What Was That?

"Did you see that?" is what many-a-Borough of Baldwin resident has said this December when traveling in nearby Brentwood Borough. Maybe even after a quick swerve.

In fact, that might have been a repeat occasion, as a life-size nativity scene found on the lawn of 2946 Churchview Ave. has been around for at least the past 10 years.

Although technically not in Baldwin-Whitehall, the "nativity home" of 2946 Churchview is literally across the street from Baldwin houses. In fact, Churchview Avenue spans Brentwood, Baldwin and the Carrick community of the City of Pittsburgh.

Officially a two-family home according to the Allegheny County Assessment website, 2946 Churchview boasts nine full-color and full-size mannequins in its front yard depicting the birth of Christ, including what appears to be three wise men, two farm animals and, of course, a baby Jesus.

"I don't put baby Jesus in until Christmas morning [though]," says Walter Steck, the owner of the duplex and common Catholic knowledge.

Steck, 71, is no common Catholic though, as evidenced by his lawn. He is very traditional, attending mass every Sunday at Holy Angels Parish in the Hays community of Pittsburgh.

Steck first came into possession of the mannequins after a man who was moving wanted to sell them. Though he can't quite remember the man's name, he does recall that the man had to deliver the mannequins since Steck had no way of transporting them.

While the mannequins haven't always been at the Churchview home, Steck certainly has. Well, technically.

Steck was born right at 2946 Churchview, but the original house burned down. He had to rebuild it himself.

Another family rents the upstairs part of the home, while Steck and his granddaughter Candace live downstairs. Steck still owns the building.

Every year, the mannequins go up on Dec. 15 and come down on Jan. 7, the day of the Russian Orthodox Christmas, or one day after the Christian Epiphany.

Until then, drivers and passengers on Churchview Avenue will have to try their best to keep their eyes on the road, even with a large wise man looking like he's about to cross the street.

"I don't know about the drivers," Steck said. "I get a lot of people who stop [though] and ask questions, and I don't mind.

"I get a lot of repeat people who just like to look at it. I even leave lights on at night for people going by."

Steck'll keep the lights on for you until Jan. 7, so if you haven't seen the mannequins yet, you may have to wait another year.