Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin

Wisconsin Construction in the 1940s: Building Through Wartime and Preparing for a New Era

The 1940s marked one of the most challenging, and defining, decades in Wisconsin's construction history. As World War II transformed the nation's economy, the state's contractors adapted to unprecedented labor shortages, material rationing, and federal restrictions while helping deliver the infrastructure needed to support the war effort.

Major defense projects, including the Badger Ordnance Plant, Truax Field, and Camp McCoy, created new opportunities but also placed tremendous demands on the industry. Steel, lumber, aluminum, and other essential materials were tightly controlled, while skilled workers became increasingly difficult to find. Despite these obstacles, Wisconsin contractors continued to meet critical construction needs and even looked beyond the state's borders to recruit additional workers.

Throughout the decade, Wisconsin Constructors, Inc. and the Wisconsin Chapter of the Associated General Contractors provided strong leadership, bringing contractors together to address workforce challenges, labor relations, and public policy. The industry worked toward standardized jobsite practices, supported apprenticeship development, and advocated for balanced labor laws that served employers, workers, and the public alike.

As the war came to an end, the focus quickly shifted to the future. Contractors recognized that Wisconsin would soon need thousands of new homes, schools, hospitals, highways, and public buildings to support a growing population and returning veterans. Industry leaders championed long-term planning, promoted fair and competitive bidding for public projects, and worked to ensure Wisconsin contractors had the opportunity to build their own state's future.

The perseverance and leadership demonstrated throughout the 1940s positioned Wisconsin's construction industry for the remarkable growth of the 1950s. By overcoming wartime challenges and strengthening industry collaboration, contractors laid the groundwork for decades of economic development and helped shape the modern Wisconsin we know today.

The 1930’s were a defining decade for Wisconsin’s construction industry. Faced with the economic hardships of the Great Depression, contractors across the state navigated rising costs, declining construction activity, labor concerns, and increasing government involvement in the industry.

As challenges grew, so did the need for stronger collaboration and unified representation. Industry leaders like J.P. Cullen and M.B. Findorff became active in state and national discussions surrounding construction legislation and economic recovery efforts. By the mid-1930’s, contractors began organizing more formally through Wisconsin Constructors, Inc. – the corporate predecessor to what is now known as the AGC of Wisconsin.

This era also marked significant developments in labor relations. Contractors and labor unions worked toward cooperative agreements aimed at reducing disruptions and improving stability within the industry. At the same time, debates intensified around government-imposed construction codes and federal involvement through New Deal programs like the WPA and PWA. Many contractors argued that excessive regulation and government-funded projects increased costs and interfered with fair competition.

By the late 1930’s, Wisconsin’s construction industry had evolved into a more organized, professional, and politically engaged community. Annual conventions attracted hundreds of contractors, leadership structures became more formalized, and associations promoted higher standards, ethical practices, and quality workmanship. Contractors increasingly identified themselves as “responsible, qualified builders,” reinforcing public trust in the profession.

The challenges and conversations of the 1930’s helped shape the foundation of Wisconsin’s modern construction industry built on advocacy, collaboration, professionalism, and a shared commitment to improving the industry for future generations.

Throughout the year, the AGC of Wisconsin will be highlighting the milestones, companies, people, and projects that have kept our organization at the forefront of the Wisconsin construction industry for a century.

In the mid-1920s, Wisconsin was growing rapidly. Cities expanded, industries modernized, and new buildings rose across the state. With this growth came increasing complexity in the construction industry - questions about labor, contracts, costs, and regulations that affected contractors statewide.

By late 1926, industry leaders recognized that Wisconsin builders needed a stronger, unified voice.

In December of that year, construction leaders gathered in Milwaukee to discuss the future of the industry and the possibility of forming a statewide organization of contractors. The meeting, held at the Pfister Hotel, brought together contractors from across Wisconsin along with national leaders from the Associated General Contractors of America. The goal was to compare local conditions with national trends and determine how contractors could better address the challenges facing their profession.

From this meeting, two charter members of the AGC of Wisconsin emerged - J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc. and J.P. Cullen & Sons, Inc. The following year, in 1927, C.R. Meyer & Sons Company joined them.

🚨Registration is OPEN for She Builds Wisconsin Construction Camps!

Middle school girls are invited to explore careers in construction, engineering, and architecture through hands-on activities, jobsite tours, and real-world experiences.

📍 Wisconsin Dells: July 13-15 (New in 2026!)
📍 Green Bay: August 4-6
📍 Madison: August 10-14
📍 Eau Claire: August 11-13

This is a FREE camp - secure your place today!

🔗 Visit shebuildswisconsin.com for more information & registration!

Join us on Thursday, April 9th from 2:30-5:00PM on the first day of The Masters for a watch party and CLF networking event at PinSeekers in DeForest.

Registration includes: three drink tickets, appetizers, golf bays, and mini bowling.

This will be a great opportunity to connect with your fellow peers and have some fun. All AGC members are welcome to attend!

Register: agcwi.org/clf

🏛️ Share Your Company's History 🏛️

As we celebrate our 100-Year Anniversary, we are inviting members to submit:
- Historic jobsite photos
- Landmark projects
- Company and association milestones
- Vintage advertisements, blueprints, programs, or news clippings

Your submission may be featured in anniversary publications, social media, event displays, digital archives, or future historical materials.

Why Participate?
- Honor the generations who built before us.
- Showcase your company’s legacy.
- Highlight the evolution of our industry.
- Inspire the next generation of builders.
- Preserve Wisconsin construction history for the next 100 years.

What Makes a Great Submission?
- Clear images (scanned photos are welcome).
- Approximate year or decade.
- Project location.
- Names of companies or individuals involved.
- A short story explaining why it matters.

Member Submission Portal: agcwi.org/100

The Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin proudly announces its 100th anniversary in 2026, celebrating a century of advocacy, education, and leadership for the state’s construction industry.

Founded in 1926, AGC of Wisconsin has supported the contractors who build and maintain Wisconsin’s roads, schools, hospitals, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Through public policy leadership, workforce development, safety advancement, and innovation, the organization has played a central role in shaping Wisconsin’s economy.

More information about AGC of Wisconsin’s centennial celebration, including events and sponsorship opportunities, will be announced throughout 2026. Visit www.agcwi.org/100 for updates.

Save the Date: 100th Annual Membership Meeting - January 28, 2027 - The Sylvee, Madison