Group Members:
Jaroslav Delapadreja
Jason Fleshman
Stephen Hsu
Larry McMartin
Stephen Molnar
Ben Roberts
Lia L. Rozmiarek

Introduction
     The focus of the Places of Work group is the indutrial heritage of the Monongohela River valley region. We are exploring the industrial history of the region as reflected in sites along the proposed Steel Heritage Trail. The length of the course prevents us from doing a comprehensive study of all of the historical sites along the trail. Therefore, we have chosen a sample of sites which, when put together, provide a sense of the broader industrial heritage of the region. The group is covering six specific sites located in five different boroughs. These locations include the Carrie Blast Furnaces in Rankin, the former Homestead Steel Works in Homestead/Munhall, the Edgar Thomson Works and Lock & Dam #2 in Braddock, and the National Tube Works and the water treatment plant in McKeesport.
     The following will provide a brief overview of the group's research:

Carrie Blast Furnaces
     The work being performed on the blast furnaces covers three subjects. First, we will provide the background and history of the furnaces. Then we consider what can be done to preseve the furnaces. Included is a comparison to the Schloss furnace in Alabama. Third, the research will consider the furnaces as an integral part of the steelmaking industry in the Monogohela valley.

Edgar Thomson Works/Braddock
     The discussion of the Edgar Thomson Works (ET) is less about the particular steel mill and more about technological progress. The research here addresses several issues, the first of which is the effect of the technological progress on the workers. The second issue is that of ET's impact on other steel mills in the region. Third, research examines why ET has become one of the last operating steel mills in the valley.
     In addition to the discussion of technology, there is a secondary matter of the social history and interaction between ET and the town of Braddock. Issues such as the ethnic populations of the community, union activity and the decline of Braddock in the 1980s are covered in this section.

Homestead
     We are using Homestead as a jumping-off point for a discussion of labor organization and activities in the region. While there is a specific focus on the activities in Homestead, the larger unionization movement is discussed.

National Tube Works
     The work being performed on the Tube Works is threefold. First a chronological history of the works will be given. Second, there will be an emphasis on the links between the Tube Works and the other steel mills in the area. Finally, the research will discuss the impact of the plant on the community.

McKeesport Water Treatment Plant
     The research on the treatment plant covers the history of one of the oldest plants in the area. We will review the operation and layout of the plant and discuss the future of the plant, which closed in 1990.

Lock & Dam #2
     The discussion of Lock & Dam #2 will begin with a history of the Lock & dam itself. The research will then turn to the operation of the facility. The work will conclude with a brief discussion of the circumstances relating to the future closing and dismantling of the lock and dam.

Conclusion
     I hope that this outline has answered any questions regarding the project. If there are additional questions or comments feel free to contact me via email at molnar@andrew.cmu.edu.

     Sincerely,

     Stephen Molnar
     Places of Work Group Leader