In the Age of Steel: Oral Histories from Bethlehem Pennsylvania -- Walter A. Schrempel

Annotation Walter A. Schrempel (July 9, 1984-May 23, 1982), born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was the son of Emil and Martha Schrempel, née Brinker. He was married to Frances Schrempel, née Kratz. Schrempel operated a coal and ice business from 1912 to 1954 and served as the Director of Civil Defense for the city of Bethlehem during World War I and World War II. In this interview he discusses the operation of his business, performing his civil defense duties, conflicts between the North Side and South Side of Bethlehem, education, neighborhoods, and religious activities. 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.