The 28 Inch Mill
A Dramatic Memoir of Life "Down the Steel"
Written by Robert D. Frantz – A Solo Performance by Stanley R. Frantz
The Ice House, Bethlehem, PA
Presented by the Steelworkers' Archives and the PA Federation of Injured Workers |
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 About the Play
Robert Frantz worked for 11 years during the 1950s and early 1960s at the 28" rolling mill at
Bethlehem Steel's Saucon Plant. In 1992 he decided he wanted to do something to help further his son
Stan's acting career, so he sat down and wrote a play about those experiences which had left the
most indelible impression on him, his years working in the mill.
It was a world of mostly men, tough on the outside, but gentle and noble at heart, a time and
place where strength, courage, honesty, and decency were not only valued, but necessary for
survival. These were men who sacrificed their lives—their hopes and dreams, as well as their
bodies—to help build modern America and to support their families and loved ones. They worked hard
and played hard and gave of themselves without holding back until they were spent. As they and their
way of life vanish from the American landscape along with the very mills which had been their
livelihood, the Frantzes bring them vividly to life in this dramatic memoir.
 More than just a nostalgic look at a forgotten lifestyle, The 28 Inch Mill gives the
audience a chance to see into the hearts and minds of these men—what moved them and motivated them,
their humor and humanity, their fortitude and their faults, their pride and their poetry.
Through the fictional character of Karl Yoder, a retired steel-worker in his late 70s, sitting
alone in his mother's kitchen imagining a conversation with his absent friend Janos about the old
days "down the Steel," Frantz takes us on a detailed and fascinating journey drawn from his
real-life experiences.
The play is not autobiographical, however it is as accurate in historical detail as possible.
Karl Yoder is a fictional composite based on the kind of men Robert Frantz worked alongside in the
mill. Many events similar to those in the play actually happened, while others are complete fiction,
but could have happened. The intent is to present as vividly as possible a picture of the life these
men lived, not to glorify them or condemn them, but to simply honor them and their contribution to
the American fabric of life. The men and women of the play are presented as they were, and while
many of their attitudes and actions may not be considered "politically correct" today, they are
shown as they lived, in the times they lived, and without apology or excuses.
 Production History
The 28 Inch Mill was first performed in 1995 for a limited engagement at the theatre of a
small college in Santa Barbara, California.
Since returning to his hometown of Bethlehem 5 years ago, Stanley has wanted to perform it here,
not only for those who lived it, but for their children and grandchildren. It is with great
excitement and anticipation that he is able now to finally to present it here in Bethlehem at the
historic Ice House, literally a stone's throw from the site of the Bethlehem Steel mill.
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Due to the sometimes coarse
nature of the dialogue,
(men in the mills didn't always talk like choirboys)
and a brief scene alluding to prostitution, the play is rated "PG".
Parents please use your discretion in bringing young people. |
The 28 Inch Mill Home
If you attended the performance, or even if you didn't and
support our efforts to keep the story of the steel alive and would like to help
us recover from the financial loss we suffered due to having to close the play
from lack of sales, please make a donation. Thanks!
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