Willie Wiredhand was created by Andrew McClay Oct. 30, 1950. McClay, a former entomologist, worked as a freelance artist for NRECA.
Staff on NRECA’s flagship publication, RE Magazine, thought McClay’s cartoon would serve as a graphical representation of a farmer’s hired hand. McClay took ownership of the idea, and “Willie the Wired Hand” was born. The name was later shortened to “Willie Wiredhand.”
NRECA’s membership chose Willie to represent electric cooperatives in 1951. Since then, Willie has been a distinguished and well-loved mascot in electric cooperative communities. Ornaments and figurines are available each year for purchase. You'll find them in the homes of our most avid Willie Wiredhand collectors across the country!
Ornaments are typically available for order in late September or early October each year. View all ornaments in the Summit Group Catalog.
For Willie Wiredhand customer service, please contact Summit Group at cs.nreca@summitmg.com.
For guidelines on use of the Willie Wirehand mark, please see NRECA's Willie Wirehand Usage Guide (PDF).
