A. Finkl Steel foundry, photographed by Payton Chung
The Finkl foundry is a popular place to take out-of-town guests. Chicago was built on the strong backs of industry, and the flames glowing within this foundry are one of the last reminders on the North Side. The sidewalk brings you less than a hundred feet from the volcanic sparks and glowing cauldrons, and dancing fire can be seen through windows up and down the river.
Because of it's accessibility, A. Finkl has captured the hearts of many Chicagoans. Robert Powers of "A Chicago Soujurn" recently wrote an excellent account. You can also peruse a variety of photos and video shot from just outside the mill's large sliding doors.
David Schalliol took this photo of a Finkl employee on break.
As I read Yelp reviews of the foundry, I came across this sobering testimony by veronica h, the daughter of a Finkl employee:
"so many people think that this company is so beautiful and wonderful....well if you ever had a family member work there you would feel different. my father worked there for over 20 years gave this company his all and in the end all he got was flowers.this company is far from beautiful or wonderful. they make there[sic] employees bused[sic] there butts working and when the chemicals they are exposed to while working there start to affect there health they just pused[sic] them to the side and get the next gump to take ther[sic] place. so when you are outsid[sic] of this company being amazed by its beauty, just think about all the men inside dying slowly"
This story is full of depth and authenticity, and shows a deep contrast between the Bucktown of today and that of only a few decades ago.
Foundry during daylight, photographed by donayer.
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Ira
I live in Chicago and am perpetually fascinated by the world around me. More
Comments
Great photography! It almost seems to tell a story.
Despite the comment by the daughter of the long-time worker, I'm glad to read that there are American manufacturing companies that are doing well in the current era of offshoring, outsourcing, and plant closures.
Both of Blagojevich's gubernatorial election night rallies were held at Finkl, and I believe his U.S. Congressional election rallies were as well. Finkl management was quite close to Blagojevich. Don't know if they still are -- perhaps they fled when the latest federal investigations came to light, along with the recent impeachment, conviction, and ousting from office. I believe the former VP of Operations was chairman of Blago's campaign fund from July 2007 to August 2008. Wife Patti Blagojevich was real estate agent for Finkl's purchase of South Side Verson plant sight. Many contributions to Blago campaign fund over the years, easy CEO access to governor's office. The company does some good things around the neighborhood and city, but they're very into the "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" mentality, and are not necessarily aware of, or willing to cooperate with, laws they are subject to in employee relations.
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