HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Glens Falls, continued ...
The Glen House was also a popular hostelry of a somewhat later period which stood just north of the La Point saloon, under the hill; it was burned in 1867, while being conducted by Russell Barber.
In 1815 Marmaduke Stevenson kept a tavern on the plank road two miles north of Glens Falls.
The little hamlet grew apace and during the ten years succeeding the close of the War of 1812 took on the aspects of a thriving village.
The lumber interest was greatly developed, and minor manufacturing establishments were founded as the needs of the inhabitants demanded.
The first bridge across the river at this point was built before 1795.
In 1804 Warren Ferriss was awarded a grant by the Legislature to build a toll bridge, which was done.
That bridge stood until 1832-33 when it was displaced by a free bridge; the latter was erected by C.P. and H.J. Cool, and James Palmeter, under the supervision of the commissioner of highways of the town.
The Warren Messenger of January 25th, 1833, says: "The new free bridge across the Hudson at this place is already in a considerable state of forwardness."
"We understand that the contractors will commence raising it in the course of the week."
By the year 1823 the town was divided into twenty school districts, number twenty including the village of Glens Falls.
In that year a resolution of the town authorities provided for the raising of money to build a school-house in Glens Falls.
A resolution was passed as follows: "Resolved, That the site be near the burying ground at the crotch of the road leading from S.G. Skinner's to Luzerne, on the east side of said burying-ground."
Here the old school-house was erected and used until 1863.
From numbers of the Glens Falls Observer, published by E. Galloway Lindsey in 1827—28, a glimpse of those business interests whose proprietors had sufficient faith in printer's ink to advertise, is obtained.
Wing & Geer had a general store and announced "seasonable goods which will be sold cheap for cash, lumber or country produce."
Fhilo & Ferguson also advertised a general store, "on the corner nearly opposite Samuel G. Skinner's coffee-house."
Miron Beach informed the public that he had started the manufacture of "fancy, Windsor and common chairs," a few doors east of the Glens Falls hotel; "all kinds of country produce taken in exchange."
A.T. Prouty also carried on cabinet-making, and G.G. Dickinson was the village tailor.
Hyman J. Cool advertised cabinet-making "near the bridge" and Charles Spencer's card announces him as a shoemaker.
Estabrook & Adams's advertisement reads, "To farmers. — Ground Plaster for sale at our mills at Glens Falls at $7.50 per ton. Cash or grain taken in payment."
J. Sisson carried on a druggist store, and Roswell Bacon erected tombstones over the departed.
John A. Ferriss was prominent among the advertisers, with a general stock, and S. Burt did watchmaking.
Such were the chief business interests of the village at that period.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Glens Falls, continued ...
The opening of the canal in 1823 gave a mighty impetus to the village and caused a development of the lumber business that was almost marvelous; while the same effects were produced upon the villages of Sandy Hill and Fort Edward, causing them for a period to even outstrip in rapidity of growth the village of Glens Falls; but a few years later (1830) the Feeder was opened to the latter village and inaugurated an era of growth and improvement which has continued to the present time.
With the beginning of navigation in the following year(1831) the Messenger gave the following exhibit of the condition of the village:
"Our village at this time contains a population of about one thousand inhabitants."
"We have four lawyers, three physicians and one minister."
"Among our mechanics are to be found the shops of two cabinet-makers, five blacksmiths, two hatters, three wagon-makers, one chair-maker, four shoemakers, one book-binder, three tailors, one stone cutter, one cooper, three saddle and harness-makers, one painter, five carpenters, three masons and one baker; and also four milliners."
(In the issue of the paper for the following week the addition was made of one watch-maker and two tinners.)
"We have nine mercantile stores, two druggists do., a post-office, surrogate's office, three inns, 47 one cotton factory, one clothier's shop, one printing-office and book-store, two grist-mills, three saw-mills, one marble factory, one plaster-mill, three lime-kilns, a medical school, 48 an academy, a Methodist and a Presbyterian church."
This statement gives a clear idea of the growth of the village down to that date ; it also indicates that the young village was in a thriving condition and possessed all the establishments common to such communities.
The decade following the opening of the Glens Falls Feeder was one of continued and increasing prosperity and growth in the village, and many improvements were made, chiefly in the direction of extending and perfecting the streets and supplying facilities for the extinguishment of fires.
The following glimpse of the village industries is given in an article published in the Messenger by Dr. Holden, as they appeared to him in 1836, in which year he made his acquaintance with the place: There were "the Glens Falls Hotel, kept by P.D. Threehouse; L.L. Pixley's store, on the corner of Ridge and Warren streets; D.H. Cowles & Co.'s store; K. P. & H.J. Cool's store; J.A. Deforest's store, in the stone building under the hill; H.B. Ten Eyck's store, books and stationery; James Sisson, Daniel Peck and Clark & Peck (Drs. Billy J. Clark and Bethuel Peck, who had bought out Dr. Ransom), in the drug business; E.H. Rosekrans, Wm. Hay, J.L. Curtenius, counselors and attorneys at law and solicitors in chancery; A.T. Prouty, cabinet-maker; D. & J.H. Hitchcock, tin and hardware and general merchandise; A.T. Seaman, tailor; Dilwin Gardner, boots and shoes; A.W. Flack, grocery; and Philo & Ferguson, store."
47 These were the Glens Falls Hotel, then kept and owned by P.D. Threehouse; the Union Hotel (or Skinner's tavern), then conducted by Edmund B. Richards, and the Glen House, under the hill, kept by the Widow Ray.
48 Of this school Dr. Holden wrote about twenty years ago as follows: "The medical school referred to was kept by Dr. Fletcher Ransom, whose office and drug store was in the building since burnt, on the site now occupied by Fonda and Numan's 'Masonic Block.' He had several students and legends of the dissecting room and stolen bodies are yet preserved in the memories of the older inhabitants. Dr. Ransom came from Brattleboro, Vt., and removed to Kalamazoo, Mich. He abandoned the practice of medicine on removing to the west."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Glens Falls, continued ...
The opening of the canal in 1823 gave a mighty impetus to the village and caused a development of the lumber business that was almost marvelous; while the same effects were produced upon the villages of Sandy Hill and Fort Edward, causing them for a period to even outstrip in rapidity of growth the village of Glens Falls; but a few years later (1830) the Feeder was opened to the latter village and inaugurated an era of growth and improvement which has continued to the present time.
With the beginning of navigation in the following year(1831) the Messenger gave the following exhibit of the condition of the village:
"Our village at this time contains a population of about one thousand inhabitants."
"We have four lawyers, three physicians and one minister."
"Among our mechanics are to be found the shops of two cabinet-makers, five blacksmiths, two hatters, three wagon-makers, one chair-maker, four shoemakers, one book-binder, three tailors, one stone cutter, one cooper, three saddle and harness-makers, one painter, five carpenters, three masons and one baker; and also four milliners."
(In the issue of the paper for the following week the addition was made of one watch-maker and two tinners.)
