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Pittsburghers celebrate city's name with 'H Day'

Emily Balser
ptrpittsburg072018
Philip G. Pavely | Tribune-Review
The front entrance to The Pennsylvanian, built in 1900 during the time the 'h' was dropped from Pittsburgh.

It's just one little letter, but it makes all the difference.

We might not think much about the "h" on the end of Pittsburgh now, but back in the late 1800s and early 1900s it was removed by the federal government in an effort to unify cities across the country that end in "burg."

However, Pittsburghers were not interested in losing the defining "h" at the end of their city's name.

The city officials fought back for two decades to have the "h" restored.

On July 19, 1911 — now known as "H" Day — the letter was added back.

City officials took to social media to celebrate the day and give residents a brief history.

Emily Balser is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-226-4680, emilybalser@tribweb.com or on Twitter @emilybalser.