Clarksburg, American Pasta Industry Link to be Part of Free James & Law Presentation at WVIHF Saturday
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on September 03, 2026
Clarksburg’s Italian-American history includes an important and little-known connection to the development of the American pasta industry. The Clarksburg History Museum will explore that history during a special presentation by Len DeFrancisci at James & Law on Saturday, 
September 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM during the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, in downtown Clarksburg.
September 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM during the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, in downtown Clarksburg.
DeFrancisci will present “The History of Pasta in the United States,” tracing the growth of pasta production in America and its connection to Italian immigration, industry and community life. The program will include a special focus on West Virginia and Clarksburg.
That local connection reaches back to the West Virginia Macaroni Company, which once operated in Clarksburg. By the mid-1930s, the company was among 212 pasta factories in the United States and abroad using machinery designed and built by Consolidated Macaroni Machine Corporation.
The machinery company was led by Joseph DeFrancisci, Leonard’s great-grandfather. Joseph immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1905 and helped build his family company’s first macaroni press in 1914. Known as the “Hydraulic Wizard,” he pioneered the use of hydraulics and automation in pasta production. His innovations helped make large-scale pasta manufacturing possible throughout the United States.
Joseph later founded DEMACO, which continues to design and build industrial pasta-making machinery. He held 12 United States patents and 18 international patents and was inducted into the Pasta Hall of Fame in 2025..jpg)
During the program, the Clarksburg History Museum will recognize Joseph DeFrancisci with its Italian-American Historical Figure Award for his lasting contributions to the pasta industry. Leonard DeFrancisci will accept the award in honor of his great-grandfather.
DeFrancisci’s connection to Clarksburg’s pasta-making history began in 2024, when his research helped illuminate the story of the West Virginia Macaroni Company that once operated in the city. His upcoming presentation builds upon that earlier work, placing Clarksburg’s macaroni industry within the larger history of pasta production in the United States. Len published a history of Clarksburg’s pasta making business and West Virginia’s history of coal and the pepperoni roll in the Pasta International magazine which is published in Italy.
Leonard DeFrancisci works with DEMACO and serves as Chief Historian for the National Pasta Association. He is also a retired colonel 
who served for 32 years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
who served for 32 years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
The program offers an opportunity to learn how immigration, industry and food traditions came together in Clarksburg and helped connect the city to the larger history of pasta in America.
Admission is Free. All are welcome to attend.
This program is made possible by James & Law. The Clarksburg History Museum extends our sincerest thanks for the opportunity to host this event. James & Law is located at 217 W Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301.
Editor's Note: Pictured above is the West Virginia Macaroni Factory, while second image is of Len DeFrancisci. Today, the former factory building hosts City Window & Construction offices. Bottom photo shows a plate of pasta from Minard's Spaghetti Inn in Clarksburg. Photo is from the Minard's Facebook page.
