“CAP” WIGINGTON

Clarence “Capp” Westley Wigington showed his talent at an early age by winning first prize at the Trans- Mississippi Worlds Fair in 1899. His first job in his career was as an intern at a prestigious Omaha architectural firm. After six years, in 1908, he had his first commission, a factory in Sheridan, Wyoming. Municipal architects generally don’t enjoy the same level of recognition as their peers in private practice. Their projects are designed to serve basic needs such as education, tangible storage, or transportation. Wigington moved to St. Paul, Minnesota in 1913 and two years later, after a record score on an entrance exam, he was hired by that city as one of their architects. For the next 34 years he designed numerous buildings and facilities. Many are Minnesota historical landmarks including the Highland Park Water Tower and the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. “Cap” Wigington died in 1967.