A Legacy of Steel
Work, Identity, And Pride
Look down at the walkway on the Trestle. Some workers signed their names in steel, welding the letters on the deck. Working at the Steel meant you were part of something important: a huge industry that served the needs of a growing nation.
Steel ran in the families, as children followed their parents and grandparents into careers at the plant. Being a steelworker was more than a job-for many, it was an identity.
"...it takes uncommon talent, a strong body, and a mind that knows no fear to be able to transform piles of red dirt and scrap into the molten metal that is poured, rolled and pounded into the various shapes that support the mainframes of civilization."
-John Strohmeyer
Author of Crisis in Bethlehem
[Photo captions, from left to right, read]
• In this 1975 photo, the brothers from the Check family pose in front of the Blast Furnaces. From the left are John, Bartholomew "Al", Steve, Andrew, George, Mike, Emil, Frank, and Richie. Combined, 11 members of this family provided 441 years of service.
• Raven Wrest, seen in this image, operates a crane in the Tool Steel Billet Yard. Though women filled positions in the mills and machine shops during both World Wars, they were vacant from this part of the operation from the end of World War II until
this page online
Erected by SteelStacks. (Marker Number 13.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1975.
Location. 40° 36.902′ N, 75° 21.989′ W. Marker is in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in Northampton County. Marker is on the Hoover-Mason Trestle at SteelStacks. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 711 East 1st Street, Bethlehem PA 18015, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Bethlehem Beam (a few steps from this marker); One Of The Hardest Jobs In The World (within shouting distance of this marker); Bethlehem Built (within shouting distance of this marker); The Blower House (within shouting distance of this marker); A Community of Workers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hot, Loud, & Dangerous (about 400 feet away); Air Products (about 400 feet away); The Flow Of Goods & Money (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bethlehem.
Also see . . .
1. Bethlehem Steel: Forging America. (Submitted on February 9, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Bethlehem Steel Corporation. (Submitted on February 9, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. What is SteelStacks?. (Submitted on February 9, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 9, 2018. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 198 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
