In many cases, these chairs are placed near street corners or intersections with a small sign that reads:
“Honk for [Name]”
(e.g., “Honk for Grandma,” “Honk for Mike,” “Honk for Our Troops”)
When drivers pass by, they honk their horn as a gesture of respect, solidarity, or celebration of life.
- It’s especially common after a sudden death, during holidays, or to honor veterans.
- Some chairs stay for weeks or months; others become semi-permanent fixtures.
❤️ Why a Chair?
- In Pittsburgh’s close-knit neighborhoods, the kitchen chair symbolizes home, conversation, and gathering.
- Leaving a chair out is like saying: “Pull up a seat—you’re still welcome here.”
- It’s humble, accessible, and deeply human—no fancy headstone needed.
🌟 Modern Variations & Community Spirit
Today, you might see:
- Chairs painted in team colors (Steelers, Penguins) to honor sports fans
- Holiday-decorated chairs (Christmas lights, Easter eggs)
- Chairs with photos, flowers, or handwritten notes
- Even “positive message” chairs with signs like “Honk if you love your mom!”
While not officially sanctioned by the city, the tradition is widely respected—and rarely removed by sanitation crews unless clearly abandoned.
❌ Not to Be Confused With…
- Trash or bulk pickup: Pittsburgh uses specific tags for discarded furniture. Honoring chairs are usually clean, upright, and intentionally placed.
- Art installations: While some artists have referenced the motif, authentic honking chairs come from residents—not galleries.
❤️ The Heart of the Tradition
The roadside chair is Pittsburgh at its most tender: unpretentious, neighborly, and full of heart. It turns grief into shared ritual and reminds us that everyone deserves to be remembered—even with something as simple as a kitchen chair.
“In a city of bridges, we find ways to keep souls connected—to each other, and to home.”
So next time you see one, give a gentle honk. Someone’s loved one is still sitting on the porch. 🪑💛
