Who is Willie Wiredhand?

The history of Willie Wiredhand ...

Willie Wiredhand was created on October 30, 1950, by the late Andrew "Drew" McLay, an entomologist turned freelance artist working for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)-based in Washington, D.C. at the time.

Toying with ideas for an electric cooperative symbol, employees working on the Rural Electrification magazine tossed out the idea that the symbol ought to portray rural electric service as the farmer's hired hand. In the early days of rural electrification that was the whole public relations story co-ops wanted to get across. Drew picked up on the idea and created "Willie the Wired Hand." NRECA's membership selected the symbol and shortened it to "Willie Wiredhand," as their animated ambassador in 1951.

Willie came along in the heyday of "cartoon" advertising, when hundreds of lovable characters like Mr. Clean, Mr. Peanut, speedy alka-seltzer, the Jolly Green Giant, Elsie the Cow, the Michelin Man, etc. promoted everything from food and household cleaners to stomach antacids. And the power of brand icons continues today.

Tips from WilliesWorld -- Willie Wiredhand

Lovable electric co-op mascot Willie Wiredhand wants to keep you safe around electricity.
Follow the advice of "Pr'fessor Wiredhand" and you'll be "Willie" wise with electricity, too! And read Willie's energy efficiency tips!

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Page last updated: Monday, October 24, 2011