By Gloria Rogulin Blake
Written April 2015
My view of the Atom Smasher is the view of someone who grew up in the area. And whose parents worked for Westinghouse. I knew important work was going on there, but in earlier years, had no knowledge yet of how important. I was born and raised in Chalfant Boro on North Avenue, not far from the Westinghouse Forest Hills Site where sat the incredible structure that everyone knows as the Atom Smasher.
Growing up in the shadow of the Atom Smasher means many things. It’s such a part of our lives, those of us who live here. It was always there watching over us. Our triumphs, our defeats, hopes, dreams. It was just always there. Especially those of us who had ties to Westinghouse. My parents worked at Westinghouse in East Pittsburgh. But, often, my Mother would be needed at the cafeteria on the Forest Hills site.
So, I’m about 8 years old. My Mother is working at the Forest Hills site today. After school I walk up North Avenue to meet her at the cafeteria. As I walk up the street and come up over the little crest in the hill, the first thing I see is the Atom Smasher. The dining room is closed, but the ladies are still there. My Mother and her friends wear their white waitress uniforms, a hankie folded neatly in the pocket. They welcome me with a piece of Sunshine cake. All the time the Atom Smasher is standing watch and everyone knows that it means lots of work to do and lots of people needing to eat in the cafeteria. Life is good!
A view of the atom smasher from North Avenue (2009). © Marni Blake Walter.
Now I’m a teenager and I’m walking up North Avenue again. I round the little crest in the hill and there it is as always, the Atom Smasher. Not a little girl, I’m a teen and have important things to do. Like hang out with my friends at the corner store. The boys will be there too! I have on a new outfit to show off. And the Atom Smasher is still the centerpiece of Westinghouse Forest Hills site and all of the amazing things coming out of that workplace. And everyone knows that it means lots of work to do and lots of people working. Life is good!
Fast forward…I’m grown up and married. I have children and live in Forest Hills now. Still a stone’s throw from the Atom Smasher. I put my kids in the stroller and go for a walk past the busy Westinghouse Forest Hills Site. People are working and providing for their families. Everyone knows it’s because of the work done there and the attention this strange looking bulb, the Atom Smasher, brings to our community. And everyone knows that it means lots of work to do and lots of people working. Life is good!
And today I am a Grandmother. My view of the Atom Smasher is a lot different now. I understand it’s history and it’s importance in the lives of all of us. Maybe more importantly the Atom Smasher’s part in the history of the entire world. It lays on it’s side a sad, forlorn giant. Rusted and unappreciated, it might be asking…Is Life Good?
For 80 years the Atom Smasher and Westinghouse provided families in our community and beyond with a good living and a good life. As the symbol of all of those prosperous years, the Atom Smasher deserves better. Westinghouse is the entity that can return the icon to some degree of respect. We should not abandon our historical past. Progress is great, but those to come need to know where they came from.
The Atom Smasher and Westinghouse provided so many families with a great living and prosperity. Westinghouse Forest Hills site ended, but until recently the Atom Smasher remained.
I can’t help but be reminded of how much it gave. And how it has received so little of the respect it deserves.
Gloria Rogulin Blake is a lifelong resident of Chalfant and later Forest Hills. She is an artist who specializes in botanical art. She is also an enthusiastic supporter of the atom smasher and was the first resident on the scene on January 20, 2015.
Thanks to Gloria (thanks Mom!) for this contribution, and for being a careful observer of the neighborhood! Thanks also for always helping us notice the interesting history all around and right at home.
