Stronger than Steel
Oct. 28, 2003
Dear Preservation 911,
We have an urgent situation in Bethlehem, Pa., where we could lose an irreplaceable part of our nation's industrial history.
The former Bethlehem Steel plant, which made a majority of the guns, shells, and armor plate that helped win both World Wars and provided the steel for the Golden Gate Bridge and the Chrysler Building, is the last industrial revolution era fully integrated steel mill in existence in the western hemisphere.
There is a plan in place to create the Smithsonian Institution-affiliated National Museum of Industrial History and to rehabilitate the historic factory buildings into shops, restaurants, and lodging, but it is in jeopardy by the pending sale of the property. A Philadelphia area development group has stated their intention to raze the entire complex for yet another big-box retail and entertainment center, and the sale is rumored to be nearly complete.
We have started the grassroots citizens group called "Save Our Steel" and created a Web site to raise awareness and to encourage people to write letters of support public officials. Prevailing opinion is that Governor Ed Rendell holds the key to either saving the site or allowing the demolition, so it is vitally important that people contact him to let their opinions be known.
We hope that you will review our Web site and look forward to hearing from you with any suggestions or advice. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Michael Kramer
www.saveoursteel.org
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