"We have nine mercantile stores, two druggists do., a post-office, surrogate's office, three inns, 47 one cotton factory, one clothier's shop, one printing-office and book-store, two grist-mills, three saw-mills, one marble factory, one plaster-mill, three lime-kilns, a medical school, 48 an academy, a Methodist and a Presbyterian church."
This statement gives a clear idea of the growth of the village down to that date ; it also indicates that the young village was in a thriving condition and possessed all the establishments common to such communities.
The decade following the opening of the Glens Falls Feeder was one of continued and increasing prosperity and growth in the village, and many improvements were made, chiefly in the direction of extending and perfecting the streets and supplying facilities for the extinguishment of fires.
The following glimpse of the village industries is given in an article published in the Messenger by Dr. Holden, as they appeared to him in 1836, in which year he made his acquaintance with the place: There were "the Glens Falls Hotel, kept by P.D. Threehouse; L.L. Pixley's store, on the corner of Ridge and Warren streets; D.H. Cowles & Co.'s store; K. P. & H.J. Cool's store; J.A. Deforest's store, in the stone building under the hill; H.B. Ten Eyck's store, books and stationery; James Sisson, Daniel Peck and Clark & Peck (Drs. Billy J. Clark and Bethuel Peck, who had bought out Dr. Ransom), in the drug business; E.H. Rosekrans, Wm. Hay, J.L. Curtenius, counselors and attorneys at law and solicitors in chancery; A.T. Prouty, cabinet-maker; D. & J.H. Hitchcock, tin and hardware and general merchandise; A.T. Seaman, tailor; Dilwin Gardner, boots and shoes; A.W. Flack, grocery; and Philo & Ferguson, store."
47 These were the Glens Falls Hotel, then kept and owned by P.D. Threehouse; the Union Hotel (or Skinner's tavern), then conducted by Edmund B. Richards, and the Glen House, under the hill, kept by the Widow Ray.
48 Of this school Dr. Holden wrote about twenty years ago as follows: "The medical school referred to was kept by Dr. Fletcher Ransom, whose office and drug store was in the building since burnt, on the site now occupied by Fonda and Numan's 'Masonic Block.' He had several students and legends of the dissecting room and stolen bodies are yet preserved in the memories of the older inhabitants. Dr. Ransom came from Brattleboro, Vt., and removed to Kalamazoo, Mich. He abandoned the practice of medicine on removing to the west."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Glens Falls, continued ...
Besides these there were then appearing on the signs in various parts of the village the names of Berry, Arms, Lapham, Ranger, Gillespy, Leavens, Tallmadge, Blakesly, Coffin, Geer, Haviland, etc.
At that time the principal business of the place, and indeed the larger part of the entire village, was situated on the principal streets leading away to neighboring towns; Glen and Warren streets, Ridge (then called Quaker street), Bay, Park, Jay, Lime, Canal, Water, South and West streets; so much of Elm street as is embraced between Park and South streets.
Exchange street and so much of Church street as extends from Warren to Canal streets, comprised the entire catalogue of streets at that time.
In the ensuing summer John A. Ferriss opened that part of Maple street between Ridge and Bay streets; and Sidney Berry constructed the culvert, filled up the ravine and laid out and filled up Berry street.
He also erected the Female Seminary, which was subsequently sold to district number 19, and used as a school-house.
The village evidently suffered to some extent from the epidemic of smallpox, which swept over the country in the year 1832, as well as on several later occasions.
In the year named vigilant measures were adopted for the protection of the community and the ravages of the disease reduced to the minimum.
In 1844, again, a small-pox panic attacked the people of the town, and resolutions were passed ordering vaccination and the removal of all infected persons outside of the corporation limits.
Such removals were placed in the hands of King Allen.
Five years later (1849) another scare is remembered, which called forth the appointment in January of Drs. B. Peck and J.L. Stodard to see that every person in the corporation was vaccinated, to report cases of small-pox and varioloid, etc.
The cholera appeared in the country during the summer, and in June resolutions were passed to have the streets thoroughly cleaned and make all necessary preparations to combat the disease.
A Board of Health was appointed, consisting of Henry Spencer, Isaac Knapp and David M. Dean.
In 1861 (to dispose of the small-pox question) another panic occurred.
Some cases of a disease appeared which entirely mystified some of the local medical faculty, and considerable discussion and antagonism ensued.
To settle the matter Dr. Swinburne, of Albany, was called to decide upon the character of the disease.
In his report he said: "That the disease which is now depopulating the fairest portion of West and Canal streets and causing the farmers to go to Sandy Hill with their 'apple sass' and potatoes, and the good denizens of the village to fight like cats on a rainy night, is pure and unadulterated small-pox, without the slightest doubt; that vaccination is the best and only preventive."
Prompt and sufficient action saved the community from a general spread of the loathsome disease.
The village was again visited by the pestilence in 1881, and nearly twenty deaths followed; but better sanitary arrangements, more efficient action and thorough knowledge of requirements confined the disease to restricted limits.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Glens Falls, continued ...
Besides these there were then appearing on the signs in various parts of the village the names of Berry, Arms, Lapham, Ranger, Gillespy, Leavens, Tallmadge, Blakesly, Coffin, Geer, Haviland, etc.
At that time the principal business of the place, and indeed the larger part of the entire village, was situated on the principal streets leading away to neighboring towns; Glen and Warren streets, Ridge (then called Quaker street), Bay, Park, Jay, Lime, Canal, Water, South and West streets; so much of Elm street as is embraced between Park and South streets.
Exchange street and so much of Church street as extends from Warren to Canal streets, comprised the entire catalogue of streets at that time.
In the ensuing summer John A. Ferriss opened that part of Maple street between Ridge and Bay streets; and Sidney Berry constructed the culvert, filled up the ravine and laid out and filled up Berry street.
He also erected the Female Seminary, which was subsequently sold to district number 19, and used as a school-house.
The village evidently suffered to some extent from the epidemic of smallpox, which swept over the country in the year 1832, as well as on several later occasions.
In the year named vigilant measures were adopted for the protection of the community and the ravages of the disease reduced to the minimum.
In 1844, again, a small-pox panic attacked the people of the town, and resolutions were passed ordering vaccination and the removal of all infected persons outside of the corporation limits.
Such removals were placed in the hands of King Allen.
Five years later (1849) another scare is remembered, which called forth the appointment in January of Drs. B. Peck and J.L. Stodard to see that every person in the corporation was vaccinated, to report cases of small-pox and varioloid, etc.
The cholera appeared in the country during the summer, and in June resolutions were passed to have the streets thoroughly cleaned and make all necessary preparations to combat the disease.
A Board of Health was appointed, consisting of Henry Spencer, Isaac Knapp and David M. Dean.
In 1861 (to dispose of the small-pox question) another panic occurred.
Some cases of a disease appeared which entirely mystified some of the local medical faculty, and considerable discussion and antagonism ensued.
