Our History

A look into our rich past.

1898

What is now known as Associated Crafts® & Willet Hauser goes back to its roots in 1898 when William Willet and his wife Anne Lee founded The Willet Stained Glass and Decorating Co. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter, the studio was relocated to Philadelphia.

1919

William and Anne Lee Willet made their mark on the American stained glass stage when they won the International Competition for the Great Sanctuary window in the Cadet Chapel at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York; it was the first of nearly two hundred windows the studio would create for the Academy over a sixty-five year period.

1946

The Hauser Art Glass Company is formed in Winona, Minnesota by James E. Hauser.

1951

The Willet Studio creates the first example of the Willet Sculptured Gold window, a unique style of window “beautiful both day and night” under any light conditions, for Westwood United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, completed in 1951.

1964

For the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the Studio designed and fabricated the panels for an entire nine-story building constructed of faceted glass.

1997

Associated Crafts® , incorporated by John and Mary Phillips in 1997, first worked as a subcontractor to several studios in the stained glass industry, including Willet Hauser®. This experience helped to rapidly expand their already sophisticated skill set as John Phillips had grown up in the stained glass industry.

2008

In 2008 Associated Crafts® expanded their business to work directly with customers. The business enjoyed immediate success, attracting several key people adding even more value. Associated Crafts® gained an impeccable reputation becoming one of the largest stained glass studios. Their innovation growth and enthusiasm was attractive in particular to the Hauser family who wanted someone to continue their 100 year legacy.

2014

In the fall of 2014 the Hausers decided to retire. Associated Crafts® then acquired Willet-Hauser Architectural Glass, bringing together two talented teams under one roof with renewed energy. This special union attracted even more talent from the industry. By 2018, Associated Crafts® & Willet Hauser had become one of America’s fastest growing companies.

TODAY

Our windows today can be found in churches and historic buildings in all 50 states and 14 foreign countries. Among the thousands of Willet Hauser creations are windows in the National Cathedral and the National Presbyterian Church in Washington DC; St. John the Divine Cathedral and the chapel at the United Nations in New York; and Grace and St. Mary’s Cathedrals in San Francisco, CA.

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