Plum Tutors Come To You

Along the eastern shores of the Allegheny River, Plum, Pennsylvania is a suburb in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Founded in 1788, Plum was one of the original seven townships in Allegheny County. Its name comes from the Native American term Sipuasink, meaning “a place of plums.” Early farmers in Plum established grist mills, saw mills and, records indicate, several distilleries. At that time, farmers relied on eastern markets and it was cheaper and easier to convert their grain into whiskey for shipment over the Appalachian Mountains. In the 1790’s this whiskey production brought farmers into conflict with the newly formed federal government which was desperate for money to pay off war debt. Government tax collectors often bore the brunt of the farmer’s displeasure over a nine percent tax on distilled spirits. Farmers would sometimes tar and feather these agents and ride them out of town on a rail. President George Washington eventually put down the rebellion by sending 11,000 troops into western Pennsylvania. It was into this primarily agricultural milieu that coal mining was introduced in the middle of the 19th century. In fact, Pittsburgh became the center of America’s industrial revolution from 1850 until after World War II. In the early part of the 20th century the Renton mine in Plum was the scene of tragedy when nine miners lost their lives after an underground explosion. An Associated Press account at the time reported that only the body of one miner had been recovered following extensive rescue efforts. In recent years, reports indicate that a fire has been burning deep in one of Renton’s abandoned mines for several decades. Today, coal mining is a thing of the past in Plum which serves as a residential community with many residents commuting into Pittsburgh.

A Plum tutor will keep you caught up on your studies so you can take time away from the books to experience the interesting things to do in the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Named after William D. Boyce, founder of the Boy Scouts of America, Boyce Park on Plum’s southern edge, features a swimming pool, athletic fields, playgrounds, a greenhouse and hiking trails. The park also offers the only snow skiing and tubing hills in Allegheny County. Larry Mills Park hosts Plum’s annual Community Festival in June. The festival includes rides, games, entertainment and food. It is highlighted by a fireworks extravaganza.

Plum is home to one to finest golf courses in the United States. Oakmont, located near the Allegheny River has hosted the prestigious U.S. Open nine times, most recently in 2016 when Dustin Johnson won the title. In past years, legendary golfers such as Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus have conquered Oakmont. Designed in 1903 by Henry Fownes, the course has extremely fast, table-top greens and over two hundred bunkers. It is widely considered one of the toughest courses in professional golf.

Not far from Oakmont, Allegheny Islands State Park is a 50-acre state park in nearby Harmar Township. Consisting of two alluvial islands and seven shoals, the park has remained undeveloped, providing a wilderness style experience. The park can only be accessed by boat and is open throughout the year for one day excursions and group camping.