Quittin' Time! (U.S. Steel Homestead Works)

No matter how tired after the long work day, the men feel a burst of energy upon leaving the mill after the graveyard shift. Set in the 1950s, this is the famous United State Steel Homestead Works.  The factory was first constructed in 1881 and purchased by Scottish immigrant, Andrew Carnegie, in 1883.  The plant was incorporated into his Carnegie Steel Company.  The site became famous in 1892 as the location of a worker's lockout and strike, leading to the "battle of Homestead."  The strike became a major defeat for workers, as the violence grew and many lives were lost, but became a pinnacle for the labor movement going forward as publicity about it spread throughout the America and the world.  To learn more, I highly recommend, "Homestead," by William Serrin.  Much of the steel for the world's grand projects and skyscrapers was manufactured here.  During World War II, one-third of the town of Homestead, along the Monongahela river, was leveled for the war effort.  Germany had bombing plans for the United States and this area, adjacent to Pittsburgh, was number one on the list.  Serrin's book inspired me to do this oil painting.  The reading brought back my sore back, the sweat in my eyes and my strong hands.  Yet, somehow, despite the fatigue, a burst of energy occurs when the whistle blows.  Why? Because it's quittin' time!  

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