Gloversville Businesses in 1907
   

 
Gloversville Public Library

Postcard courtesy of Martha Magill,
Herkimer/Montgomery County GenWeb

  Return to:  The Twin Cities in 1907

It was transcribed for the Fulton County GenWeb site by  Lori Mosher.  Thank you Lori!  Lori is researching the Mosher surname and writes:

"....We recently discovered my husband's ancestors were from the Oppenheim area.  I became fascinated with trying to find what had been a mystery for so long.  I came across a gentlemen who was very familiar with the Mosher history in Fulton County and he directed me to the website.  I could not believe it was right here the whole time but I was unable to find it and even found the burial site of my husband's gg grandfather, not to mention tons of little tidbits about the Moshers who lived on old Route 29."   Lori still has a mystery to solve.  If you can help or share interest in the Mosher surname, she would like to hear from you!

 


     

Gloversville, N. Y.

A history and illustrative Review of the City Up to Date.

  The Gloversville of the present never fails to call forth its tribute of praise and from the traveler. Hundreds have come and gene who have not been unmindful of its beauty and thrift, and who have never tired of its attractions, the evidence of thrift on every hand, the intelligent and prosperous appearance of the people and other proofs of an active and contented populace. It is to the energetic and hustling business man of twentieth century ideals and progressive instincts that this little city especially appeals. Here industry never lags and its citizens are always at work, advancing its supremacy in every way possible. Their slogan is, "Gloversville first, last and all the time."

The city is located in Fulton county, nine miles north of the New York Central railroad and ten miles from the West Shore railroad and the Erie canal. It is situated near where the southernmost peaks of the Adirondacks rear their summits and gather the condensed vapors about their tops. Surrounded by the foothills of the historic mountain group. It is sheltered from the extremes of both hot and cold weather, which are common in other sections of northern New York, and is recognized as one of the finest localities in the state for health and comfort. Pleasure seekers also find their ideals of rest and relaxation in the many beautiful lakes, which are within easy access.

The railroad facilities of Gloversville include the Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville railroad and the Cayadutta Electric railroad, which two systems connect with trains east and west on the main line at Fonda. There are also two lines of street electric cars which traverse the city and vicinity. These fine transportation advantages aid materially in the manufacturing interests, which are viewed with great pride by the citizens of Gloversville, because of their recent and rapid growth. The two most prominent industries, and two which seem peculiarly adapted to this region, are the manufacture of gloves and the preparation of glove and shoe leather; they have given the city a world-wide reputation and made it the most prosperous manufacturing city in the United States. The glove industry was originated in Kingsboro, which is now a part of the city, in the year 1809, and has always been centered in this section. Here also are located the supply houses, leather, silk, thread and button dealers, which furnish everything at hand that is needed for the successful conduct of the larger enterprise. Two-thirds of the population of twenty thousand, above fifteen years of age, are employed in these two industries, and at least one-third of the work on gloves in done in private homes. There are also a large number of smaller, but important industries. The complete list is as follows: One hundred and twenty-five glove factories. Thirty-seven shoe and glove leather mills. Six paper box factories, two pocketbook manufactories, five makes of glove tools, one knitting mill, one brewery, silk mills, button factories, dye works, wooden box and carriage makers, flour and feed mills, iron and brass foundries, machine shops, factories for the manufacturing of glue, piano leather, shirts, soap brush backs, suspenders, shoes, cigars, and granite works. These concerns represent a total invested capital of over four million dollars, produce fifteen million dollars' worth of goods each year and employ from twelve to fifteen thousand operatives.

The educational advantages of Gloversville are very unusual for a city of its size; the demands of the swelling population in this respect call for larger expenditures by the city each year, but the city considers this the best investment that it could make for its future. There are nine public schools, with buildings of modern construction and up-to-date methods of instruction; there is also a parochial school and a business college, and it may be said with pride, that the general average of the scholarship of the students at these schools is not excelled anywhere.

The religious life of the people has no better demonstration than in the many fine church edifices which line its thoroughfares. There are twelve churches and ten missions and other religious orders, representing all denominations and with their magnificent structures lend grace and beauty to the general aspect of the city.

Gloversville's press is well represented and its advantages are kept before the public by two daily newspapers. The Herald and The Leader, both of excellent typographical appearance.

The traveling public is well cared for by five modern hotels; principal among these is the Kingsborough, a house which is strictly up-to-date in every particular. Of excellent construction, it was built and is conducted by the Merchants' Association, and is an institution of which the city may find a place in the list of first-class hotels.

The banking business is well represented by two banks, each with ample capital for the transaction of its business, liberally managed, and showing enormous annual deposits.

