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Planting the Seed
Wannemaker’s Home and Garden founder William Wannemaker (1926 – 2005) had a passion for family, business and hard work. He was an Air Force tail gunner for B-17 and B-29 bombers in World War II. He was a well digger with his father. Through it all, he carried the importance of hard work.
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Growing Together
1947
William married Ruth Gee, and started a family. Soon afterward, William went to work for his father-in-law, Teddy at Gee Lumber and Hardware. Then, in the early 1960s, William helped found the E.G. Home Center stores in Carol Stream and Downers Grove.
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Putting Down Roots
1967
William set out on his own and bought Tollgate Nursery, a small nursery and gift shop on Ogden Avenue in Downers Grove. Four years later, it would become Wannemaker’s Home and Garden.
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The Fruits of their Labor
1971
With the help of his two sons, Jim and Bob, he turned the business into a complete home center. With the family’s dedication to the community and its people, Wannemaker’s quickly became a must stop shop in the Western Suburbs.
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Turning Over A New Leaf
1995
In the mid 90’s, we switched gears. You will no longer find lumber, hardware or paint supplies at Wannemaker’s. Instead, we offer outdoor gardening, high end patio furniture and seasonal gifts and decor. It was William’s keen business instincts that helped him develop and implement strong strategies to adapt to a changing industry.
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Spreading Seeds
2000
Jim and Bob continued their father’s vision and dedication into the 21st century while picking his brain to understand the intricacies of retail. William instilled the importance of family in Jim and Bob and watched as they both built happy families while running the business. William was proud to hold the title Grandpa Bill to his 11 grandkids.
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The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree
2011
The 3rd generation of Wannemaker’s carry on the tradition of excellent selection and service. Jim’s children are extremely eager to strengthen the business built by the generations before them.
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Planting the Present
Wannemaker’s Home and Garden endures as a perennial neighborhood favorite, with the third generation of Wannemaker’s – Joe, Jennifer & Kelly, carrying on the tradition their grandfather started.