The mission of the Piper Aviation Museum is to preserve the history and legacy of the Piper Aircraft Corporation and its founding family. Along with the founding family, there were many extremely talented people who helped to make Piper Aircraft a successful, international aircraft manufacturer and leader in general aviation.

One of those people was Richard (Dick) Clark.

Dick Clark was born on July 28, 1920 in Latrobe, Pa. and graduated from Greensburg High School, Class of 1939. He learned to fly at the Latrobe Airport and soloed at a young age before he could drive. Also at a young age, he received an appointment as an aviation cadet in the U.S. Army Air Corp. upon graduating in February 1943. He received his wings and commission after serving as an instrument flight instructor.

He was a combat pilot over Europe during World War II, where he was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry. He also received five Air Medals and a Purple Heart. He also participated in the Korean War. He was a CC-4 captain on the Berlin Airlift and later a DC-4 captain in the Far East Air Transport Service. He went on to be a corporate pilot with Westinghouse.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLINTON COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU Ron Dremel, Piper Aviation Museum president, addresses a crowd gathered during the dedication of the museum’s latest exhibit. The exhibit features Richard “Dick” Clark’s work, both personal and from his work at Piper Aircraft in Lock Haven.

Dick was an accomplished artist. He freelanced for Challenge Publications in California. His work has appeared in many national magazines. He had many interests, but most of all he enjoyed flying, planes, painting, sports cars and model railroading.

Dick came to Piper Aircraft almost by chance.

He was driving home to Greensburg from northeast Pennsylvania in the early 1950s when he crossed the Dunnstown bridge and noticed (like any true pilot would) the Piper factory and all the planes on the airfield. He decided to stop into the factory to see if they might have any job openings.

Recognizing his talents, Piper offered him a job and he joined the Styling and Design Department. His styling and artistic talent had a major effect on Piper designs. He retired in December 1981 as head of Styling Design for Piper Aircraft.

Dick and his wife, Christine, resided in Renovo, where Mrs. Clark still lives today. They raised two children, a son, Richard, II, and a daughter, Lisa.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLINTON COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU A closer look at a board filled with Richard “Dick” Clark’s sketches created during his days at Piper Aircraft in Lock Haven.

Several of Dick’s family members, including his wife and daughter, grandson and great-grandson, as well as a nephew — who Dick inspired to become a pilot — were on hand for the recent dedication of the new exhibit.

Many of Dick’s drawings and sketches of Piper planes, interior designs and concepts, as well as some of his personal artwork are currently on display on the second floor of the museum.

The Piper Aviation Museum, located at 1 Piper Way, Lock Haven, is open Wednesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 4 p.m.