Save Our Steel in the News

Steel plant's most-endangered designation helps preserve an industrial legacy

Editorial From The Morning Call -- May 26, 2004

Teachers make history come alive for students. The Lehigh Valley can do this for all generations at the former site of Bethlehem Steel. Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, delivered that message Monday. The trust gave a boost to those seeking to preserve parts of the plant, listing it second among 11 sites it considers most-endangered.

The former plant can make history come alive, Mr. Moe said, ''better than any book or lecture.'' The birthplace of integrated steelmaking created many landmark structures, including the Golden Gate Bridge.

The nonprofit trust's designation doesn't come with the influence of National Historic Landmark status, which can help secure grants. Yet, it attracts national attention and, hopefully, financial support from foundations throughout the country.

The timing is excellent. Organizers of the National Museum of Industrial History, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, kicked off a renewed fund-raising effort in April. NMIH unveiled about 100 industrial artifacts from the Smithsonian already in Bethlehem.

Organizers also introduced a new Leadership Council, about 30 prominent Valley citizens trying to raise an additional $5 million in cash and pledges to build the $16 million Exhibition Hall. Located in the old 1914 Bethlehem Steel Electrical Shop, it will include 19th century industrial equipment and exhibits on other industries, such as industrial gases and telecommunications.

Working on a parallel course, a citizens group, Save Our Steel, includes Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan and works with Historic Bethlehem Partnership, South Bethlehem Historical Society and representatives of Lehigh University. Save Our Steel has its sights set on preserving the five blast furnaces and the No. 2 Machine Shop.

Significant industrial and recreational development already has occurred on the 1,600-acre property. International Steel Group of Cleveland bought the site after Bethlehem Steel went bankrupt. ISG is open to cooperating with the community for some preservation.

The legacy of industrial America, and Bethlehem Steel's significant role, can fire imaginations for generations to come.

Copyright © 2004, The Morning Call