Xenia Way
From Pittsburgh Streets
| Xenia Way | |
|---|---|
| Neighborhood | Larimer |
| Origin of name | Probably Xenia, Ohio |
| Xenia Alley (until 1914) | |
| Origin of name | Probably Xenia, Ohio |
The name of this alley was established as Xenia Alley by a city ordinance in 1881,[1] and it appears in a plan of lots by George Finley later that year.[2] It became Xenia Way in 1914, when a city ordinance changed all alleys to ways.[3]
There seems to be no record of the source of its name, but it must come directly or indirectly from the ancient Greek ξενία, xenía, meaning "hospitality." It is likely that the alley was named for Xenia, Ohio, which is by far the most common meaning of the name Xenia in 19th-century Pittsburgh newspapers. Xenia was a rail hub, and the main line from Pittsburgh to St. Louis ran through it. Compare Delray Street, which may have also have been named for an important railroad city.
References
- ↑ "An ordinance establishing the names of avenues, streets, lanes and alleys of the City of Pittsburgh." Pittsburgh city ordinance, 1881, no. 33. Passed Feb. 28, 1881; approved Mar. 4, 1881. Ordinance Book 5, p. 212. In Municipal Record: Minutes of the Proceedings of the Select and Common Councils of the City of Pittsburgh, for the Year 1880, pp. 213–234 (Internet Archive pghmunicipalrecord1880). [view source] ordinance-1881-33
- ↑ "George Finley's plan of lots: 21st Ward, Pittsburgh." Laid out Nov. 1881; recorded Nov. 15, 1881, Plan Book 6, p. 262. Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds 3779487. [view source] george-finley-1881-plan
- ↑ "An ordinance changing the name 'alley' on every thoroughfare in the City of Pittsburgh to 'way.'" Pittsburgh city ordinance, 1914, no. 402. Passed Nov. 10, 1914; approved Nov. 16, 1914. Ordinance Book 26, p. 360. In Municipal Record: Minutes of the Proceedings of the Council of the City of Pittsburgh for the Year 1914, appendix, p. 226, McClung Printing Co., Pittsburgh (HathiTrust uiug.30112108223899; Internet Archive Pghmunicipalrecord1914). Reprinted in the Pittsburgh Post, Nov. 23, 1914, p. 11 (Newspapers.com 86505785), and Nov. 24, p. 12 (Newspapers.com 86505809). [view source] ordinance-1914-402
