After over 100 years in business, Bethlehem Steel closed its
home plant in Bethlehem Pa. in 1998.
They continued to operate in other states until they filed for
bankruptcy in 2003.
The well known steel company made the steel for many famous structures that still stand today including the Golden Gate Bridge
and the Holland Tunnel (just to name a few)
Many war ships were built here as well, and used in WWII.
Gary put in 29 years at the Bethlehem Steel missing his
pension by 1 year.
The plant is progressively becoming a huge tourist attraction that includes a Casino, an Ice Skating rink, a museum, and various shops and restaurants.
While in Bethlehem last weekend, we decided to check it out.
These flowers had the most heavenly scent! Who knows what these are? LOVE THEM!
Below is the old Brass Foundry where on January 21, 1974, a young Gary (19 years old), walked through the Foundry doors, excited for the beginning of his new trade; his new life of being an adult and working in the steel industry.
To learn more, visit
Dear Diary,
Yesterday I got a surprise. A Bath. Right smack dab in the middle of the day. I think the nag Mom has lost her marbles. She should have been working. I think I don't like her working so close to home. Oh, and another surprise. She had to go to the Vet's to get my prescription food and she brought me home a Man! He has multiple squeakers and some of them sound like screams. I like my new Man. Gracie.
Missed it by one year, that is just wrong!!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting about Bethlehem Steel, Bobbi. My dad and several uncles worked at Westinghouse Steel in the Sharon/Farrell area of PA for years, but alas that is no longer in existence these days. Glad though that Bethlehem Steel is turning their facilities into a tourist attract rather than have the stuff stand empty.
ReplyDeletecute with Gracie's new toy!
enjoy the weekend!
betty
I think to miss it by one year is just SAD! I worked for 30 years and thankful to have made it all the way! Love your MAN Gracie! Your Mom loves you, that's why she bathes you in the middle of the day:) Have a blessed day dear Bobbi, HUGS!
ReplyDeleteWell that is one way to get a man! hehe
ReplyDeleteLovies, Miss Miss Mindy
Hi Bobbi! Good to 'see' you today! Those flowers would be roses, single petaled by the looks of them. And they have a scent too! Nice. Now don't get any ideas of trying to grow these! lol
ReplyDeleteInteresting history behind Bethlehem Steel. Good that the old buildings are being used and updated and too bad Gary missed out on a pension by one year!
One Lousy Year! So tragic and maddening at the same time!
ReplyDeleteGracie...beware! That horrible bath can happen anytime. Glad you like your new man though. All I have it brudder Max (DaOdderWeenie) and HE's the one who makes ME scream and squeak all the time. :o(
I think it is OUTRAGEOUS that you can work that long for a company and miss out on your pension by one year through no fault of your own.
ReplyDeleteGracie, you better watch it! Samson might get jealous.
Goodness, I am bummed That Gary missed it by ONE year! But I enjoyed reading about Bethlehem steel, and seeing the pics....
ReplyDeleteGracie, you are such a cave dog, and wild Dingo girl to be dragging your man around by the hair, hehehe
Hugs,
Jenni
We lived in Pennsylvania for 5 years and are familar with Bethlehem Steel. Did not know about the Casino, Ice Skating rink, museum, shops and restaurants. Nice you all went back to the place it all began for him. It is such a shame about Gary missing his 30 years in, though. Company my husband was with, let him go just shy of 25. These guys are cutthroat, let me tell you. "Hey GRACIE... a luxurious bath in the middle of the afternoon is nice and relaxing. As for the new MAN. Don't make him suffer too much."
ReplyDeleteOne year short of his pension. *sigh
ReplyDeleteI don't know what the flowers are but they are beautiful, I agree.
Was relieved to see the "new man" was for Gracie, and not for you!! LOL
So very sad about Gary's pension. We have a huge General Motors plant near us that employed everybody in my hometown when I was a kid. It is sitting empty now. I imagine it was bittersweet for Gary to be back at BS, despite the changes/renovations.
ReplyDeleteOh, Gracie...you have reminded me that Harriet needs a bath. That is a great new toy you have.
Your blog is wonderful! I have a little white doggie who owns me too. Isn't it great? Hope you're having a super Sunday!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Holly
Gracie
ReplyDeleteI love your new man! Does he snore?
love
tweedles
To miss a pension by one year is just sad! I have heard that the same thing happened here with Burlington Industries. To see all the industries go is just a shame! I am so glad that y'all had a nice visit. I am sure it brought a lot of memories back for Gary!
ReplyDelete