The Bethlehem Story - Life After Steel

The 2014 Frank Marcon Award was given to two of Bethlehem's mayors, Don Cunningham and John Callahan. They sat at the helm as the city rebuilt after the fall of Bethlehem Steel. Here is a celebration of how far the city has come since 1998.

[@damianhowland9759]

Wow! Watching this has given me a new sense of pride knowing these young politicians have had our futures in their best interest

[@mattd5147]

Bethlehem is one of the most unique places I've ever been to. Let me tell you folks of Bethlehem, you should be proud. You have a fine city, and the history fascinates me. Bethlehem Steel was such a force in that area for so long and made such a big impact on the community, and for that to just disappear is frightening. Still though, I love how the city preserved its steel making past by keeping the furnaces down by the river, and kind of revitalizing it with the whole Steel Stacks area. It's a shame they couldn't save Martin Tower, but perhaps that area will be developed into something great too. All in all, it's an amazing story of perseverance in Bethlehem and it's pretty inspirational if you ask me.

[@mgarner1227]

Thank you for saying that.

[@ThePepper80]

Awesome you kept the history of Bethlehem. Most would just tear it down.

[@karelltulod3079]

I love 1980

[@jcam783]

I retired from NYCT in 2019 , my job ? Trackworker ! I remember when we were still getting our rails from Bethlehem Steel . Well I live in Bethlehem now . My favorite place to go and clear my head sometimes? The Steel Stacks ! Their is just a connection to this place . If you haven’t been here to Bethlehem, come visit , you won’t be disappointed. By the way, NYCT is New York City Transit , for those of you who may not know .

[@BigMoney23223]

Was just out there, amazing to walk out of the mall and see the plant right there. Love it

[@scottkunkle8985]

My Grandfather used to operate those cranes where the "SANDS" sign is on! My Dad's Grandfather also worked at the Steel! I remember as a little boy riding with Nana in the '57 Belair from "62-"63 to pickup PapPap on the corner just before the Minsi Trail Bridge! I would ask Nana, "why do you take PapPap to work and pick him up"? She said, "so he doesn't go spend his paycheck at the Pub"!! Oh the memories!!

[@carlweidman3026]

God bless you , You made fellow pennsylvanians proud

[@yorkarrages7617]

This Video is just one name shy of this cities turn around his name was Bob Crane he was the owner of Bethlehem Bagles he opened his shop downtown when it was a ghost town of small shops his bakery brought life to downtown again and was the 1st to have outside dining on the sidewalk he really did bring the crowds back and many retailers were so happy he was there just to name an unsung early investor

[@billb.9876]

Inspirational...

[@andrewdresher4401]

This was well done.

[@chavecar1]

my grandpa worked at that pant in 1925 and i have the insurance paper to prove it from 1925 and my grandpa was from mexico and worked in Bethlehem

[@beavis8167]

Did he work for Levi's or Wrangler

[@j887276]

I wonder if there's an alphabetical roster of former steel plant employees, I believe my family used to work there.

[@OscarVaughn]

Wish my city had 2 mayors that gave a shit like them 2 in Bethlehem. When our steel mill closed in warren ohio they bulldozed the entire site. Now its a big empty ugly eye sore with absolutely no plan whatsoever if mind. It just sits there fenced off only thing still standing is the guard shack.
Them folks should be proud of what they've done in the old mill. Its just awesome tho I never thought still to this day that Bethlehem steel would be gone.

[@ericanfuso9826]

This is a great place to live in Bethlehem PA I will dear all my life and you know this is a great place to live Work start a family tourist attraction we got the old blast furnace is we have a new cat one and you know I encourage every person we have major tourist attraction in this town do you know what I mean if you come here on a visit you will fall in love with our fair city come and spend the weekend here you would be amazed there’s a lot to see and do around here come join us I guarantee it

[@TonysLawnCare215]

yup created jobs for the next Generation BUT they dont pay like the old days how can you live on a bar tenders 15$ hr when the old days Steel Job start pay way 22$ hr and after 1 yr in the union went up to 29 and on on on 20 yrs in your at 36 38$ hr (just as a unskilled Labor fork lift driver ect..) and the welders started at 35$ to 60$ see you can live NOT NOW 15$HR as a bar tender

[@newagecuck]

Town running down? Just bring in a casino

[@chavecar1]

I mean plant not pant lol :)