Photos by Mike Heikkila and Mike Chinner
Words by Ron P.
The Bethlehem Steel Corporation was an American steelmaking company headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Until its closure in 2003, it was one of the world’s largest steel-producing and shipbuilding companies.
At the height of its success and productivity, the company was a symbol of American manufacturing leadership in the world, and its decline and ultimate liquidation in the late 20th century is similarly cited as an example of America’s diminished manufacturing leadership. From its founding in 1857 through its 2003 dissolution, Bethlehem Steel’s headquarters and primary steel mill manufacturing facilities were based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley region of the United States.
The company’s steel was used in the construction of many of America’s largest and most famed structures.
Among major buildings, Bethlehem produced steel for 28 Liberty Street, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Rockefeller Center, and the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City and Merchandise Mart in Chicago. (Source: Internet)
Products of their environment, Matt Andersen and Jake Baldini have a keen eye and appreciation for the craftsmanship of yesteryear.
Purveyors of industrial era scraps with a particular interest in locales spawned of Bethlehem Steel, these guys have done it again in their follow up of 2020’s Rust Belt Trap. What more is there to say?
Matt and Jake search far and wide finding and skating some of the coolest fuckin’ spots you’ll ever see. Head on down to the internet and enjoy the show. We even got some Mraz clips to enjoy. Can we get a hard copy, guys?
