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| Great Memories and History of Fort Wayne, Indiana posted or 11th photo |
I didn't realize there was a steel plant in Fort Wayne until I saw this posting. Looking at a Google image, I noticed that some of the buildings on the east side seem to be losing their roof. So I quick copied a Bing image since it is older, and it still has its roofs.
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| Christopher Mccann posted Joslyn, Slater stainless Christopher Mccann I currently work here Mike Snow Too bad they got rid of the melt shop. Jim Heit On April 12, 2001 @12:36 PM as furnace operator(1st Helper) I had the privilege of melting and pouring the last heat out of the Melt shop # 2 Furnace. It was type 316 CA, slip # 2558, Ht. # 59,301. I have a sample of that Ht. polished up from the test mold. Mitch Harper posted Arthur L. Potts: Ryan Palmer The picture is from 1907. The post card is dated 1911. [The comments indicate that this was the Rolling Mill District and it was settled by Romanian immigrants, many of which worked at this plant.] |
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| Rick Stabler posted Joslyn Stainless Steel Mill on West Taylor Street during the 1982 flood. My grandfather, Albert (Red), and father, Lawrence, both retired from this company. Joslyn was sold to Slater in February of 1981 but retained the name of Joslyn until after 1982. Nancy Oswald Hartstein Took workers in by boat. Matthew Moore https://www.lrb.usace.army.mil/.../joslyn-pa-2005-08.pdf Mike Eme Rescued a guy out of the overhead crane there in the middle of summer. Not sure I have ever been hotter or dirtier. Kevin Wigner When this steel mill ran there was a short-line railroad (Lake Erie & Fort Wayne Railroad) that switched RR cars in and out of Joslyn and businesses in the immediate area. Back in the 1960's my dad knew the engineer and he let dad and I ride in the engine one day while they were switching RR cars in and out of the mill. This was pretty cool to ride on this little switch engine back when I was a 9 year old kid.. Neat memory I will never forget!... That RR is gone now. They tore down the little RR office on Taylor St. in 1985 which near the entrance to the Joslyn mill... The railroad was a division of the Wabash railroad and it had only 3 workers who if I am remembering correctly were 3 brothers (I think). Jim Heit Three brothers is correct. That engine is currently being restored by the Fort Wayne R.R. Society. I was employed there from 1964 until they closed. Brian Hammer Wasn't there a law suit against the company from the employees because the cars in the parking lot paint jobs were being ruined by the residual fumes and smoke. Jim Heit Acid rain produced by the plant ruined auto paint jobs at Allen County Motors and at GE. John Leto I am still working there. Started in 89, left for awhile, now back. Good to be back. Dave McDowell I remember Josyln and the flood very well ... I worked for the city at that time. Drove a dump truck full of sandbags and teenagers for several days ... also watch President Reagan take a place in the bagline. |
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| Comments on a post I have been told that some of the most outstanding metallurgists in the world worked there in formulating and then assuring quality for special alloys only produced at that facility. |
Part of the property may be contaminated by uranium because during WWII “Joslyn rolled uranium rods from billets for use by the MED and the AEC in weapons production.” Studies in 1949 and 1976 indicated they were careful and did not find residual contamination. But a 2004 survey of the site found evidence of radioactive contamination. So the US Army Corps of Engineers is doing further examinations of the property. [Waste-Lands]
The 2004 survey was for the purchase of the bankrupt Slater property by Valbruna. That Italian company built the business back up from four employees to more than 100. "Acciaierie Valbruna SPA, the Italian steel industry giant, is forging a strong identity in the United States, through its subsidiary, Valbruna Slater Stainless, Inc. This Indiana-based branch takes imported ingots and turns them into round cornered square billets and round bars, among other products, for its forging customers’ applications." [IndustryToday]
In 2005, the USACE did an evaluation and concluded that hazardous substances may have migrated from on-site buildings but they do not pose an imminent threat. But a Site Investigation should be done to "further characterize radioactive residuals." [USACE]
The 2004 survey was for the purchase of the bankrupt Slater property by Valbruna. That Italian company built the business back up from four employees to more than 100. "Acciaierie Valbruna SPA, the Italian steel industry giant, is forging a strong identity in the United States, through its subsidiary, Valbruna Slater Stainless, Inc. This Indiana-based branch takes imported ingots and turns them into round cornered square billets and round bars, among other products, for its forging customers’ applications." [IndustryToday]
In 2005, the USACE did an evaluation and concluded that hazardous substances may have migrated from on-site buildings but they do not pose an imminent threat. But a Site Investigation should be done to "further characterize radioactive residuals." [USACE]
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| IndustryToday |
I purchased a new car from Allen County Motors in October, 1976. After a few months, the finish on roof and hood was pitted. They refused to do anything about it. Probably from the steel plant. Had no idea it was nearby. Saved $15 on a temporary plate as I just walked across the street to the DMV and got the permanent one. Loved that car, even though it was a rusted out POS after 10 years.
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