Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

Sunrise over the now defunct Bethlehem Steel. The steel stacks have been preserved as a memorial to what at one time was the second largest steel operation in the nation. An elevated walkway runs the length of the stacks about 20 ft. above ground. It's very interesting to walk alongside these huge structures. The plant was about 5 miles long and half a mile wide. In addition to the stacks, some of the buildings have been preserved. One holds a small museum about the plant while another houses the National Museum of Industry. A casino was built on the grounds and the casino sign is displayed on one of the huge cranes that could move many tons of material at a time. A local TV station built a new building on the grounds and beside the TV station there are several other businesses in the building including a one screen movie theater, a gift shop, and a grill/music venue where live performances are given. There is also an outdoor amphitheater where free shows are given throughout the summer. During WWII it operated 24/7 365 days a year. At the height of the war the Sparrow's Point Plant was turning out on average, one ship a day. The 16" guns used on the largest battle ships were also cast here. Bad management, bad union contracts, and competition from smaller but more modern and agile mills both here and abroad sealed it's doom. When I first moved to the valley in 1991 it was on it's last leg but still operating. In 1995 it poured it's last cauldron of liquid steel.

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Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

"The Stacks"

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

A very nice photo!!!

It's so very sad to see so many great businesses fade away for cheaper and lower quality products. I've marveled at buildings that are over 100 years old still standing and in use where buildings that are less than 40 years old collapse due to cheap materials and labor shortcuts. Pride of work and quality have been replaced by greed. Such a shame on so many levels.

Thanks for sharing!

Dodie

Bluefish Loc: Berks County, PA

Thanks for the history lesson Bridges. Quite interesting. Excellent photo too. Being so close to home, I don’t get to that neck of the woods.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Excellent shot and narration!

krashdragon

Not there, but grew up in Youngstown, Ohio.
It took a strike before I realized, as a kid, that they sky stayed blue all day long. I thot it turned grey by 11:00 every day.
Winters not withstanding. If you grew up in NE Ohio or western Pa, you understand.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

tcthome Loc: NJ

Chefkreidler

Now that photo brings back memories. I worked at Republic Steel in Cleveland for 5 years right out of high school in the early 80's. Blooming Mill mostly, but when work was slow I had the chance to work in the Blast Furnace, Coke plant, Sheet Mills (84 & 92) & Bar Mills. Thanks for the photo!!!

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice photo of the factory in silhouette.

Jim D Loc: Lehigh Valley , Pa.

Very nice. Thanks for sharing .
Jim D

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

Nice capture.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

It was sad to see it’s demise. My dad worked there for 30 years in their transportation department. Although he was a non-union employee, he used to talk about the union contracts. During one of the negotiations, employees were granted 13 weeks vacation, if I recall correctly, every five or so years, depending upon their tenure. The management perks were pretty spectacular as well. We’re it not for greed on many fronts, maybe they would still be operating.

Tdearing Loc: Rockport, TX

Very nicely done.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Very nice Job and good recap! Best of luck.