Metrofix: The Combative Comeback of a Company Town

by William B. Patrick

The story of Schenectady, NY and its attempt to recover from GE moving most of its jobs to other states and countries

408 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a satisfying history of the city of Schenectady over the past 100 years or so, but is primarily focused on the transformation of the last twenty years to being the city back from its lowest depths.

The book generally paints General Electric as the villain. While that is fair, the author does include enough history to satisfy the reader regarding the historic dysfunction of city and county government and systemic corruption that plagued the city for years. To those looking for any new salacious details, there are no new revelations and the majority of the story’s more current facts and timelines feel informed from local newspaper reporting. To the author’s credit there are some interesting touches of history sprinkled in (such as the origin story of the founder of Proctors Theatre) that add texture to the story.

I’m the end this is a hero’s story with the phoenix rising from the ashes. It admits to offering adulation for the leaders who made it happen, and that praise is well deserved. It’s a worthy read for someone who knows the city or is interested in how a city can transform itself successfully, appreciating that in the end it comes down to people who care enough to make it so.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most engaging books I’ve read this year, Metrofix had me glued to my seat! Having grown up in Schenectady as the daughter of a “GE lifer” (as we all called those who worked at the company for their entire work lives), and started my own career there at KAPL, Global Research and the downtown GE Power campus, I saw firsthand the truly wonderful and sometimes awful parts of what the company could do for it’s people and their town. In addition, the story of Proctors Theater and how close it came to being razed was eye-opening; this top-end, stunningly gorgeous theater is an absolute mainstay of downtown, and brings many to the capital region to enjoy its offerings and shop and eat here, as well. Bill Patrick beautifully captures all of this and much more of the town’s history, growth, downfall and rebirth, along with stories of so many of the people who have given extraordinarily of their time, creativity and expertise to bring this place back to a humming, thriving metropolis once again.
Interesting history, fascinating leadership lessons, great photos - Metrofix is an absolute “must read!”

[Carmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story about how a small city, Schenectady NY, weathered the severe downsizing of its largest employer, General Electric, rising back to revitalize its economy. It’s not done yet, but this remarkable story underscores how a large group of community volunteers fought back to save - and reimagine- the City they love. Through interviews with over 100 Schenectadians from all walks, Patrick shares a story that will resonate with rust belt “company” towns throughout the United States.

[Jeffrey Handelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book for my first read of 2022. Having lived through much of the history depicted in the book, it was a wonderful and colorful portrait of Schenectady and the many individuals, including villains and heroes, who brought us to the present, which is a city on the rise. Patrick’s book should serve as a blueprint to other city leaders facing similar challenges.

[Melina McGovern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it. Comprehensible and succinct. It nicely packaged the history of Schenectady’s urban renewal and de industrialization. It felt a bit one sided, i’d be interested to hear other citizens’ perspectives and more from news sources at the time.