Development of the Borough
Shortly before the incorporation of the Borough three Watkins brothers became active in promoting the development of land in Patton Township adjacent to the Westinghouse purchase. In March of 1889, Alexander C. Watkins purchased from Dorcas J. Shaw a triangular tract of 10 acres and laid out the Watkins Place plan of lots. This plan is bounded on the West by Patton Street, on the South by Turtle creek, and on the North and East by State Street. In October of the same year Edward H. Watkins purchased from Dorcas J. Shaw a strip of land containing about three acres on which he laid out the Watkins Place Plan No.2, extending from Patton Street eastwardly along the northerly line of State Street.
During the same month Alfred L. Watkins and E. M. Laveen purchased a tract of nine acres on which was laid out the Watkins and Laveen plan of lots. This plan is bounded on the South by State Street, on the East by Patton Street and on the North and West by other lands of McMasters' heirs.
These plans developed rapidly and on petition of freeholders residing thereon, were annexed to and became a part of Wilmerding Borough by an ordinance enacted in February of 1895.
In February of 1925, the Borough annexed a strip of land 25 feet wide adjoining Shaw Alley in the rear of the Watkins Place plan of lots No.2. This annexation was made for the purpose of widening Shaw Alley to a 40 foot street in connection with the opening of a township road extending from Patton Street to the Mellon Hill district in Patton Township.