To settle the matter Dr. Swinburne, of Albany, was called to decide upon the character of the disease.
In his report he said: "That the disease which is now depopulating the fairest portion of West and Canal streets and causing the farmers to go to Sandy Hill with their 'apple sass' and potatoes, and the good denizens of the village to fight like cats on a rainy night, is pure and unadulterated small-pox, without the slightest doubt; that vaccination is the best and only preventive."
Prompt and sufficient action saved the community from a general spread of the loathsome disease.
The village was again visited by the pestilence in 1881, and nearly twenty deaths followed; but better sanitary arrangements, more efficient action and thorough knowledge of requirements confined the disease to restricted limits.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Glens Falls, continued ...
From notes printed in the Messenger in 1873, prepared by the Rev. Ephraim H. Newton, a more detailed account of the industries of the village can be given, as they existed in July, 1835.
For example, on the south side of Washington street, leading east from the village, were Dwight Hitchcock's general store; Peter Pelkey, shoemaker; Drs. Peck & Clark's drug store; a livery stable, kept by Enoch Ellis; James Parmeter's wagon shop, and Thomas Ramsey's stone-cutting establishment.
On what is now Jay street (then called "The Lane") were John R. Wilson's blacksmith shop; Charles Cleveland in the same business; Elnathan Parsons's tannery.
On the north side of Washington street Lewis L. Pixley kept a general store; Felix M. Duffie had a barber shop; Elnathan Parsons a shoe store and shop; Sheldon Benedict a saddlery and harness shop; Peter Powell & Company, general store, drugs, etc.; Daniel Peck & Son, druggists and general stock; Harmon Peck, stoves, iron and tinware.
On what was then Pleasant street, leading north from the center of the village, on the east side were Pixley's store, already mentioned; Nehemiah Sheldon's tailor shop, and Lewis Numan's general store; on the west side were James Sisson's store, with a general stock, and Amarillis S. Lindsley's millinery shop.
On the east side of River street, leading south from the Glens Falls Hotel, were the post-office, with Jabez Briggs as postmaster, and his grocery; A.N. Cheney's grocery; Allen T. Seaman's shop and clothing store; K.P. & H.J. Cool's store and cabinet shop; Dilwin Gardner's shoe store, currier shop and tannery; Henry Spencer's livery and tavern stables; John G. Spencer's grocery; then there were the lime kilns, quarries, lumber yards, etc., with De Forest & Freeman's store, Butler & Putnam's blacksmith shop, William Williams's woolen factory, Hawley & Arms's saw-mills.
On the west side of this street were the Glens Falls Hotel, then kept by Rogers & Brown; James Wells's tailor shop, Roswell Bacon's marble cutting shop, James H. Comstock's hat store, Robert Dixon Barber, book binder, William Robinson's grocery, Rodgers & Cowles's general store, Calvin Robbins's stone blacksmith shop (then building), James F. Kelly's grocery, David Johnson's office and lumber yard, A.W. Flack's grocery, the Glen House, Putnam & Prouty's wagon shop, A.J. Everett's blacksmith and forging shop, Abraham Wing's saw-mills, Jonathan Whitman's shingle-mill, J.W. Freeman's saw-mill, William Nunn's sawmill, a stone structure which was burned in 1835, J.W. Freeman's gypsum-mill, Adams & Cronkhite's gristmill.
On Warren street, west side, were George G. Hawley's store, John A. Ferriss's hat store, J.W. Willson's grocery and meat market, the Messenger printing office, E. Williams's store, Samuel S. Tallmadge's store.
On the east side of this street were James Sisson's store, William Fowler's shoe store, the Misses Ranger, milliners, P.S. Chapman's tavern.
The foregoing embraces all or nearly all of the business industries of the village at that date.
The stores and shops on several of the streets, which are now entirely given up to traffic, were then interspersed with dwellings.
Drs. Bethuel Peck, Billy J. Clark and N.E. Sheldon looked after the bodily ills of the community, while the quarrels of the vicinity were adjusted in a legal manner by William Hay, John L. Curtenius, E.H. Rosekrans and Ira A. Paddock.
The lumber and lime business were then the chief industries of the place.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Glens Falls, continued ...
From notes printed in the Messenger in 1873, prepared by the Rev. Ephraim H. Newton, a more detailed account of the industries of the village can be given, as they existed in July, 1835.
For example, on the south side of Washington street, leading east from the village, were Dwight Hitchcock's general store; Peter Pelkey, shoemaker; Drs. Peck & Clark's drug store; a livery stable, kept by Enoch Ellis; James Parmeter's wagon shop, and Thomas Ramsey's stone-cutting establishment.
On what is now Jay street (then called "The Lane") were John R. Wilson's blacksmith shop; Charles Cleveland in the same business; Elnathan Parsons's tannery.
On the north side of Washington street Lewis L. Pixley kept a general store; Felix M. Duffie had a barber shop; Elnathan Parsons a shoe store and shop; Sheldon Benedict a saddlery and harness shop; Peter Powell & Company, general store, drugs, etc.; Daniel Peck & Son, druggists and general stock; Harmon Peck, stoves, iron and tinware.
On what was then Pleasant street, leading north from the center of the village, on the east side were Pixley's store, already mentioned; Nehemiah Sheldon's tailor shop, and Lewis Numan's general store; on the west side were James Sisson's store, with a general stock, and Amarillis S. Lindsley's millinery shop.
On the east side of River street, leading south from the Glens Falls Hotel, were the post-office, with Jabez Briggs as postmaster, and his grocery; A.N. Cheney's grocery; Allen T. Seaman's shop and clothing store; K.P. & H.J. Cool's store and cabinet shop; Dilwin Gardner's shoe store, currier shop and tannery; Henry Spencer's livery and tavern stables; John G. Spencer's grocery; then there were the lime kilns, quarries, lumber yards, etc., with De Forest & Freeman's store, Butler & Putnam's blacksmith shop, William Williams's woolen factory, Hawley & Arms's saw-mills.
On the west side of this street were the Glens Falls Hotel, then kept by Rogers & Brown; James Wells's tailor shop, Roswell Bacon's marble cutting shop, James H. Comstock's hat store, Robert Dixon Barber, book binder, William Robinson's grocery, Rodgers & Cowles's general store, Calvin Robbins's stone blacksmith shop (then building), James F. Kelly's grocery, David Johnson's office and lumber yard, A.W. Flack's grocery, the Glen House, Putnam & Prouty's wagon shop, A.J. Everett's blacksmith and forging shop, Abraham Wing's saw-mills, Jonathan Whitman's shingle-mill, J.W. Freeman's saw-mill, William Nunn's sawmill, a stone structure which was burned in 1835, J.W. Freeman's gypsum-mill, Adams & Cronkhite's gristmill.
On Warren street, west side, were George G. Hawley's store, John A. Ferriss's hat store, J.W. Willson's grocery and meat market, the Messenger printing office, E. Williams's store, Samuel S. Tallmadge's store.
