members recall stories of an even older log church. This earlier church might have stood where the church cemetery is now. However, there are no written records to prove this.

Records show that the church's early form, the Lutheran and Reformer Church, bought land in 1851. They paid $2 for 50 square feet along Saxonburg Boulevard. The first child was baptized there that same year. In 1855, the church started confirmation classes. Five people became adult members. The first wedding was held in 1856.

The church was renovated over time. In 1876, members decided to build a new building. They bought an extra acre of land for the new church. The old church building was turned into a four-room home for the pastor. That year, the church also received its official charter. It was named The First German Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Congregation of Dorseyville.

Services were held in German until 1887. After that, evening services began to be held in English. By 1913, German and English services were held on different Sundays. Holiday services were held in both languages. In 1923, the church changed its religious group. It joined the Evangelical Synod and became the Trinity Evangelical Church of Dorseyville.

The name changed again in 1934 due to a religious merger. It became Trinity Evangelical and Reformed Church of Dorseyville. In 1935, a special area called a chancel and two classrooms were added. Volunteers helped build a parsonage (pastor's home) in 1940. They donated 321 hours of work to save costs.

In 1957, a brick educational building was built. This was because the population in the area was growing. That same year, another merger formed the United Church of Christ. Eleven years later, Trinity officially became Trinity United Church of Christ.

Former Nike Missile Center

In October 1956, a special site called "Nike P1-03" was built. It was located at the top of Charles Street. The Department of Defense bought the land a year before. This center was home to 12 Nike Ajax and Nike Hercules launchers. These were guided missiles used to defend against enemy aircraft.

The Pennsylvania Air National Guard was in charge of the property when it was closed down. While the Department of Defense used the site, many improvements were made. These included buildings for soldiers to live in, family homes, and dining halls. There were also buildings for generators, missile assembly, and warhead storage. Other structures included radar towers and control pads. There were also underground missile storage areas.

The last missile launch happened on March 1, 1974. The control and launch sites were given to another group in 1976. After the military stopped using it, the housing part of the site was still used. It provided homes for active military families in Pittsburgh.

Later, the land was sold to the Council Of Three Rivers American Indian Center. It now serves as their main office. In May 2000, two soccer fields were built at the former launch site. Many of the original buildings and fences are still there, even though the area is overgrown. In April 2001, West Deer Creek Township began taking down the above-ground parts of the launch pad. The blue electrical switches and hose holders were cut off. The original barracks are now used as a community center. Metal doors cover the missile storage areas. In winter, the warhead building and assembly building store picnic tables. All the underground facilities are now filled with water.

Council Of Three Rivers American Indian Center

The Council Of Three Rivers American Indian Center (COTRAIC) started in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Members of two Native American families met to discuss their challenges. They felt a sense of being lost in the general population. They also felt isolated and discriminated against. They felt cut off from their native culture and traditions.

In 1972, COTRAIC officially became a nonprofit organization. It was recognized under the laws of Pennsylvania. Today, COTRAIC has its main office on the same 23-acre piece of land atop Charles Street. Each year, the organization invites everyone to their Pow-Wow celebration. This event includes food, drinks, shops, and entertainment.