Our Past, One Advertisement at a Time
A piece of Richmond Window Corp history is getting a second life thanks to a project led by PJ Sykes to preserve and display vintage company advertisements dating back to the 1960s and 1970s. Founded in 1954, Richmond Window Corp has spent more than 70 years helping homeowners improve their homes, and this collection offers a unique glimpse into that legacy.
The project began during an office clean-up when PJ discovered a large collection of newspaper clippings, advertisements, and original print-production materials used by The Richmond Times-Dispatch and The Richmond News Leader to create ads decades ago. Hidden among old files was a remarkable time capsule showing how Richmond Window Corp promoted its products and connected with homeowners throughout the Richmond region.
To preserve the collection, PJ partnered with Keith Fabry, a local print shop with specialized equipment capable of scanning large and fragile newspaper pages. After receiving high-resolution digital files, he used Photoshop to restore and enhance the images before preparing them for display as posters throughout the office.
Of the roughly 100 advertisements found in the collection, about 30 were selected to represent different eras, products, marketing styles, and milestones in the company’s history.
Discoveries from the Archives
The advertisements reveal some fascinating discoveries. Richmond Window Corp has used the same main telephone number—804-353-6621—for more than 50 years. Employees can also see memorable promotions from the past, including a 1975 turkey giveaway and “Hatchet Days,” a George Washington’s Birthday promotion in which customers received a complimentary hatchet.
The collection also highlights the wide variety of products the company once offered, including windows, doors, siding, fencing, and even greenhouses.
Some Things Never Change
Beyond the nostalgia, the advertisements show how much—and how little—has changed over the decades. While newspapers have largely been replaced by websites and social media, many of the homeowner concerns featured in the ads remain relevant today. Topics such as energy efficiency, rising utility costs, and investing in a home instead of moving continue to resonate with homeowners across Virginia.
For PJ, one of the most rewarding parts of the project was hearing stories from CEO Page Ewell about the campaigns, products, and people behind the advertisements.
Most importantly, the collection serves as a reminder that Richmond Window Corp has always adapted to meet the needs of homeowners while building on a strong foundation. As employees view the restored advertisements, they can see how generations of team members helped shape the company—and how today’s employees continue to write the next chapter of that story.
From Richmond Window Corp to Renewal by Andersen
The advertisements may tell the story of Richmond Window Corp’s past, but the company’s mission continues today as Renewal by Andersen of Central Virginia and Renewal by Andersen of Roanoke. While products, technology, and advertising have evolved over the decades, our focus remains the same: helping homeowners create more comfortable, beautiful, and energy-efficient homes. If your windows or doors are ready for an upgrade, connect with our team to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and learn what’s possible for your home.
