In the early days of WWII Fred was fascinated with the smoke and fire of the steel industry in PA, so he drove from RI and set up his "easel” on street corners to paint the scene. After moving around the area, studying varied locations, he settled down to work. A policeman who had been watching approached Fred, and after lengthy questioning, took him to the Police Station where he was suspected of being a spy! Apparently they finally allowed him to continue painting Basic Industry on the spot.