On the east side of this street were James Sisson's store, William Fowler's shoe store, the Misses Ranger, milliners, P.S. Chapman's tavern.
The foregoing embraces all or nearly all of the business industries of the village at that date.
The stores and shops on several of the streets, which are now entirely given up to traffic, were then interspersed with dwellings.
Drs. Bethuel Peck, Billy J. Clark and N.E. Sheldon looked after the bodily ills of the community, while the quarrels of the vicinity were adjusted in a legal manner by William Hay, John L. Curtenius, E.H. Rosekrans and Ira A. Paddock.
The lumber and lime business were then the chief industries of the place.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Glens Falls, concluded ...
In this connection it will not be uninteresting to quote the following scheme for the development and improvement of Glens Falls which was evolved by E.H. Newton: "In July, 1835, I, E.H. Newton, formed the following visionary scheme for the improvement of the village of Glens Falls, viz.: That some one man of capital or company of men of ability and enterprise in the first place purchase all the lands and real estate which Micajah Pettit, of Sandy Hill, owns or holds in this village; also the Glen House or tavern stand and all the real estate appertaining thereto, in possession of Henry Spencer, esq., also the tanyard and the lands and buildings thereto attached, owned by Dilwin Gardner, esq., then run a straight line from or near the southwesterly corner of the said Gardner's tanyard to Calvin Robbins' stone dwelling house, and throw the whole of the land south of the line into a sidewalk, street, wharfs and lumber yards."
"Then commencing on the corner of the street which I shall now call Canal street and the street running from the Hudson River bridge to Peter Threehouse's Glens Falls Hotel, which I shall call River street, and erect a line of elegant stores, shops, offices, etc., with a finish of stone- pillared fronts, of three or more stories high and with cellars running into the bank in the rear, and the whole founded upon a rock."
"Then under or near Drs. Peck & Clark's drug store build a reservoir holding not less than 1,000 hhds. of water, and let this water be conveyed in aqueducts to this range of buildings, and the head will be sufficient to carry it to every apartment and the roofs thereof."
"Let the buildings be of stone, the fronts of the 2d and 3d stories with a finish of marble-hewn, sawn, cut-brick."
"This street will be spacious, the centre of business and wealth, accessible to every species of trade and art."
"The Glen House to be rebuilt, finished and furnished with splendid accommodations for travelers and visitors of the Falls of the Hudson."
"This will prepare the way to throw the residue of the Pettit land into the market at a great advance."
"The scheme is grand in theory, but will be grander if carried into effect."
"So says EPHM. H. Newton."
The financial crisis of 1837—38 came on and Glens Falls suffered heavily, in common with all other localities; but the tide of progress was not permanently staid; the village was controlled in its business relations by men of energy and ability, whose influence and determination were sufficient to inspire the entire community with courage.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Glens Falls, concluded ...
In this connection it will not be uninteresting to quote the following scheme for the development and improvement of Glens Falls which was evolved by E.H. Newton: "In July, 1835, I, E.H. Newton, formed the following visionary scheme for the improvement of the village of Glens Falls, viz.: That some one man of capital or company of men of ability and enterprise in the first place purchase all the lands and real estate which Micajah Pettit, of Sandy Hill, owns or holds in this village; also the Glen House or tavern stand and all the real estate appertaining thereto, in possession of Henry Spencer, esq., also the tanyard and the lands and buildings thereto attached, owned by Dilwin Gardner, esq., then run a straight line from or near the southwesterly corner of the said Gardner's tanyard to Calvin Robbins' stone dwelling house, and throw the whole of the land south of the line into a sidewalk, street, wharfs and lumber yards."
"Then commencing on the corner of the street which I shall now call Canal street and the street running from the Hudson River bridge to Peter Threehouse's Glens Falls Hotel, which I shall call River street, and erect a line of elegant stores, shops, offices, etc., with a finish of stone- pillared fronts, of three or more stories high and with cellars running into the bank in the rear, and the whole founded upon a rock."
"Then under or near Drs. Peck & Clark's drug store build a reservoir holding not less than 1,000 hhds. of water, and let this water be conveyed in aqueducts to this range of buildings, and the head will be sufficient to carry it to every apartment and the roofs thereof."
"Let the buildings be of stone, the fronts of the 2d and 3d stories with a finish of marble-hewn, sawn, cut-brick."
"This street will be spacious, the centre of business and wealth, accessible to every species of trade and art."
"The Glen House to be rebuilt, finished and furnished with splendid accommodations for travelers and visitors of the Falls of the Hudson."
"This will prepare the way to throw the residue of the Pettit land into the market at a great advance."
"The scheme is grand in theory, but will be grander if carried into effect."
"So says EPHM. H. Newton."
The financial crisis of 1837—38 came on and Glens Falls suffered heavily, in common with all other localities; but the tide of progress was not permanently staid; the village was controlled in its business relations by men of energy and ability, whose influence and determination were sufficient to inspire the entire community with courage.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Incorporation. —The subject of incorporation of the village had often been discussed, and on the 8th of December, 1838, a notice of application to the Legislature for the passage of an act of incorporation of the village of Glens Falls appeared for the first time in the Glen's Falls Spectator.
The act of incorporation was passed in April, 1839.
The corporation as then defined contained a population of 1,270 whites, 621 of whom were males and 649 females, and nineteen colored persons.
The first election of village officers was held on the 4th of June, resulting as follows: John A. Ferriss, Calvin Robbins, John W. Willson, George Cronkhite and James Sisson, trustees; James Palmeter, Dwight Hitchcock and Henry Ferguson, assessors; William Peck, treasurer; Orange Ferriss, clerk; Hazzard Green, constable, and Ira Green, collector.
S.S. Tallmadge and Orange Ferriss were then justices of the peace of the town.
At the initial meeting of the board, four days after the election, the trustees chose John A. Ferriss for president and adjourned.
This custom of allowing the trustees to elect a president continued in vogue until 1874; since then the people have voted direct for that officer.
The clerk was for many years elected by the people instead of being appointed by the trustees as at present.
The village boundaries, as given in the act of incorporation, are as follows: "All that part of the town of Queensbury, in the county of Warren, contained within the following bounds, namely: Beginning at the north bank of the Hudson River at low water mark, under the center of the bridge which crosses said river at Glen's Falls, running south seventy-six degrees thirty minutes west, along said river at low water mark, five chains and eight links; thence south forty-one degrees west, along said river at low water mark, eight chains; thence south twenty-six degrees west, along said river at low water mark, three chains; thence west twenty-eight chains and fifty links to stake standing on the westerly side of the Haviland road; thence north thirty minutes west, seventy-six chains, to a stake standing in the highway in front of Henry Philo's house, in range with the north line of lot number twenty-nine of the first division of lands in the town of Queensbury; thence east a part of the way on the north line of said lot number twenty-nine, eighty chains to a stake standing on the land of William McDonald; thence south thirty minutes east, eighty-two chains to the said Hudson River, at low water mark; thence north forty-two degrees west, along said river, at low water mark, twelve chains; thence north sixty-nine degrees west along said river at low water mark, ten chains; thence north eighty degrees west along said river at low water mark, twenty-two chains to the place of beginning, shall hereafter be known and distinguished by the name of the village of Glen's Falls, and the freeholders and inhabitants residing in said village, are hereby constituted a body corporate, by the name of the trustees of the village of Glen's Falls."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Incorporation. —The subject of incorporation of the village had often been discussed, and on the 8th of December, 1838, a notice of application to the Legislature for the passage of an act of incorporation of the village of Glens Falls appeared for the first time in the Glen's Falls Spectator.
