This, from today's Tribune-Review, says a lot about the state of Pittsburgh's economy. But to hell with politics and development and industry for the moment: It strikes me as a nice gesture. (I especially like the self-effacing reference to the "crappy TV show"):
A U.S. Steel sign that previously graced the exterior of Chiodo's Tavern in Homestead was welcomed home Thursday. The 10-foot-by-10-foot, 1,500-pound, stainless-steel sign now hangs at the historic Pump House at The Waterfront complex, which sits on the former Homestead Works site. Actor David Conrad, an Edgewood native, purchased the massive marker for $4,000 at an auction April 24 and donated it to the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.
Officials from Steel Industry Heritage Corp., a nonprofit group that oversees Rivers of Steel, held a dedication ceremony yesterday for the sign -- emblazoned with the words "In Honor of the Employees" and a U.S. Steel logo in the center.
"We're glad to have had the opportunity to be part of an effort to save it and keep it from going to collectors in some other region or another part of the country," said Augie Carlino, president and CEO of Steel Industry Heritage Corp. "This sign being right across the street from U.S. Steel is symbolic and, hopefully, it will memorialize and become a monument for steelworkers."
... "I just wanted to make sure it (the sign) stayed here," Conrad said. "It says 'In Honor Of' -- and I don't think there's enough in this part of the world that gives the apt tribute to the people who built it. If there's any small, little way I can leave in memory the people who made it happen, the money from a crappy TV show is worth it."
Conrad was a regular in the NBC television series "Miss Match" and had a recurring role in the TV drama "Boston Public." He also appeared in the movie "Men of Honor," starring Robert DeNiro and Cuba Gooding Jr.
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