The Window Capital

In June of 1991, the Wausau Daily Herald set out a challenge for its readers: "put Wausau on the map" as the capital of something. "Mercer's the loon capital" the author noted, "Sheboygan's the bratwurst capital [...and] if a community can take pride in being loony and making the best of the wurst--and they should--then Wausau should find something in which it excels, something of which it is the capital."

The winning submission, printed in the newspaper the following Sunday, was written in by local businessman Edwin Jablonski. 

"Wausau should be the window capital of the world because I have been telling everyone that the last 15 years. Wausau is recongized in many of our states as such so why not make it official? ...

"Windows from Wausau, ... are in the most prestigious buildings throughout the country. Today windows are available in every color of the rainbow. This industry has grown from gray painted ventilators to complete walls of buildings.

..."Is there any better lineup in town or in the country? I believe not."

-Edwin Jablonski, "Wausau should be named window capital of the world" Wausau Daily Herald (9 June 1991) 4A.

Whether it deserves the title of "Window Capital" or not, the Wausau area has certainly not lacked for window companies. The title was never formally adopted here, but then no other city in North America has claimed it either. So it woud probably fair to at least call the Wausau area a contender for the title. 

Where to Start:

The Companies