Nestled in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, the charming Gia Visto Italiano Ristorante stands on historic ground once known as the Hershey Greer House at 7505 Saltsburg Rd. Originally part of the expansive Hershey Farms, this 13-acre property was the residence of notable figures such as William Conner (1859-1952) and Elizabeth Hershey Greer (1869-1944). The couple raised three children—Clara Agnes (1888-1986), Anna Elizabeth (1893, date of passing unknown), and William Hershey (1894, date of passing unknown).
Clara, who remained unmarried, was the last family member to reside in the house; her portrait still hangs outside her bedroom on the second floor. After graduating from Wilson College, an all-girls institution, Clara pursued her passion for teaching English at Wilkinsburg High School. Aside from her career, she loved entertaining, traveling, playing bridge, and the piano. Unfortunately, a stroke later in life left her housebound, with Dr. Lewis Whitman attending to her medical needs.
After Clara’s passing, the property was acquired by Plum Bloomfield Associates, who briefly considered converting it into office space before opting to build nearby instead.
In 1991, Martha Burkholder purchased the neglected property, transforming it into Lavender Hill—a restaurant and gift shop. Martha and her husband John oversaw the restoration, ensuring the house’s charm remained intact while meeting commercial codes. Lavender Hill received accolades from the Penn Hills Chamber of Commerce for its contribution to community development and hosted numerous special events until 2004, when Martha sold the business to Kenneth P. Milko.
Milko had dreamed of owning the property since first admiring its beauty in 1990. Despite initial setbacks, his persistence paid off in 2004 when he acquired the property and established Flowers in the Attic—a florist, restaurant, and gift shop—adding a new chapter to the Hershey Greer Estate’s storied history.
An ancient sycamore tree graces the front yard of the former Hershey Greer home. In 1998, an arborist measured its trunk at 182 inches in circumference and estimated the tree to be 232 years old. Witness to the evolution of Penn Hills, this majestic tree began its life in 1766, ten years before the American Revolution, and was already a venerable 85 years old when Penn Township was founded in 1851.
The Hershey Greer House and its enduring sycamore tree reflect the rich tapestry of history woven into the fabric of Penn Hills, standing testament to the community’s continuous change and growth.
Come and take a seat, relax, and indulge in delicious Italian cuisine while reminiscing about our rich past history. Our restaurant stands on historic ground, once the residence of notable figures such as William Conner and Elizabeth Hershey Greer.
As you dine, take a moment to reflect on the lives of Clara Agnes Hershey Greer and her family who once called this place home. Let us transport you back in time as you savor each bite.
