CURWENSVILLE – Karen Galle of The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and Terry Malloy of The Clearfield Heritage Foundation welcomed the family of Arnold Nawrocki (1925-2003) and the Curwensville community to the Wednesday Historical Marker Dedication for Nawrocki.
With the support of Clearfield Cheese Co., where Nawrocki worked on Meadow Street in the 1950s, he invented the first successful individually wrapped processed cheese slices. This was just one of the 11 patents for processing and packaging cheese with which Nawrocki is credited.
Malloy shared information on the application process explaining the recipients of the historical marker program must be of national significance. The Nawrocki marker is the first marker for Cuwensville and the 10th state marker to be dedicated in Clearfield County.
State historical markers, as explained by Galle, establish links to our past and provide encouragement for future discussion. They are like single threads in a tapestry that when woven together represent our past.
State Representative Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale said, “Arnold Nawrocki will never be forgotten for his contribution to the cheese industry.” Noting his pride in Clearfield County, George also explained the importance of what may seem such a small invention.
This process expanded the shelf life of cheese from one week to many months. The advantages of which remain evident to everyone from mothers to soldiers around the world.
Bobbie Sopic, executive director of the Clearfield Chamber of Commerce, said of Nawrocki’s recognition, “This marker signifies that everyone can contribute and serves as a reminder of the things we can do.”
The featured speaker, Bryan Nawrocki, spoke to the attendants of a tri-fold message. Citing a one-act play entitled “Arnold Nawrocki is Dead”, his first message was one of worth. Two men on a park bench are contemplating the death of Nawrocki. Bryan Nawrocki said the play ends by making a point: “Everyone’s life is worthy of note.”
Nawrocki had failures before he had success. Several failed attempts at the process with Swift Co. led to Nawrocki’s eventual success with the Tate brothers and Clearfield Cheese Co.
Bryan Nawrocki’s final message was of teamwork. He recalls reading an article where he realized that his grandfather was a part of a team. He said, “Grandpa was a part of Clearfield Cheese and the men and women who worked there.” Bryan Nawrocki asked of those in the room to look at what they are a part of and not what they accomplished individually.
The luncheon and dedication ended with the unveiling of the Arnold Nawrocki historical marker located alongside Northwest Savings Bank on State Street in Curwensville. Of which grandson Bryan Nawrocki joked, “If you want, you can wrap our sign in Saran Wrap and call it individually wrapped.
“We’ll consider it an homage and not vandalism!”