Acme Steel, Chicago Coke Plant
Some time ago, I came across a substantial pile of expense reports from the assistant division manager. These were notable as they included hotel and restaurant bills and detailed explanations for some expenses. I have yet to add the scans to the document archive because after long thought, I feel that it is somehow too […]
I recently got a hot tip that I was not the first owner of acmecoke.com (Thanks Steve!). This was big news – so I quickly checked archive.org – and there it was! Classic webdesign for 20 years ago and a real snapshot of the times. I couldn’t help myself but to set out and recreate […]
When I started this site, my hope was that some ex-employee would find me and tell me their story. I really lucked out when Steve found me. I knew well of his many exploits over decades at the coke plant and he was eager to tell me about the other 99%. Apparently you found my […]
During my last visit I continued to attempt to unearth documents from the BP Office. These are the worst condition of any in the plant, largely attributed to the building being in very bad condition with a wooden roof which is collapsing. This means more and more precipitation has made it’s way into the building […]
This sign was a real mess. Unlike all the others I have found, this one showed some serious corner cutting to save a few bucks. The backing is a painted steel plate. But the lettering is just attached to a cheap transparency which was somehow adhered to the steel. It wasn’t adhered very well, that […]
In my document archeology, I often times find a quotation or proposal for a project, then some accompanying notes. Often times these notes seem to be preparation to ‘sell’ the idea of the capital improvement to a superior. Or other times, they may be notes taken while in a meeting with the vendor, who explains […]
I swore all week I’d take this weekend off but that didn’t last. Perfect weather – had an awesome ride up to 100th before I hit the plant. I ran into a couple around the quench station as I entered. Really awesome people – we walked around and chatted for about 20 minutes. We talked […]
I never thought I’d get to 20 visits. I’ve spent a lot of time at the plant. And I’m still not done. I always remind myself of how terrified I was on my first visit (I can relive it anytime I want by watching the video). Back then I didn’t know anything about coke or […]
After my revelatory moment last weekend, it was a matter of time until I ascended to the top of the coal bunker, after months of toying with this in my mind. I could have waited until Saturday (right now it is Thursday evening), but I was driving back from Michigan Thursday afternoon and Acme is […]
I came with my brother on this trip, he had never been but we had discussed many times. Did my usual hook up Ave. O to 100th, then back down Torrence. Great day for a ride, perfect crisp weather and winds were low. The finds: gas alarm w/ photos (1980) This is a number of […]