LS&Co. Unzipped
Jul 13 2010
"Ready to Work" in Braddock
On any given day, you’ll find me in Braddock, Penn., a small borough in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh.
If you know anything at all about Braddock, it’s probably that it’s a steel town that – like the U.S. steel industry itself – has fallen on hard times.
I’m a farmer here, working full time, growing produce in the city.
I started working at Braddock Farms a little more than a year ago, after moving to Pittsburgh from Washington, D.C. I like the idea that agriculture makes you self-sufficient. And if there’s one thing Braddock needs, it’s self-sufficiency.
There are people here who are strongly determined to get this town back on its feet. Some, like me, are transplants. Others, though, are lifelong residents. All want better times for Braddock.
I work at Grow Pittsburgh. We grow vegetables, fruits and flowers – all naturally, using no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.
If you visit between late spring and early fall, you might see our weekly farm stand in Braddock, selling our organic produce at prices you’d normally pay for conventionally grown produce.
We also sell our produce, at the prices you’d expect, to a handful of restaurants in and around Pittsburgh. These commercial sales help make the farm more financially sustainable.
Braddock Farms is a big attraction, bringing people into town who might not otherwise visit. They come to see the farm and, in the process, see the town, as well. We hope this creates more interest in Braddock as a whole. Folks who stop by really seem to like what’s going on – this green oasis in an industrial town that has seen better days.
As for Levi’s® and its new marketing campaign, featuring the people of Braddock instead of models? Well, it’s nice to see support coming in from the outside. I’ve been watching the community center construction, which the company is helping finance. And it looks great.
Ultimately, the fate of the town depends on the people here, not outside help. The exposure that Levi’s® brings will, I hope, be a catalyst that attracts more people to town who are “ready to work.” There’s plenty of room!
What's going on in Braddock is unlike anything I've ever seen, but it's not plain to see on the surface. Folks here are just living their everyday lives – pushing to make things better for themselves and each other, because they care about their community.
There is not some grand revolution taking place, it won't happen in a few weeks, months, or years, but with a whole lot of work and care, and each of us playing our own part, it can happen.
Posted By: T. Marshall Hart, Braddock Farms Site Supervisor, Grow Pittsburgh |
 |
We welcome your comments.
When submitting a blog comment, please consider the following guidelines:
- Focus on the topic
- Be constructive and considerate
- All submissions are subject to the terms set forth in our Terms of Use
This is a moderated blog. Each comment will be reviewed. We reserve the right not to post your submission if it’s off-topic or contains any of the following types of content or violates other guidelines:
- Obscenities, discriminatory language, or other language not suitable for a public forum
- Advertisements, “spam” content, or references to other products, offers, or websites
- Email addresses, URLs, phone numbers, physical addresses or other forms of contact information
- Critical or spiteful comments on other posts on the page or their authors
In addition, if you wish to share feedback with us about product selection, pricing, ordering, delivery or other customer service issues, please do not submit this feedback through this blog. Instead, contact us here.
2013
Before posting your comment, please read the Blog Guidelines.
Dean Vidal (not verified) - Feb 05 2011
Marshall, We just had a group of friends together for dinner. Kerriann, Melissa, Erin, Jordan, Cameran, Katelyn Susan, Jamie and met. We all watched your video part 7 "We are all any workers". Everyone send their love and respect for what you do. Be proud. The benefit of your work is equivalent to ten thousand soldiers. Dean
Victoria (not verified) - Oct 01 2010
I posted this on your other site, but think it's worth recommending again. In watching the recent hour-program on Sundance, there were multiple shots of the buildings and colors that I would love to buy a still of, on condition that some of the proceeds benefit restoration of the Library and towards the new community center. A wonderful highlight of the area, making me homesick.
Editor's note: Hi Victoria, and thanks for your comment. I'll reach out to my colleagues in the Levi's® brand to see what I can find out for you. Sounds like a great idea, so I hope we can make it happen for you -- and the library and community center.
Ron "Hocky" Hochhauser (not verified) - Jul 29 2010
Braddock, Pa. Wow! I was born there as was my Dad. My Grandfather had a store on Talbot Ave, an Uncle had a store on 6th Street. My Sister & I grew up in & around Braddock. Dad opened a store named Hocky Bros Auto Parts on Braddock Ave in 1946 & after some family issues, I sold that store in 1990. The Auto Parts Store is still located @ 110-112 Braddock Ave. Yes, it survived a lot & still, under Clark Couch's ownership continues on as a highlight of Braddock. I'm always proud to let people know I'm a product of Braddock, Pa. Oh yea, anybody research Braddock High's famous football team? The team made the front cover of Life back in the day for the longest winning record in High School History. Sincerely, Ron "Hocky" Hochhauser, Lake Placid, Florida
Mr. Rafael Ulivarri (not verified) - Jul 13 2010
I have been buying Levi jeans for years and have been satisfied. Although, the last, I don't know several years or so, I haven't been satisfied. I t seems that the jeans are cut and stitched together differently. Levi jeans were always known as a Male jean. The new cut and stitch says different! The low cut in the back is for a women not a man. The low pocket is for a hoodloom not a man. If this is the way the company is being directed then I will have no choice but to seek jeans elsewhere.
Editor's note: Thanks for your comment -- and the feedback! We never want to lose a customer, especially one who's been with us for years. May I suggest you call us to see if we can help you find the right pair of jeans? Maybe the stores where you shop for Levi's don't carry the styles that are right for you. Here's a number where you'll find someone who may be able to help you find what you want -- at least, I hope that's the case: 1-800-USA-LEVI (1-800-872-5384).
Charlie Fields (not verified) - Jul 13 2010
How cool! I just got back from a day trip to Gilroy (the garlic capital of the world) and think it'd be awesome if Braddock became known for a certain crop. Braddock Burdock??
Post new comment
Before posting your comment, please read the Blog Guidelines.