The Plymouth Advancement Association holds Cheese Capital Gateway Arch Dedication
By Meredith Opie
SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, WI — On Saturday, May 29, the Plymouth Advancement Association held, “From Cheeseville to the Cheese Capital of the World,” in celebration of the installation of Plymouth's Cheese Capital Gateway Arch and update of a downtown railroad trestle. As a major hub for cheese production and processing, the city was nicknamed "Cheeseville" and became the Cheese Capital of the World in the 1930s. The event was held in collaboration with the Plymouth Historical Society, Plymouth Arts Center, and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.
The Plymouth Advancement Association spearheaded the gateway arch and railroad trestle project. The project began more than two years ago to highlight Plymouth's important link to the dairy and cheese industry and promote Plymouth as a whole.
Plymouth Advancement Association President Lee Gentine said, “Plymouth handles nearly 15% of all the cheese consumed in the country. People love cheese, and Plymouth is the cheese capital of the world. This arch shows that and is just another part of what makes Plymouth so special.”
The Gateway Arch, located on Eastern Ave. prior to the Mill St. intersection, showcases the Cheese Capital of the World emblem flanked by the words “Cheese Capital.” The railroad trestle, located on the West end of Mill St., was repainted black and also bears the Cheese Capital of the World emblem.
“We were looking for a way to differentiate Plymouth from other communities, but also wanted to do a tribute to the cheese industry,” Gentine said.
The entire cost of the project was estimated to be $160,000. The four cheese companies, Sargento Foods, Sartori, Great Lakes Cheese, and Masters Gallery Foods, were among the biggest donors to the project, according to Gentine. The city of Plymouth, along with many other sponsors, also played an important role in the project's success.
The downtown Cheese Counter and Dairy Heritage Center, for which the Sheboygan County Economic Development Center was instrumental in obtaining funds, combines Plymouth's cheese heritage with fresh cheese and cheese-related dishes. Visit https://cheesecapitaloftheworld.com/ to learn more about the Cheese Counter.
For more information regarding the Plymouth gateway arch and railroad trestle project, visit https://www.advanceplymouth.org/ or contact Plymouth Advancement Association Vice President Jackie Jarvis at 920-207-2067.
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