The act of incorporation was passed in April, 1839.
The corporation as then defined contained a population of 1,270 whites, 621 of whom were males and 649 females, and nineteen colored persons.
The first election of village officers was held on the 4th of June, resulting as follows: John A. Ferriss, Calvin Robbins, John W. Willson, George Cronkhite and James Sisson, trustees; James Palmeter, Dwight Hitchcock and Henry Ferguson, assessors; William Peck, treasurer; Orange Ferriss, clerk; Hazzard Green, constable, and Ira Green, collector.
S.S. Tallmadge and Orange Ferriss were then justices of the peace of the town.
At the initial meeting of the board, four days after the election, the trustees chose John A. Ferriss for president and adjourned.
This custom of allowing the trustees to elect a president continued in vogue until 1874; since then the people have voted direct for that officer.
The clerk was for many years elected by the people instead of being appointed by the trustees as at present.
The village boundaries, as given in the act of incorporation, are as follows: "All that part of the town of Queensbury, in the county of Warren, contained within the following bounds, namely: Beginning at the north bank of the Hudson River at low water mark, under the center of the bridge which crosses said river at Glen's Falls, running south seventy-six degrees thirty minutes west, along said river at low water mark, five chains and eight links; thence south forty-one degrees west, along said river at low water mark, eight chains; thence south twenty-six degrees west, along said river at low water mark, three chains; thence west twenty-eight chains and fifty links to stake standing on the westerly side of the Haviland road; thence north thirty minutes west, seventy-six chains, to a stake standing in the highway in front of Henry Philo's house, in range with the north line of lot number twenty-nine of the first division of lands in the town of Queensbury; thence east a part of the way on the north line of said lot number twenty-nine, eighty chains to a stake standing on the land of William McDonald; thence south thirty minutes east, eighty-two chains to the said Hudson River, at low water mark; thence north forty-two degrees west, along said river, at low water mark, twelve chains; thence north sixty-nine degrees west along said river at low water mark, ten chains; thence north eighty degrees west along said river at low water mark, twenty-two chains to the place of beginning, shall hereafter be known and distinguished by the name of the village of Glen's Falls, and the freeholders and inhabitants residing in said village, are hereby constituted a body corporate, by the name of the trustees of the village of Glen's Falls."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Incorporation., continued ...
A code of by-laws and ordinances was passed upon by the new board and the village government was established on a firm basis.
The trustees were also empowered to act as excise commissioners, and the first year granted one tavern license and five to "groceries;" no saloons are mentioned in the records. 49
The receipts from this source were $30.
The clerk was paid $25 for his year's service and the treasurer $3.25.
Simultaneously with the application to the Legislature for the incorporation of the village, as before mentioned, a notice appeared in the same sheet that application would be made to the Legislature for an act of incorporation embracing the right to construct a toll bridge across the river at this place; this notice was followed in the same month by three others similar in character.
It appears that this project was looked upon as one the franchise for which would be very valuable; but it was destined to fail at that time, and in January, 1839, a notice was published in the Spectator to the effect that application would be made to the Board of Supervisors for a meeting of the board "to be held at the house of A.B. Tubbs," on Wednesday, February 20th, to levy a tax upon the several towns for the purpose of "repairing the present bridge or constructing a new one across the Hudson River at this place, and to construct other bridges in said county if deemed necessary."
This notice was signed by A.W. Morgan, Keyes P. Cool, Walter Geer, jr., B.J. Clark, Orlin Mead and William McDonald. 50
In spite of the depression in financial affairs, another notice appeared at the time under consideration announcing application for a charter of incorporation of a company "with banking powers" to "improve the navigation of the upper portion of the Hudson River, either by canal or slack water navigation."
Of this scheme Dr. Holden afterwards wrote: "This is memorable for more reasons than one."
"Firstly, because of the banking clause and its insertion at a period soon after the passage and repeal of the odious small bill law."
(In that connection, the older residents may remember the twenty-five cent "shin-plasters" issue by Mead & Sanford, and imitations subsequently thrown into circulation by Underwood, and which were made payable in White Pine Butts at Wing's saw-mill, or new rum at Richard's tavern).
Secondly, the presentation of this petition originated a commission and appropriation for one of the most thorough topographical surveys and elaborate reports ever made in the State.
Surveyors, engineers, chain-bearers, axe-men and pack-carriers accompanied by that gifted and sad-fated child of song, Charles Fenno Hoffman, threaded our northern forests, taking elevations and channeling out the grim old forest in tracks which can yet be seen.
It was in one of these dim, green alleys of the 'forest primeval' where was to be the canal to the Great Bear Lake, 'a project that seems to have been a pet at one time.'
49 These licenses were granted to Alanson Dixon, for a tavern, and to John W. Willson, A.W. Flack, James Morgan, Chris. Shaw and Hazzard Green, as grocers. In 1841 the trustees refused to grant licenses to grocers to sell liquors in quantities less than five gallons.
50 In February, 1841, the county of Warren was loaned $2,500 by act of Legislature, out of the common school fund, to build a bridge over the Hudson at Glens Falls. A.W. Morgan, Daniel Roberts and George G. Hawley, of Queensbury, were appointed commissioners under the act.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Incorporation., continued ...
A code of by-laws and ordinances was passed upon by the new board and the village government was established on a firm basis.
The trustees were also empowered to act as excise commissioners, and the first year granted one tavern license and five to "groceries;" no saloons are mentioned in the records. 49
The receipts from this source were $30.
The clerk was paid $25 for his year's service and the treasurer $3.25.
Simultaneously with the application to the Legislature for the incorporation of the village, as before mentioned, a notice appeared in the same sheet that application would be made to the Legislature for an act of incorporation embracing the right to construct a toll bridge across the river at this place; this notice was followed in the same month by three others similar in character.
It appears that this project was looked upon as one the franchise for which would be very valuable; but it was destined to fail at that time, and in January, 1839, a notice was published in the Spectator to the effect that application would be made to the Board of Supervisors for a meeting of the board "to be held at the house of A.B. Tubbs," on Wednesday, February 20th, to levy a tax upon the several towns for the purpose of "repairing the present bridge or constructing a new one across the Hudson River at this place, and to construct other bridges in said county if deemed necessary."
