In the Age of Steel: Oral Histories from Bethlehem Pennsylvania -- Francis S. Price

Annotation Francis S. Price (ca. 1905-January 24, 1984), born in Earlville, Maryland, was the son of Hamilton and Anna Price, née Spear. He was married to Julia Price, née Gallagher. Price worked for Bethlehem Steel from 1928 to 1970. In his first position he installed safety guards on machinery and then after a short stint in the boiler shop worked as a billet operator for the remainder of his time with the company. In this brief interview he discusses steel-making processes and working with women during World War II. This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted by Lehigh University students and faculty from 1974 through 1977 focusing on retired Bethlehem Steel workers, business people, and the heirs of industrial magnates. The project was co-sponsored by Bethlehem Steel Corporation, who provided contact information for retired steel workers. An oral history interview is an act of memory and hence both highly selective and highly subjective. While it accurately reflects what a narrator remembers (or chooses to tell) of his or her experience and viewpoints, it may not accurately represent what actually transpired or what another person may have experienced. As such users should subject interviews to the same degree of critical scrutiny they would any other historical source.