Intoxicating? This trash is not!

 March 23, 2022



I have driven by this park for over two decades and have never stopped to look at it. On this day, it was sprinkling outside, but the moss on the little cabin was very green; so I stopped on my way out of town to get a quick photo, and once I got there, I decided to GET a closer look.

This park is called the Massa Harbison Park, and it is a city park, but the Daughters of the American Revolution (of which I am one coincidentally) proudly display their sign there.  My original intention was not to pick up any trash because I was in a hurry, but once I got to the park, the overwhelming amount of trash was unbelievable (so much so, I will have to go back again). Conveniently enough, one of the pieces of trash was a garbage bag, so it seemed like it was meant to be.

There was such a wide variety of trash to choose from, so I just walked close to the cabin to get whatever I could that would fit in the bag. It was obvious people had stopped here for a snack and a White Claw (such an odd place for a party since it is just off the busy bypass). I also found a plastic front grill of some sort, but I have been unable to figure out what it goes to (doesn't matter now - it's in the dumpster). I decided to build my tableau by this very interesting tree. According to Google Lens it is a Sycamore, but I don't think Google got it right on that one. What do you think? 
The only thing that is more bizarre than the tree (and the amount of trash) is the story of the Harbisons who occupied the cabin in 1792. Attacked and then kidnapped by Native Americans, Massy Harbison escaped with her baby and found her way back to the Pittsburgh area (barefoot - and our parents thought it was tough having to go to school up hill both ways). Read more about her incredible story here (you can also stop by and read the sign in front of the park, but like I said, it was raining - I had to Google it). Although this is not my most creative tableau, I still feel like I did my part to GET some trash out of there!

If you ever find yourself in New Kensington, PA (I'm not sure why you would, but you never know), be sure to stop by this little park right off of Rt. 56 across from Valley High School. Be sure to bring your garbage bag (and not your White Claw) and take a look at this part of American history.








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