Alumnus Publishes Steel Industry History Book

Spencer Morgan, '11, offers readers a glimpse of the history of the steel industry in his recently released book, “Western New York Steel.”

“Western New York Steel” chronicles the history of the steel industry, including its impact on communities in Western New York, and features hundreds of vintage images that document the industry’s socioeconomic rise and decline over the past 200 years. Among the book’s highlights are describing the steel making process and focusing on early 20^th century Buffalo, the two World Wars, as well as the rail and shipping industries.

“In its heyday, companies like Bethlehem, Republic and Wickwire-Spencer Steel employed tens-of-thousands of men and women,” said Morgan. “The book discusses a very significant industry that has and will continue to impact the community of Western New York,” he added.

Morgan also currently helps bring the steel plant industry’s history alive as the curator of the Steel Plant Museum of Western New York. He holds a M.A. in History and Museum Studies from Buffalo State.

“Western New York Steel” is available at the college bookstore, through online retailers, independent retailers, and area bookstores, or Arcadia Publishing.

Originally posted: March 2014