Fans of Bethlehem Steel might not have a lot of tangible components of the plant to pass down to future generations, as the crux of the site has been stealthily dismantled. Not to mention the administration building that continues to be a sticking point, and will be for years to come. In the end, we have managed to save bits and pieces of the plant, but mostly what we will pass along will be in the form of words and photographs (and some kitschy memorabilia).
For those zealots who were hoping for something a bit more iconic, you will be heartened to hear that the original “Bethlehem Steel” sign has been preserved, and has now found a home at the Steel Plant Museum of WNY (100 Lee Street in Buffalo). The 2,500 lb. sign was unveiled earlier today.
“Seeing this sign in its new home brings back many memories for me, reminds us of all that Bethlehem Steel meant to our community, and re-instills our pride in our industrial heritage. As the son of a steelworker, the Bethlehem Steel logo for me is a symbol of hard work, family values, and a strong community,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “It is an honor to be here today as this iconic sign is once again put on display, and I would like to thank our partners at National Grid and the Steel Plant Museum for helping to bring a vibrant emblem of our area’s culture back to prominence.”
Erie County and National Grid provided $2,000 in grant funding that was earmarked to make the move happen. After the sign was dismantled from the site where it was originally erected in 1962, it was stored across Route 5 at the Galvanized Products Division. It is said that the sign was fabricated in Buffalo by Goergen-Mackwirth, using steel from the plant itself.
“Much like the steel industry, National Grid has a long history here in Western New York, and our business was always very much linked to steel and manufacturing,” said Dennis Elsenbeck of National Grid. “We are very encouraged by the renewal we are seeing in this region but, at the same time, we think it is important to honor the past.”
President of the Steel Plant Museum of WNY Don Williams added, “Today the Steel Plant Museum of WNY is excited and proud to unveil the iconic Bethlehem Steel logo in its new location at the Heritage DiscoveRY Center. This was truly a team effort to save the logo and have it on display once again”.
Along with the sign, a section of steel rail, rail plates and spikes were also contributed to the steel museum. The rail was made at the Lackawanna plant circa 1968. The Steel Museum (see here) is part of the Heritage DiscoveRy Center (see here), which also houses the WNY Railway Historical Society, so the steel rail and parts will surely come in handy as more exhibits are constructed.
Can you imagine if the museum was located at the old Administration Building? Now that would have made too much sense!
Photos: Steel Plant Museum of WNY President Don Williams, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, and National Grid Regional Director Dennis Elsenbeck gather in front of an 18’ x 18’ Bethlehem Steel sign unveiled on the Museum’s Lee St. grounds.