Janke Book Store celebrates 100 years of bookselling

It's not every day a bookstore turns 100 years old. Congratulations to Janke Book Store on this extraordinary achievement.

In October 1919, Carl Janke returned from World War I and purchased a bookstore in downtown Wausau, Wisconsin. Three generations later, siblings Jim Janke and Jane Janke Johnson are thriving as an independent bookstore and celebrated with a community party at the historic 1913 Rothschild Pavilion with about 1,000 guests attending. The celebration featured a 1919 Model T and other historic displays, costumed re-enactors, and period music on a piano--while old-school root beer floats and molasses cookies were served. Mayor Mielke honored Jim and Jane and Marion Zahrt, an employee of 66 years, received a standing ovation. 

Wausau Daily Herald has provided generous coverage of the event. Thank you!

---

Watch Jane Janke Johson tell her bookstore's story 

---

Enjoy an amazing array of contemporary and vintage photographs, courtesy of the Wausau Daily Herald, including Marion Zahrt, pictured here, the store's employee of 66 years