If you’re new to Pennsylvania, especially around Pittsburgh, seeing random chairs sitting along the street can look pretty strange. But there’s actually a well-known local tradition behind it. In many neighborhoods, residents place old chairs, cones, or other objects in street parking spaces to signal that they’re “saving” the spot.
The practice is especially associated with winter. After someone spends considerable time shoveling snow away from their car and clearing a parking space, they may put a chair in the empty spot when they leave. The message is basically: “I cleared this space, so please don’t park here.” In Pittsburgh, this has become so recognizable that people often call it the “Pittsburgh parking chair.”
You might also occasionally see chairs near the roadside for neighborhood events, parades, or gatherings, where residents place them early to claim a good viewing location. So the exact reason can depend on the neighborhood and time of year.
However, putting a chair in a public parking space doesn’t generally mean someone legally owns that spot. Local rules vary, and authorities may remove objects that obstruct public streets.
So if your mom keeps seeing chairs along Pennsylvania roads, she probably hasn’t stumbled onto anything mysterious. She may simply be witnessing one of the state’s most unusual neighborhood traditions.
