Wildroot Buffalo

After a reader requested more info on a newsletter called The Wildrooter, I put together a list of their staff in 1953/54. Everything about the way this company operated is fascinating. It had its own bowling team, family album, sales retreat, trip collages, and newsletter. From the looks of it, being on the Christmas Party Committee was a big deal. If you threw the bash in '52 you were a legend. If anyone else has info about the newsletter, or a copy of one, please share!

While mostly empty, the Wildroot factory has had two infamous tire rooms, likely since the '80s and their questionable ownership at the time. The cafeteria and mail room were filled with giant tractor tires, which we haven't shared photos of due to the fire risk they posed to the building. But we are pleased to see that the new owner has cleared them out! We look forward to touring the newly opened spaces some time. We're still on the lookout for the 1950s video tour of the factory done by Don Hutchinson, so we can show the owner how these spaces are supposed to look sans tires.

In a year with a flurry of Wildroot activity, we just got the best news yet! PBN is reporting from Common Council chambers that our Local Landmark nomination has just been approved! The Wildroot Building is officially a Local Landmark, granting it an exclusive status and recognition for its contribution to Buffalo, as well as more protection, and more justification for its National Register listing and the tax credits that can bring. Thank you to everyone who has contribute...d sweat-equity, funds, research, interviews, and support. We already have an open dialog with the new owner on how we can help his rehab project. Finally the building can play some offense in 2018, instead of the past 5 years of full court defense.

We find out soon if the Common Council adds "Local Landmark" to Wildroot's growing list of distinctions. It already has been the world's largest manufacturing plant in two different industries, along with being National Register of Historic Places eligible and a Pres League Seven to Save property.

A look at Wildroot from the other side of the tracks!