Meeting Review: 
​October 4, 2022 - Rivers of Steel
Babushkas and Hardhats, Steel Town Tour and Lunch ​
Meeting Review Provided by Frank Pokrywka (Pgh. AIHA Treasurer)

Eighteen members of the AIHA Local Section attended the “Hardhats and Babushkas” tour of the Carrie Blast Furnaces and other historic venues relating to the famous Homestead Strike of 1892. Led by Kirsten Paine, PhD. Site Management Coordinator and Interpretive Specialist for Rivers of Steel and Keith Clouse former Blast Furnace Worker from US Steel,  we experienced what it was like to live and work during that period. 

Our guides gave us a real feel for the heat, noise and dangers of working in that iron production environment as well as the struggles of families trying to eek out a living on the low wages and poor environmental conditions of the time.

​Our group could only imaging what it must have been like for many of our ancestors caught in the middle of the violence between Union organizers and the Robber Barons as they fought for higher wages and safer working conditions verses the selfish need for more profits. This sad history lesson like most must be remembered so as not to be repeated.  

Thanks to the following Pittsburgh AIHA Members and Slippery Rock Students for attending this event.  Thanks to Frank Pokrywka for organizing this awesome event!
​
  • Timothy Beck, NIOSH/CDC
  • Angela Bernardo, Slippery Rock University
  • Darrick Bertig, FirstEnergy Corp.
  • Tom Blank, BWXT
  • Patrick Byrd, FedEx Ground
  • Dan Davis, Skelly and Loy, Inc.
  • Fred Elbel, BMPC Bettis Laboratory
  • Bob Haushalter, Duquesne University
  • Annalyse Hoover, Slippery Rock University
  • Fred McGuigan, Risk Assessment Services, LLC
  • Dane Mitcheson, FedEx Ground
  • Scott Morrison, FedEx Ground
  • Frank Pokrywka, KTA-Tator, Inc.
  • Michael Ritchie, Duquesne University
  • Hannah Roberts, Slippery Rock University
  • Rona Smeak, Slippery Rock University
  • Paula Sweitzer, Duquesne University
  • Jordan Taylor, FedEx Ground
  • Holly Vernon, FedEx Ground
Thanks to Frank Pokrywka and Paula Sweitzer for photos
ARTISTRY. INDUSTRY. INNOVATION.
Rivers of Steel showcases the artistry and innovation of southwestern Pennsylvania’s industrial and cultural heritage by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences. 
​VISIT THEIR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION.  https://riversofsteel.com/