In the Age of Steel: Oral Histories from Bethlehem Pennsylvania -- Herbert L. Sechler, Sr.

Annotation Herbert L. Sechler Sr. ( ca. 1910-April 7, 1991), born in Northampton Pennsylvania, was the son of Charles S. and Mabel Mae Catherine Sechler née Andrews. He was first married to Mildred Sechler, née Hardcastle and after her death to Arlene E. Sechler, née Frank. Sechler worked for Bethlehem Steel as a machinist in the forge specialty division from 1928-1974. In this interview he discusses playing professional baseball, working conditions, conflict between workers and management, the piece rate system, organizing activity, negotiating for medical benefits, strikes, working with women during World War II, and views on the union. 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.