This notice was signed by A.W. Morgan, Keyes P. Cool, Walter Geer, jr., B.J. Clark, Orlin Mead and William McDonald. 50
In spite of the depression in financial affairs, another notice appeared at the time under consideration announcing application for a charter of incorporation of a company "with banking powers" to "improve the navigation of the upper portion of the Hudson River, either by canal or slack water navigation."
Of this scheme Dr. Holden afterwards wrote: "This is memorable for more reasons than one."
"Firstly, because of the banking clause and its insertion at a period soon after the passage and repeal of the odious small bill law."
(In that connection, the older residents may remember the twenty-five cent "shin-plasters" issue by Mead & Sanford, and imitations subsequently thrown into circulation by Underwood, and which were made payable in White Pine Butts at Wing's saw-mill, or new rum at Richard's tavern).
Secondly, the presentation of this petition originated a commission and appropriation for one of the most thorough topographical surveys and elaborate reports ever made in the State.
Surveyors, engineers, chain-bearers, axe-men and pack-carriers accompanied by that gifted and sad-fated child of song, Charles Fenno Hoffman, threaded our northern forests, taking elevations and channeling out the grim old forest in tracks which can yet be seen.
It was in one of these dim, green alleys of the 'forest primeval' where was to be the canal to the Great Bear Lake, 'a project that seems to have been a pet at one time.'
49 These licenses were granted to Alanson Dixon, for a tavern, and to John W. Willson, A.W. Flack, James Morgan, Chris. Shaw and Hazzard Green, as grocers. In 1841 the trustees refused to grant licenses to grocers to sell liquors in quantities less than five gallons.
50 In February, 1841, the county of Warren was loaned $2,500 by act of Legislature, out of the common school fund, to build a bridge over the Hudson at Glens Falls. A.W. Morgan, Daniel Roberts and George G. Hawley, of Queensbury, were appointed commissioners under the act.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Incorporation., continued ...
The banking scheme alluded to again came before the public early in the year 1839, when the following appeared in an editorial: "A meeting of the subscribers to the Glens Falls Banking Association is to be held at the Glens Falls Hotel on the 2d day of February next for the purpose of choosing thirteen directors and other preparations necessary to go into operation as soon as possible."
"There is not a better location for a bank north of Troy than this."
The project was not consummated for some undefined reason, and Glens Falls was without a bank for more than ten years afterwards, as will appear further on.
While the newly incorporated village was enjoying its era of prosperity consequent upon the construction of the canals, and men were constantly coming hither who subsequently became instrumental in adding greatly not only to their own wealth, but to the general activity and growth of the place, educational and religious institutions increased in number and influence.
We have already alluded to the old academy, built in 1814, which had a useful career.
A village library was founded in 1835 which became a popular and beneficial institution for a number of years; and soon afterward the Female Seminary was built by Sidney Berry.
The Spectator of May 19th, 1837, contained a very eulogistic notice of the annual examination which had just been held.
The seminary was then under the direction of Miss Lucy Harris as principal; the institution passed to the direction of Miss Downs and her sister in 1849 and became quite prosperous.
In the latter part of the year 1839 a Lyceum was organized.
The following expression relative to this institution is found in the notice in the Spectator calling for a meeting of organization: "That a positive benefit is the certain result to our village from a well-conducted and well-sustained Lyceum, no person can doubt; and as it is a matter of public profit, it should also be a matter of sufficient public interest to elicit a full house and efficient measures."
The principal business of the village authorities for a number of years was the improvement of streets, making additions to the facilities for extinguishing fires and auditing the limited number of accounts against the corporation.
The first practical steps toward protecting the village from fire were taken in the latter part of 1841, when a resolution was passed "that Henry Spencer be appointed to procure such hooks and ladders as may be necessary for the use of the village, and to secure a permanent place of deposit for the same."
In the next year measures were adopted for the purchase of an engine and other apparatus, as will hereafter appear.
Henry Spencer was president of the village for the year ending in May, 1843, and at the annual meeting for the election of officers he was voted twenty-five dollars for his services in that office.
This action established the precedent which has since been followed, of awarding the successive presidents an annual salary.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Incorporation., continued ...
The banking scheme alluded to again came before the public early in the year 1839, when the following appeared in an editorial: "A meeting of the subscribers to the Glens Falls Banking Association is to be held at the Glens Falls Hotel on the 2d day of February next for the purpose of choosing thirteen directors and other preparations necessary to go into operation as soon as possible."
"There is not a better location for a bank north of Troy than this."
The project was not consummated for some undefined reason, and Glens Falls was without a bank for more than ten years afterwards, as will appear further on.
While the newly incorporated village was enjoying its era of prosperity consequent upon the construction of the canals, and men were constantly coming hither who subsequently became instrumental in adding greatly not only to their own wealth, but to the general activity and growth of the place, educational and religious institutions increased in number and influence.
We have already alluded to the old academy, built in 1814, which had a useful career.
A village library was founded in 1835 which became a popular and beneficial institution for a number of years; and soon afterward the Female Seminary was built by Sidney Berry.
The Spectator of May 19th, 1837, contained a very eulogistic notice of the annual examination which had just been held.
The seminary was then under the direction of Miss Lucy Harris as principal; the institution passed to the direction of Miss Downs and her sister in 1849 and became quite prosperous.
In the latter part of the year 1839 a Lyceum was organized.
The following expression relative to this institution is found in the notice in the Spectator calling for a meeting of organization: "That a positive benefit is the certain result to our village from a well-conducted and well-sustained Lyceum, no person can doubt; and as it is a matter of public profit, it should also be a matter of sufficient public interest to elicit a full house and efficient measures."
The principal business of the village authorities for a number of years was the improvement of streets, making additions to the facilities for extinguishing fires and auditing the limited number of accounts against the corporation.
The first practical steps toward protecting the village from fire were taken in the latter part of 1841, when a resolution was passed "that Henry Spencer be appointed to procure such hooks and ladders as may be necessary for the use of the village, and to secure a permanent place of deposit for the same."
In the next year measures were adopted for the purchase of an engine and other apparatus, as will hereafter appear.
Henry Spencer was president of the village for the year ending in May, 1843, and at the annual meeting for the election of officers he was voted twenty-five dollars for his services in that office.
This action established the precedent which has since been followed, of awarding the successive presidents an annual salary.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Incorporation., continued ...
The trustees were extremely solicitous in early years for the good looks of the streets and made some stringent regulations in regard to keeping them free from incumbrances.
Even a pair of hay scales which D.H. Cowles, a prominent business man, began erecting in 1843 on the Warren street side of his block, were vetoed as an incumbrance and contrary to the village by-laws.
He was, however, permitted to place them on the Ridge street side of the block.
Perhaps we shall be able to give our readers a tolerably clear idea of the business interests of the village in the period between 1850 and 1855, by again appealing to the advertising columns of the local newspapers.
In a number of the Glens Falls Free Press of April 15th, 1854, we find it announced that Cowles & Co., have just removed their stock of goods to the store of A. Sherman on Glen street.
