According to Architectural Magazine, windows were originally just a way to light the home. Initially, there was no glass; it was simply a crude opening designed to let fresh air in, smoke from the family's fire out, and light the space. This lack of glass was the reason for the first shutters. After all, you didn't want a hole in your wall during a rainstorm or a brutally cold winter, not to mention all the bugs. In the end, glass intervened. First for the rich and noble and then gradually for the rest of us.
By the mid-19th century, wood windows and window moldings were commonly available through millwork companies and lumber yards. Window and frame units were among the first building components to be made in a factory rather than built on-site.Â
Windows remained primarily made from wood until the early 20th century, when steel and aluminum became feasible material options. Around the same time, insulated glass units came onto the scene, taking off in use following World War II.
Today, most windows are made with composite plastic frames—some good, some bad. Recently, we met a guy who owns a historical window company in Ste. Genevieve makes period-correct windows with high-quality materials—a valuable niche in the market. It's super cool if you ask me.Â
Tim Sauer...the new owner of Rivertown Windows in Ste. Genevieve.
My name is Tim Sauer, and I am the new owner of Rivertown Windows in Ste. Genevieve. My wife Kimmy and I live in Webster Groves, and I commute every day to lovely Ste Genevieve. Kimmy and I have three children: Abby (12), Annie (8), and Teddy (3). They are super supportive and love "helping" Dad at work.  I owned a contracting business in St. Louis for many years dealing with historic buildings, so owning a historic window manufacturing company was an excellent fit for my family and me. Â
 573: Tell us about the windows.Â
We specialize in hand-made wood windows for historic and specialty applications. Our team of craftsmen and craftswomen has decades of experience and takes tremendous pride in making beautiful windows at a reasonable price. Rivertown Windows are historically accurate double-hung and casement windows, including arched, round-top, and curved-glass windows. These windows, which utilize period-correct materials and details, are often required for projects using state and federal historic tax credit funding.Â
Our custom-milled window grills and brick molding perfectly replicate your home's design details.
If the existing window frames are in good condition, we can also produce replacement sashes to reuse the frames. If the sash is in good condition, we can replace the old, inefficient single-pane glass with energy-efficient insulated glass. All windows are supplied with period-correct brick molding.Â
Homeowners can choose from all-wood windows for historical accuracy or low-maintenance aluminum cladding. We offer various flexible finishes, including unfinished wood, primed, or factory-painted options. Our custom-milled window grills and brick molding perfectly replicate your home's design details. And even if the house is not a historic building, some people just love the look and durability of our windows.
Our windows are made with the highest-grade Ponderosa and Sugar Pine. All pine is treated in-house with a wood preservative for increased longevity. Then, a front layer of Sapele Mahogany is applied for maximum performance and durability. Â
...a front layer of Sapele Mahogany is applied for maximum performance and durability. Â
573: Your employees seem very happy. What's the secret?
I can't take any credit for the awesome employees at Rivertown Windows. Founded by Dan "Pud" Monia and Stan Trautman, the company built on their years of experience crafting specialty windows for BiltBest Windows. In 2004, Dick Greminger, a seasoned window professional, joined the team, and together they rebranded as Rivertown Windows, expanding their expertise to serve a broader clientele. Dick Greminger, who I purchased the company from in January, cared deeply about the employees. He has cultivated a great culture here. Dick and Dustin, our plant managers, deserve 100% of the credit for building the amazing team we now have here.Â
One pane at at time.
Hand crafted goodness.
...building the amazing team we now have here.
It's so cool to see all these wonderful craftsmen doing hands on work in the area. Hats off to the gang at Rivertown Windows. Now, Get OUT There! Do something. Do anything. Get out of that sunken sofa and live while you can. Time's a wasting.
Pics & Words - the Editor
Be sure to visit all of our awesome sponsors who make these stories possible!
