Willie Wiredhand, the Electric Cooperative Mascot

Willie Wiredhand, the Electric Cooperative Mascot

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.” His figure consists of a lightbulb socket head, a wire torso, and a two-pronged power plug for his hips and legs.

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.