About
After 40 years as a journalist, most of it writing about the foodservice industry, I tapped into my love of history to begin a second "career" as a book author. The idea for my first book grew from my desire to tell the stories of my hometown, Pittsburgh, PA. Titled 'Iconic Pittsburgh: The City’s 30 Most Memorable People, Places & Things,' the book was published by The History Press in February 2020. Based on input I had received during the research for Iconic Pittsburgh, as well as feedback I got after its publication, I followed that up with 'Colorful Characters of Pittsburgh,' which was published in October 2023. I also co-authored a manuscript on the history of a family-run foodservice management firm based in Long Island, NY. Titled Whitson's Way, The History of Whitson's Culinary Group, it was self-published by the company in 2025. I am currently writing a food history book about Pennsylvania.
Featured Work
Colorful Characters of Pittsburgh
Beyond the world-famous artists, singers, actors and more from Pittsburgh are the city’s local celebrities known for their quirky style, unique mannerisms and outlandish behavior. “Street preacher” Joe Barker led boisterous masses throughout the streets of mid-nineteenth-century Pittsburgh, and despite serving jail time for inciting a riot, he was elected mayor by his fervent supporters while still in prison. With a simple yellow cart and rainbow umbrella, Gus Kalaris established a Northside tradition selling flavored ice balls, peanuts and popcorn for more than seventy years. Ringside Rosie was the alter ego of Anna Buckalew, who was the face of the local TV show Studio Wrestling every Saturday evening and frequently appeared at raucous wrestling events at the Civic Arena in the 1960s. Author Paul King profiles some of the most entertaining, zany and unique Pittsburghers throughout the generations.
Other Works
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Whitsons' Way: The History of Whitsons Culinary Group
2025
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Iconic Pittsburgh: The City's 30 Most Memorable People, Places and Things
2020
