About this Event
During Love Your Library Month (September) we asked which of two local history stories library patrons wanted to learn more about - the heart balm court cases of Henry Denniston or a pair of violent explosions in 1925. The winner of was the story of Henry Denniston, and we're very excited to cover this topic! Come learn all about this great local history story - it’s a whopper and there’s a ton to talk about!
Whether you're a Swissvale resident interested in learning more about our community's history or you're a local history buff interested in Pittsburgh area history in general, you are very welcome to join us for this free program.
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Presenters: Henry Denniston (and local history) enthusiasts Hollen Barmer, Miranda Crostley, and Laura Kuster
Location details: We will be meeting in the lower level of the library. Enter through the door on McClure Ave. Free street parking is available on Monongahela & McClure Ave. The lower level of the library is wheelchair accessible.
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This program is totally free, but, if you're inspired, the Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale is accepting donations! Over the next few years, the library will be going through a huge renovation project, including adding an elevator to make the building much more accessible.
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Here's a quick intro to our topic:
This hugely wealthy Swissvale recluse’s long life ended in more than a decade of scandalous courtroom drama when a younger woman sued for “heart balm” damages.
Henry Denniston lived in a shack in what’s now Les Getz park, but, despite appearances, he was worth between $1.5 - 2 million ($45+ million in today dollars ?). After the death of his brother, he lived with "his sole companion" Charlie, his cook and pastry maker. Even after rebuilding the family mansion (which still stands in Swissvale today), Henry and Charlie stayed in the shack and kept to themselves.
When Henry’s family first heard of the possibility of an engagement (or possibly just that he was shopping for carpets), they sued to take control of the family fortune. As that courtroom drama came to a close, the woman who considered herself Henry’s fiancée read in the papers that Henry did not consider himself engaged, now or ever.
The woman, Miss Nettie Richardson, sued Henry for $500,000 for breach of promise or “heart balm” damages. “I do not propose to suffer this humiliation,” Nettie told reporters. “I shrink from publicity, but I intend to maintain my rights.”
The ensuing trials captivated Pittsburgh - crowds of “curious spectators” tried to pack into the courtroom, and the case made its way into the front-page headlines of local papers for years.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale, 1800 Monongahela Avenue, Pittsburgh, United States
USD 0.00