Lee A. Jackman

Lee Jackman grew up in western Pennsylvania in the 40's and 50's, when towns were fueled by a vibrant steel industry. Her father and his father before him were steel workers. Towns surrounding steel mills were saturated with colorful people. Some of her classmates' parents didn't speak English, had more vowels than consonants in their last names, and ate strange-looking food. Others were from Appalachian hollers, had inadequate food, too little clothing, and too much abuse. Springing from her experiences in this environment, she forged many of her lifetime values.