The copartnership of Morgan & Lapham was then just dissolved; the firm having been engaged in a general mercantile business.
The new firm to continue the business was composed of James Morgan, Jerome Lapham and Charles Corliss.
George C. Mott and Dr. A.W. Holden carried on the drug business; Dr. N.E. Sheldon also sold drugs, and M.C. Rich announced himself as a jeweler, "two doors north of Cronkhite Bros., Glen street."
J.C. Higby was prepared to rehabilitate gentlemen in fashionable tailoring, ready-made clothing and furnishing goods in a new establishment at the "north end of the Glens Falls Hotel," after which they could go to Carlos Morgan, "two doors north of Glens Falls Bank,'' or to Edwin O. Peck, artist in daguerreotype, "one door west of M.C. Rich's jewelry store," and have their pictures made.
Hermon Peck, on "Warren street, sign of the big padlock," and Noble Peck & Co. (Noble Peck and J. L. Kenworthy), "Sandy Hill Street, a few doors north of the Glens Falls Hotel," supplied the community with hardware, stoves, etc.
Sheldon Benedict announced his abandonment of building to engage in the saddlery and harness trade, "at his old stand between Vaughn's and Peck's stores," and Bennett & Traphagan (C. R. Bennett, J.T.B. Traphagan) carried on the same business at the "third door above Glens Falls Bank."
E. Benedict & Co. (from which firm William Dunning had just withdrawn) were engaged in boot and shoe trade, which line was shared by A.F. Smith on Exchange street.
The firm of Cool & Hall (H.J. Cool, E.C. Hall) had recently dissolved, and the sale of hats and caps continued by the senior member.
The Harris Lime Company, in "the old stone store near the canal bridge," offered flour and groceries generally, and J.D. Cornell & Co. were engaged in the same line.
Among other business establishments at that date were George C. Mott & Co., hats and caps; William Peat, fashionable tailor; James E. Mart & Co.; J.S. Ladow, and Hopkins & Dix, machinists; Cool & Robinson, Nova Scotia and western plaster, etc.; J.B. Cool & Bros., salt, etc.; and Briggs & Lapham, makers of endless chain pumps.
From the Warren county Whig of about a year later we gain additional information of other business establishments in the village, of which the following is a brief summary: Fred E. Ranger, bookseller, No. 3 Merchants' Row; John H. Martin, jeweler, No. 2 Exchange; W.R. Winchell, clothing and furnishing goods, "north end of Carpenter's new hotel, Glen street;" Drs. B. & M.R. Peck, druggists; John N. Clements, jewelry and musical instruments, two doors north of Rich's jewelry store, Glen street; J. S. Van Winkle, confectioner; James E. Martin & Co., general store, "a few doors north of the Glens Falls Hotel;" J.C. Johnson & Co., hardware, wines and liquors, groceries, etc., Glen street; J. & G.W. Dean, marble, Exchange building; S.W. Holdredge, musical merchandise, "No. 2 Cowles's new building, up stairs;" F. Smith & Co., "respectfully announced the opening of a new clothing store in Cowles's new building;" Henry Wing, general store in the "Brick Row;" Cheney, Arms & Co., "new plaster-mill, adjoining the grist-mill," (South Glens Falls); George Clendon, jr., manufactured soap and candles, corner of Glen and Pine streets; and Daniel Benedict made brick one mile north of Glens Falls; E.M. Forbes was insurance agent; J. S. Ferine, justice of the peace, and E.B. Cowles, architect and builder.
Wood sawing and turning was carried on at South Glens Falls by Gardner T. Lewis, and Eastwood & Carpenter had a market on Glen street.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Incorporation., continued ...
The trustees were extremely solicitous in early years for the good looks of the streets and made some stringent regulations in regard to keeping them free from incumbrances.
Even a pair of hay scales which D.H. Cowles, a prominent business man, began erecting in 1843 on the Warren street side of his block, were vetoed as an incumbrance and contrary to the village by-laws.
He was, however, permitted to place them on the Ridge street side of the block.
Perhaps we shall be able to give our readers a tolerably clear idea of the business interests of the village in the period between 1850 and 1855, by again appealing to the advertising columns of the local newspapers.
In a number of the Glens Falls Free Press of April 15th, 1854, we find it announced that Cowles & Co., have just removed their stock of goods to the store of A. Sherman on Glen street.
The copartnership of Morgan & Lapham was then just dissolved; the firm having been engaged in a general mercantile business.
The new firm to continue the business was composed of James Morgan, Jerome Lapham and Charles Corliss.
George C. Mott and Dr. A.W. Holden carried on the drug business; Dr. N.E. Sheldon also sold drugs, and M.C. Rich announced himself as a jeweler, "two doors north of Cronkhite Bros., Glen street."
J.C. Higby was prepared to rehabilitate gentlemen in fashionable tailoring, ready-made clothing and furnishing goods in a new establishment at the "north end of the Glens Falls Hotel," after which they could go to Carlos Morgan, "two doors north of Glens Falls Bank,'' or to Edwin O. Peck, artist in daguerreotype, "one door west of M.C. Rich's jewelry store," and have their pictures made.
Hermon Peck, on "Warren street, sign of the big padlock," and Noble Peck & Co. (Noble Peck and J. L. Kenworthy), "Sandy Hill Street, a few doors north of the Glens Falls Hotel," supplied the community with hardware, stoves, etc.
Sheldon Benedict announced his abandonment of building to engage in the saddlery and harness trade, "at his old stand between Vaughn's and Peck's stores," and Bennett & Traphagan (C. R. Bennett, J.T.B. Traphagan) carried on the same business at the "third door above Glens Falls Bank."
E. Benedict & Co. (from which firm William Dunning had just withdrawn) were engaged in boot and shoe trade, which line was shared by A.F. Smith on Exchange street.
The firm of Cool & Hall (H.J. Cool, E.C. Hall) had recently dissolved, and the sale of hats and caps continued by the senior member.
The Harris Lime Company, in "the old stone store near the canal bridge," offered flour and groceries generally, and J.D. Cornell & Co. were engaged in the same line.
Among other business establishments at that date were George C. Mott & Co., hats and caps; William Peat, fashionable tailor; James E. Mart & Co.; J.S. Ladow, and Hopkins & Dix, machinists; Cool & Robinson, Nova Scotia and western plaster, etc.; J.B. Cool & Bros., salt, etc.; and Briggs & Lapham, makers of endless chain pumps.
