Drawing settlers from the Land Of The Thistle, the area was originally known as “Scotch Bottom.” In 1784, early settler and politician John Woods built his estate, that still stands today as the second oldest stone building in Pittsburgh, and named it Hazel Hill. The abundance of hazel trees in the area solidified the name and Scotch Bottom was slowly phased out and Hazelwood took its place. The dark royal blue of the shirt honours this early Scottish heritage of the area.

The Woods estate slowly grew and attracted many famous men and women of the day to spend time with the family and visit. One such notable guest was the famed American composer Stephen Foster. Known for such American classics as “Camptown Races” and “My Old Kentucky Home,” Foster spent numerous occasions playing a rare upright piano and sometimes guitar for the family and guests. He was said to have been so inspired by his visits that many of his most well-known songs were thought to have been concepted at the estate. The guitar and upright piano are featured as the lead illustration to represent Hazelwood.

The prominent iron and steel industries that rose Pittsburgh to international acclaim were no stranger to Hazelwood, as Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation opened the Eliza Plant for coke works, and later more plants made their home in the neighborhood, facilitating a major influx of workers. Hazelwood became a very industrial area and employees of the mills moved in to make their commutes easier. This Steel City prestige is featured in the colour of the graphic.

Pittsburgh Railways operated trolley cars throughout the city, connecting neighborhoods with convenient public transit: the 57 line, Glenwood, would have been the prominent trolley line for the Hazelwood neighborhood. This is also the first permanent electric line in Pittsburgh, being installed in March of 1890.