In early days, Wisconsin logging operations
clustered on the banks of the mighty Wisconsin
River. This timber boom of the 19th century led to
the development of the city of Wausau, first called
Big Bull Falls by settlers. Soon Wausau’s downtown,
centered around Third Street, grew just two blocks
from the river.
One of the first retail businesses downtown was a
bookstore founded by C.W. Chubbuck in 1876.
Then in 1919, after serving in World War I, Carl
Janke returned to his hometown and learned that
the bookstore, now owned by Richard Collie, was
struggling due to the Spanish Flu pandemic. Carl
Janke and Reno Kurth purchased the store then
located at 510 Third Street, operating with the name
Janke-Kurth Co. Janke eventually bought Kurth’s
interest in the business, and in 1948, it became
Janke Book Store. It became a family concern in 1959
when son John entered into partnership with his father.
Later, after Carl’s death, John’s wife,
Delores, also joined the business. In the 1980s, two
of their children returned to Wausau to begin their
careers as booksellers. Today, Jane Janke Johnson
and Jim Janke are third-generation owners.
Janke Book Store is the oldest bookstore in the
state of Wisconsin, and it is likely one of the oldest
continuously operating bookstores in the country.
Due to the growth of the business, they have
occupied four different sites, all within the same
block. They are currently located at 505 Third
Street in downtown Wausau.
The engaging product selection includes new
and used books, magazines, games, art supplies,
stationery and unique gifts. Jankes will always
strive to be independently different!
