Rocking the Suburbs
Many people believe the town of Mount Lebanon is like any other community nestled about ten miles south of Pittsburgh.
However; this suburb overcomes the stereotypes of soccer moms and hard-working husbands and proves to be different than other towns in this area. Mount Lebanon, or “Lebo,” is unique with for having many famous people reside in the town, having not one but two main streets, and for housing President Barack Obama’s favorite pancake house.
Famous Residents
The Incredible Hulk
Sitting outside of the South Gym in Mount Lebanon High School is one of many trophy cases. Unlike the other trophy cases housing state championship and Western Pa championship trophies of many sports, this particular trophy case is dedicated to one person: Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle.
Angle went grew up in Mount Lebanon and attended Mount Lebanon High School. During his time in Lebo, he played football and wrestled. Angle won the Pennsylvania State Wrestling Championship as a senior, and continued his wrestling career by winning an gold metal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
“I think there is a sense of pride going to the same school as an Olympic Athlete,” says Charlie Must, a junior at Mount Lebanon High School.
“As an athlete, we can look up to Kurt and strive to be as good at him in whatever sport we play,” said Must.
The Nerd
Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban grew up loving to learn. He attended Mount Lebanon High School where one of his teachers, Kathy Haines remembers him fondly.
“We called him “Nordy.” I taught Russian and that was the name he chose for class,” Haines said. “I must admit, his classmates were not very nice. I think they were annoyed because he was so smart.”
Cuban went on to attend Indiana University in Bloomington and eventually, he and a friend were the first to broadcast basketball games over the Internet.
Cuban Eventually went on to but the Dallas Mavericks basketball team and is known for his loud-mouth antics during games.
Super Mario
In 1984, Mario Lemieux was drafted to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the National Hockey League draft. Being French-Canadian, Lemieux couldn’t speak English.
A Mount Lebanon family hosted Lemieux during his first few seasons as a Pittsburgh Penguin, and eventually Lemieux bought a house in Lebo.
His infamous white house with the letters “M” and “L” carved in marble on each side of the massive entrance is the location of the Stanley Cup Champion victory party in 1991. The players were so excited; they jumped into Lemieux’s swimming pool with the famous trophy.
“My uncle, Steve, was a security guard at the time,” said Mount Lebanon Resident Katie White. “He and his friend were joking around in their uniforms and went to Mario’s house…they told them to keep it down during the party. Uncle Steve broke up the Stanley Cup victory party!”
Strolling Around Town
Just because a town has many famous residents, doesn’t make it wonderful, but having two main streets draw attention to Mount Lebanon.
Beverly Road
Having one main street in a town is always nice, but two is even better!
Beverly Road has many appealing qualities that has residents flocking there daily. From Bado’s Pizzeria, to Iovino’s Café, people always go to Beverly Road for a good meal.
Both Restaurants are owned and run by Mount Lebanon residents.
“I’ve lived in Lebo my entire life,” said Justin Vujevich. “I always support local businesses. I graduated with the owner, Jeff, it’s great!”
Other attractions on Beverly Road include a local ice cream shop, a coffee shop, and a sushi restaurant. It is also close to Lincoln Elementary School, one of seven elementary schools in Mount Lebanon.
Washington Road
While Beverly Road is a small version of Main Street, Washington Road, or “Uptown,” is larger, is the home of many local businesses.
Uptown is in the center of Lebo, all residents can walk there. Some main attractions include Ona Boutique, Potomac Bakery, and La Pomponnee Salon and Spa, but the most unique thing about Uptown are the First Friday Events held every summer.
Every first Friday of the summer months, all of the local businesses Uptown hold sidewalk sales, face painting events, and concerts.
“First Friday’s are always fun. I always take the children I babysit and they love it just as much as me,” said resident Sarah Uddstrom. “They always get their face painted and wear balloon crowns.”
First Fridays are fun for all ages and families often walk Uptown for the occasion. By the end of the night, you will see children jumping around like bunny rabbits because their face paint and sugar rush from eating ice cream.
Obama’s Favorite Pancakes
When President Barack Obama was visiting Pittsburgh while on the campaign trail, he made a special stop at Pamela’s Diner.
While eating the crispy pancakes Pamela’s Diner is famous for, Obama said that they were the best pancakes he has ever had.
Obama did not forget about these wonderful pancakes, this past Memorial Day, President Obama invited the owners, Gail Klingensmith and Pam Cohen, to make pancakes at the White House for his family and Troops.
“I love that Pamela’s Diner is right in Lebo,” said Uddstrom. “I try to go up there every time I am home from college, and during the summertime I am there so much!
“I think it’s pretty cool I can say Obama’s favorite Pancakes are in my town!” Uddstrom said.
Mount Lebanon proves time and time again that it is an excellent suburb of Pittsburgh. From professional athletes to pancakes, you just can't get enough!
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