IN Keystone Oaks Winter 2025 | Page 10

THE TRADING POST on Potomac Avenue

A place to find unique gifts for Christmas or any occasion since 1943.

BY PAMELA PALONGUE

The Trading post is a wonderful place to find unique items for Christmas gifts and other occasions that cannot be found in stores. Some of the treasures are vintage, and will no doubt bring a smile to the faces of recipients as they remember Christmases past with a gift from long ago.

The Trading Post began during World War II, when many items were rationed for the public. This caused a shortage of children’ s clothing and rubber galoshes. Since these items were not available for purchase in stores, the superintendent of Mt. Lebanon Schools at the time, H. V. Herlinger, suggested setting up a trading post where mothers could exchange clothing. The first one was set up at the Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building.
It quickly became a hub in the local community. But once the war ended, the municipal building was no longer available to hold the swap meets. The ladies had to find a new place, and began selling the items to raise money to rent a building.
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