A turning tide -- Horns in the hollow -- Rust and restlessness -- Milk and honey -- Where stories went to die -- The front pew -- Sanctuary -- The nation's first economy -- The prurient power of pierogi -- Life as they found it -- Rough and ready, tough and tender -- Moms who put out -- A flame that water fed -- Popularity, politics, and patronage -- Humility and its opposite -- Sure but not at all certain -- Curiosity as curse -- Light and nature -- More snoop than solicitor -- Of heroes and helpers -- Untethered -- Dodging a bullet -- Itching all over -- Like Ambridge with a "c" -- Rust: the patina of possibility -- Rescue amid the ruins.
Summary:
"These stories are specific to one legendary riverfront plateau and one boy's journey, but are emblematic of immigrant life and blue-collar aspirations during the heyday of American industry and its crash, foreshadowing one of the largest internal migrations in U.S. history. Approximately six million baby boomers, like the narrator, fled the Rust Belt. Another six million remained and stories of their youth, struggles, and aspirations echo throughout this book. Pittsburgh alone attracts die-hard affinity with its scattered natives."--Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.