Former steelworkers gather for annual Weirton Steel 25-Year Club Picnic
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WEIRTON - For eight decades, long-time employees of the Weirton steel mill have gathered for a day of fellowship and memories.
Men and women who spent their careers manufacturing the steel, tin, and other materials which served as the lifeblood of the Upper Ohio Valley - whether as part of Weirton Steel, National Steel, or any other their successors - gathered at the Serbian Picnic Grounds Saturday for the Weirton Steel 25-Year Club Picnic.
"It's a tradition in town," explained Ron Baker, president of the 25-Year Club. "This marks the 80th year."
The Weirton Steel 25-Year Club was founded in 1946, originally as a way to honor the men who had put in at least 25 years of work in the Weirton steel mill. Each year, members are invited to gather for an afternoon where they can reunite with former coworkers, share memories with each other, pass on the traditions to future generations, and share a meal.
In more recent years, attendance to the picnic has been opened up to women who have worked for the steel manufacturer, with active employees later able to join the retirees. While there are no longer any operations in the Weirton mill following its idling by Cleveland Cliffs in 2025, Baker said it is important to keep the tradition alive.
"I want to keep it going," said Baker, who, himself, had 54 years of employment in Weirton. "The steelworkers deserve this. They look forward to it."
Among those attending Saturday's event was Gabe Arlia, 97, who began working as a teenager during World War II.
One of his first jobs was to work on the railroad, including service as a crossing watchman and inspecting the tracks for damage. At one point, he would be stationed at the rail crossing on Franklin Avenue in Steubenville, explaining the crossing barriers were hand operated.
"You would pump and the guards would come down," he said.
He would later move to a labor gang and serve as a "fireman" for its crane crews.
Jim Rinaldo recalled winter nights working in the sinter plant, where small particles of iron were turned into larger chunks, which could then be used in the steel-making process.
"It got so cold there were 4-foot water lines that froze solid," he said, adding the employees attempted to use 200 watt light bulbs to keep the engines of their cars warm.
Rinaldo had numerous roles during his years of employment, including working on the rail line and as a shipping clerk in the blooming mill, where he recalled helping to send 60 rail cars - each containing four to six slabs - out of the mill in a single day.
He remembered walking across the bridge from Brown's Island, at one point, and seeing 33 barges filled with coal, anchored along the shore of the Ohio River.
"Weirton Steel was a big operation," Rinaldo said.
Baker offered his thanks to everyone who came out for Saturday's picnic, and expressed his appreciation to all of the community sponsors for their support in putting the event together.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)