New member is coming to Rockford

[airrace]

Hello... Steve Williams from Kalispell Montana here. I'm a new member. I restore things (mostly vintage machinery) for a living and in my semi-retirement. I'm a 72 year old former Vietnam helicopter pilot. I've built 2 Lancair aircraft in my life; a 320 and a Legacy. I am finishing up on the restoration of a 1910 Greenlee "Variety Woodworker" that is going to the Smithsonian (hopefully before the snow flies). If anyone is interested you can see it and me at: www.greenleediscovery.com The Smithsonian National Museum of Industrial History is in Bethlehem Pennsylvania. The machine was manufactured by the famous Greenlee Company of Rockford Illinois. The machine will be sent to Rockford before continuing on to Bethlehem for a day of festivities at the Greenlee factory. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my newly found Cessna 120-140 Association home is Rockford. Wondering if there are any/many members in Rockford.

I'm wishing to buy a "good bones" 140 and do a complete restoration starting this winter. Any leads or advice would be much appreciated.

Steve in Montana

[8224]

Steve, I am restoring a ‘47 C-140 and you might be interested in what I have. If so give me a call. Cell is 520 237 3373.

[6643]

Can't help you with a plane project, but I grew up in Bethlehem. I'm almost the same age as you. The Bethlehem Steel Company was the anchor of the cityu and by far the largest employer. My dad worked there his entire career and I worked there for a summer back in the '60s, before I left for college. Most people can't comprehend the scale of a steel plant. To see it reduced to a casino and museum gives me mixed feelings, to say the least.

[airrace]

John... I understand your mixed feelings about the mill. I've never been to Bethlehem. Is that where the National Museum of Industrial History is located (at the old mill)?

Steve

[6643]

Yes. The plant used to extend from near the western city limit along the Lehigh River all the way into the next town, Hellertown, where the coke ovens were located: 7 miles long, IIRC. It was 3 or more city blocks wide. We had our own railway system (PB&NE Railroad) and bus system. When I worked there the area I worked in was forging and turning 16" gun barrels for a battleship, among other things. There were 7 Blast Furnaces making iron, although two were scheduled to be shut down even then because it was not cost effective to bring them into EPA compliance. I believe 4 are still standing today as part of the museum complex. The coke ovens are gone and there is a Wal*Mart distribution center on the site.

[8474]

What an amazing place that must have been, I would like to share my thoughts on it's demise but I'm sure the PC police would not like what I would have to say

[6898]

Welcome Steve and look forward to meeting you in the Rockford area. There are A lot of 120 140 members mostly at C77 Poplar Grove . Please keep me informed when your home base is complete I'll fly to meet you. I'm based at IS65 30 min. away Jeff