From the Warren county Whig of about a year later we gain additional information of other business establishments in the village, of which the following is a brief summary: Fred E. Ranger, bookseller, No. 3 Merchants' Row; John H. Martin, jeweler, No. 2 Exchange; W.R. Winchell, clothing and furnishing goods, "north end of Carpenter's new hotel, Glen street;" Drs. B. & M.R. Peck, druggists; John N. Clements, jewelry and musical instruments, two doors north of Rich's jewelry store, Glen street; J. S. Van Winkle, confectioner; James E. Martin & Co., general store, "a few doors north of the Glens Falls Hotel;" J.C. Johnson & Co., hardware, wines and liquors, groceries, etc., Glen street; J. & G.W. Dean, marble, Exchange building; S.W. Holdredge, musical merchandise, "No. 2 Cowles's new building, up stairs;" F. Smith & Co., "respectfully announced the opening of a new clothing store in Cowles's new building;" Henry Wing, general store in the "Brick Row;" Cheney, Arms & Co., "new plaster-mill, adjoining the grist-mill," (South Glens Falls); George Clendon, jr., manufactured soap and candles, corner of Glen and Pine streets; and Daniel Benedict made brick one mile north of Glens Falls; E.M. Forbes was insurance agent; J. S. Ferine, justice of the peace, and E.B. Cowles, architect and builder.
Wood sawing and turning was carried on at South Glens Falls by Gardner T. Lewis, and Eastwood & Carpenter had a market on Glen street.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Incorporation., continued ...
From this date to the present the growth of Glens Falls has been steady and healthful, as will be seen in succeeding pages, and the public spirit of its citizens has kept pace with it in the establishment of all needed public institutions.
The ordinances had already, in 1841, been amended and considerably extended, mainly in the direction of keeping the streets in order and free from roving animals.
The building of the plank road from Glens Falls to Caldwell in the year 1848, was an improvement of great utility and added to the general development of the place through more rapid and easier transportation southward from the interior of the county.
Coming down to the end of the first decade of the existence of the village as a corporation, we find that there were then twenty-five streets in the place, a number that has since grown in about thirty-five years to nearly eighty; and the general business interests of the village had increased to the satisfaction of the most hopeful.
The lack of sufficient water supply for the village had been felt for some years, and in April, 1848, a project was agitated for bringing a supply of pure water to the village in pipes.
For this purpose Daniel G. Harris was given permission to lay pipes, with the stipulation by the authorities that he should leave the streets in as good condition as he found them.
For adequate reasons the scheme was never consummated, and the old wells and cisterns, to which frequent additions were made, furnished the only water supply for many years and until the inauguration of the present complete system.
In 1853 the Glens Falls Cemetery was established upon lands purchased of Andrew Porteous.
Patrick Johnson was appointed as the first sexton, in April, 1855.
In 1854 the first movement was made towards introducing illuminating gas into the village.
In April of that year Messrs. Sabbaton & Merrifield, of Albany, were given the exclusive privilege for two years of laying pipes in the streets for this purpose, provided they began the construction of works within four months and prosecuted the same to completion.
The pipes were laid and in April, 1856, the trustees authorized the erection of a gas lamp post at each of the town pumps (where the fountain and the soldier's monument now stand).
For the succeeding three years these two lamps supplied all the light the village had; in 1859 six more lamps were added, and this number has been increased until now about one hundred and thirty lamps of gas and naphtha illuminate the streets.
The year 1863 saw the erection of the brick school-house in the village.
At a special meeting held January 20th, of that year, the trustees were directed to purchase the old building and lot in front, in district No. 20, for which purpose they were directed to raise by tax $350.
They were also directed to purchase of Thomas Kirkham land enough to make a lot equal to the extent of the former lot, on South and West streets, at a cost not exceeding $200.
George Conery was directed to prepare a plan for a school-house.
The building was erected of brick, 70 by 35 feet, costing $1,400.
There is little of importance to record in the general history of the village from the period last considered down to the breaking out of the war.
Glens Falls then became the headquarters for a large district surrounding, and during the years of the great struggle, the village partook of the military character prevailing throughout the country, while business activity was greatly enhanced.
In patriotic endeavor to respond to the different calls of the government for men and means, as well as in their determination that Queensbury soldiers and their families should not needlessly suffer, the inhabitants of Glens Falls and the town at large were not outdone by those of any community in the State.
The details of the events of this period have already been given to the reader.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
MUNICIPAL HISTORY., continued ...
Incorporation., continued ...
From this date to the present the growth of Glens Falls has been steady and healthful, as will be seen in succeeding pages, and the public spirit of its citizens has kept pace with it in the establishment of all needed public institutions.
The ordinances had already, in 1841, been amended and considerably extended, mainly in the direction of keeping the streets in order and free from roving animals.
The building of the plank road from Glens Falls to Caldwell in the year 1848, was an improvement of great utility and added to the general development of the place through more rapid and easier transportation southward from the interior of the county.
Coming down to the end of the first decade of the existence of the village as a corporation, we find that there were then twenty-five streets in the place, a number that has since grown in about thirty-five years to nearly eighty; and the general business interests of the village had increased to the satisfaction of the most hopeful.
The lack of sufficient water supply for the village had been felt for some years, and in April, 1848, a project was agitated for bringing a supply of pure water to the village in pipes.
For this purpose Daniel G. Harris was given permission to lay pipes, with the stipulation by the authorities that he should leave the streets in as good condition as he found them.
For adequate reasons the scheme was never consummated, and the old wells and cisterns, to which frequent additions were made, furnished the only water supply for many years and until the inauguration of the present complete system.
In 1853 the Glens Falls Cemetery was established upon lands purchased of Andrew Porteous.
Patrick Johnson was appointed as the first sexton, in April, 1855.
In 1854 the first movement was made towards introducing illuminating gas into the village.
In April of that year Messrs. Sabbaton & Merrifield, of Albany, were given the exclusive privilege for two years of laying pipes in the streets for this purpose, provided they began the construction of works within four months and prosecuted the same to completion.
The pipes were laid and in April, 1856, the trustees authorized the erection of a gas lamp post at each of the town pumps (where the fountain and the soldier's monument now stand).
For the succeeding three years these two lamps supplied all the light the village had; in 1859 six more lamps were added, and this number has been increased until now about one hundred and thirty lamps of gas and naphtha illuminate the streets.
The year 1863 saw the erection of the brick school-house in the village.
At a special meeting held January 20th, of that year, the trustees were directed to purchase the old building and lot in front, in district No. 20, for which purpose they were directed to raise by tax $350.
They were also directed to purchase of Thomas Kirkham land enough to make a lot equal to the extent of the former lot, on South and West streets, at a cost not exceeding $200.
George Conery was directed to prepare a plan for a school-house.
The building was erected of brick, 70 by 35 feet, costing $1,400.
There is little of importance to record in the general history of the village from the period last considered down to the breaking out of the war.
Glens Falls then became the headquarters for a large district surrounding, and during the years of the great struggle, the village partook of the military character prevailing throughout the country, while business activity was greatly enhanced.
In patriotic endeavor to respond to the different calls of the government for men and means, as well as in their determination that Queensbury soldiers and their families should not needlessly suffer, the inhabitants of Glens Falls and the town at large were not outdone by those of any community in the State.
The details of the events of this period have already been given to the reader.
TO BE CONTINUED ...