Chester Gutowski, Steve Juarin & many others worked at the Heinz plant
Every wonder why we all got Pickle Pins at Christmas ? As it turned out that was just a symbol of family history with the Heinz plant.
The start of the Gutowski History with this industrial icon of the Pittsburgh scene began in the late 30’s. Both Chester Gutowski and Mary Gutowski worked there. Over time employment there would include aunts, uncles, sons and nephews. As I recall it besides Aunt Mary Jankowiak, Uncle Steve Juarin worked there. later Vince Gutowski got started there before leaving for the Vietnam war. Cousin Michael Juarin, son of Steve and Laura Juarin has worked there from 1978 until 2014 (today).
The Heinz plant was even used to build gliders during WWII. These gliders were no doubt used in support of the huge D Day effort. I wonder if the Aunts work on this line?
Chester helped found the Pickle Workers union along with Father Owen Rice (a noted fire brand union organizing figure in Pittsburgh’s rich union history). I remember Father Rice visiting us at 2903 May Street in Castle Shannon. He is still remembered today in the union halls and archives.
Father Charles Owen Rice (ACTU (Association of Catholic Trade Unionists)
Chester Gutowski, after returning from the War WWII, began working again at the Heinz plant as a mechanic. During his time frame as a mechanic Chester was credited with several patents including one for the machine that was the first in the country to safely package baby food in jars with the “Push Button” top that is so common today. That top tells at a glance if the food was safe in the jar or the seal had been broken. For that he received $1. He was so proud of that patent but was not really happy that he never really received that $1. It was just in the documents.
PDF File Chester-Gutowski-US-Patent-US2842912
About... Frank Gutowski
Frank Chester Gutowski, born Oct 19, 1947, son of Chester Gutowski and Frances (Panzini) Gutowski, father of Christopher Gutowski and Robert Gutowski, grandfather to Christian, Alex, Xavier, Gavin, Merida Gutowski. Brother to Vincent Gutowski, Robert Gutowski and Bernice Gutowski.