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The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: The Pushcart Struggle 1930-1942 (Conclusion), Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

I hope you have enjoyed this brief series on the Struggle of the Push Cart vendors.

Many have thought that the vendors merely stopped placing their stands on Balbo Avenue and Spruce Street not realizing the great struggle suffered to remain there, however, after the vendors were allowed to return to their former stands, a few were old men and never returned.

Some became discouraged and looked for work elsewhere, those that remained until 1962 slowly died and no one replaced them.

Those who were familiar with the history of the stands became discouraged in their attempting to establish vending …

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: The Pushcart Struggle 1930-1942 (Part Vii) - Vendors Stage Strike In Mayor's Office, Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

Public Opinion was definitely on the side of the vendors . Even merchants owning stores, along the street where they were parked, sympathized with them, as they knew that these open air vendors brought business to Federal Hill. However, as the time grew nearer to January 1st, the Alderman defended his action as a matter of "national pride," and insisted that the vendors be moved.

The Landmarks Of Federal Hill: The Pushcart Struggle 1930-1942, Board Bans All Pushcarts From Balbo Avenue By October 1, 1937 (Part Vi), Joseph R. Muratore

Joseph Muratore papers: Newspaper Columns

Pushcart vendors, whom the Alderman of the 13th Ward sought to drive off Balbo Avenue, were ordered to leave by October 1, by the Bureau of Police and Fire, by a ruling which was made by them. But, in the meantime, they ruled the vendors had to seek permits for specific locations in streets, from the Commissioner of Public Works, Charles E. Maguire. Issuance of permits by Mr. Maguire, under a never used statute, were subject, however, to approval by the Bureau of Police and Fire.