“Nickelodeon City” sheds light on Pittsburgh’s history

The next time a Pittsburgher dares to think that there is nothing special about his home, tell… The next time a Pittsburgher dares to think that there is nothing special about his home, tell him to walk into the local bookstore and pick up a history book. Yes, I said the ‘h’ and the ‘b’ words. I stand by them, too: Pittsburgh is 250 years old. Any city as old as Pittsburgh is filled with random little facts dying to be known. The newest book with such facts hits the shelves courtesy of the Pittsburgh Press. Titled ‘Nickelodeon City: Pittsburgh at the Movies, 1905 ‘mdash; 1929,’ author Michael Aronson brings the history of Pittsburgh’s film industry to life. The book tells the story of how, in 1905, immigrant workers and eventually entire families on limited budgets were more than willing to give up their cheap yet powerful nickels for amusement park-styled movie theaters, the nickelodeon. Working in harmony with the entertainment business were publishing businesses, following the stories within the entertainment media. The business of entertaining eventually discovered foundations of several of the most powerful influences on film industry ‘- things as simple as associating upcoming films with famous actors’ faces. The book has an educated style to it. It’s obvious that Mr. Aronson has done his homework and research extensively in his efforts to bring the full history of the nickelodeon into the modern reader’s hands. His information is filled with all the facts needed to make the history of the nickelodeon clear ‘- and even more. Aronson’s research might have gone too far, considering that his words often do not focus on one important and exciting story in history. Instead, he takes the reader far away into multiple separate stories. Then again, this style might be the chance to slow down and just soak in new things. Enjoyment and learning happen more often when one steps out of the fast lane. If allowed, Aronson’s in-depth book allows this slow-style chance. As long as readers don’t mind this one drawback, I recommend this book. It truly defines history: the unclear past, where definitions, labels and dates are suspect to change with research. If there was one thing I picked up, it’s this: If you dislike movie prices so much, don’t go. At the very least, find the cheap seats.