County Moves Historic Story Pole to the Latodami Nature Center

The Allegheny County Parks Department on Wednesday morning is moving a historic Native-American story pole into North Park’s Latodami Nature Center. The move is scheduled for 10 a.m.

The cultural icon was carved more than 80 years ago by Chief William Shelton of the Snohomish Nation in Washington state. Painted characters on both sides of the pole tell important stories. The pole is estimated to weigh more than 1,000 pounds and is made from a single western cedar tree.

The story pole, which differs from a totem pole, was commissioned in 1928 by Allegheny County Commissioner Edward Vose Babcock. It was erected in 1929 and stood next to Flagstaff Hill along Walter Road until earlier this year. In May, the story pole was removed by Allegheny County Public Works in order to preserve it.

Allegheny County is seeking nonprofit organizations that are willing to work with the Snohomish Nation to secure a grant to restore the pole.

Bronder Technical Services, an electrical contracting company located in Prospect, is donating a line truck and personnel to lift and move the pole into the nature center’s entryway. . is donating several carts to move the pole into the interior.

Until funding is secured, the story pole will remain on display at the nature center, and the parks department will develop historical, cultural and environmental programs related to the pole.