Gloversville presents today to the traveler, the home seeker or the investor a thoroughly characteristic American city of industry, thrift and enterprise, combining business, education and a social life. The municipal government is in the hands of a noble body of men, who are continually devising new means of adding to the name and fame of the city. She also shows an array of public and municipal utilities that is surpassed by that of no other city of its size. It has paid fire department and excellent police force, both of which are well trained and give the most satisfactory service in the protection of life and property. There are nearly fifty miles of streets, many of which are paved or macadamized. There are twenty-one miles of sewers. The water service is fine, the supply being obtained from the hill and mountain region north of the city, and is practically inexhaustible and of the greatest purity. The post office is one of the most important in the state, and the rapid increase in postal receipts during the past few years is a good proof of the city's growth. The Western Union and Postal Telegraph companies offer fin accommodations in this field, while the local telephone service is one of the cheapest and best in central New York. Electric street cars cover the entire city and vicinity, affording interurban connections with Fonda and Johnstown. The Nathan Littauer hospital and the Gloversville Free Library are fine examples of the cosmopolitan nature of the city's institutions. The property valuation of the city is placed at about seven millions of dollars and the funded debt three hundred and sixty-six thousand. House rents are surprisingly low, ranging from five to fifteen dollars, while board and room cost from three dollars to four and a half. Taxes are not excessive when compared with those of other manufacturing cities, and the skilled labor of mechanics, carpenters, masons and other trades is always in good demand.

The advantages of the healthy, quiet and orderly community are more than manifest in the absence of the criminal associations of a great city, and these advantages appeal to the wage earners as well as to those who have invested large sums of money in manufacturing enterprises where success and certain gain are dependent upon laborers who should be and are contented with their surroundings.

BELLIS & KLEIN. - Dealers in everything that enters into the manufacturing of gloves and mittens, Gloversville, N.Y. The establishment mentioned above is one of untold importance to a place like Gloversville. It is one of the indispensable business concerns of the place. Founded four years ago by Messrs. Bellis and Klein. In that short time it has come to occupy and enviable place among the business institutions of the city. These gentlemen deal in everything that enters into the manufacture of gloves and mittens, and as they handle non but standard supplies of all kinds their goods are in very active demand in the community.

A. V. QUACKENBUSH.- Manufacturer of gloves, 51 East Fulton street. This is one of the largest and most important manufacturing concerns in the city, giving employment to eighty people and aiding materially in the rapid growth of the city's prosperity. It is an old plant, having been established in the year 1857. It has, however, kept abreast of the onward march of progress, and today is a modern and up-to-date plant. Its business is to manufacture gloves, making specialities of automobile gauntlets for men and women. Formerly this concern also made mittens, but there were finally given up, to make room for the greater demand of gloves, The products of this industry are sold only to jobbers, and it has as its customers some of the largest buyers in the country and goods are shipped everywhere.

MUDDLE & MUDDLE. - Dealers in all kinds of insurance and real estate. (Successors to David H. Tarr.) No. 9 South Main street. Telephone call No. 2181. The general insurance and real estate business conducted by Messrs. Charles W. and Frank L. Muddle is on e of the leading reliable offices of the city. It was established here fourteen years ago by D. H. Tarr, from whom the present firm purchased the business 41/2 years ago. These gentlemen represent twenty of the best fire insurance companies of the world, and also write life, sickness, accident, liability and plate glass policies. Besides insurance they also deal in the real estate, performing all the functions appertaining to the sale, purchase, exchange or rental of the same. They are excellent business men and hold an enviable high standing for sterling integrity and close attention to business.

J. FOSTER, SR. - Dealer in groceries, etc., No. 220 Kingsboro avenue. Telephone connections. This is one of the old established grocery houses of the city, having been in successful operation for the past fifteen years. All this time Mr. Foster has been at the helm, directing the business with an eye to the complete happiness and contentment of the many customers who trade with him. His knowledge of the business is one of practical training, acquired by hard labor and diligent application to every detail of the trade. The stock carried comprises everything in the line of fancy and staple groceries, fruits and vegetables in season. A specialty is made of the Hotel Astor coffee. Baker's steel cut coffee, 35 cents; Matchless brand coffee, 25 cents. All goods are kept in the most orderly manner and the display presented to the customers is one that cannot help but attract the least observant. The business transacted requires the services of two clerks and a delivery wagon, which is put into commission to carry orders to any and every part of the city.

B. CRAMER. - Manufacturer of cigars, No. 21 Bleecker street. This gentlemen is the successor to Thomas Vili and came into the management of the business in June 1906. All told, the place has been established for about five years, and one of the most enterprising factories in the city. Mr. Cramer is a hustler in his line and has advanced the trade threefold since his appearance on the scene of action. He is an expert and experienced cigar maker himself and engages in his employ only the best hands at this particular trade. Consequently he turns out some of the best flavored cigars in Fulton county; cigars that have a taste and a bouquet and send a thrill of delight and unbounded satisfaction down the spinal cord of the man who really desires "to smoke." Among the specials may be mentioned the L & V, 10 cents, "596," "Brown Buck," "Uncle Dudley" and B.C. 5 cent cigars.

K. C. HENGEN. - Choice of groceries. No. 202 Kingsboro avenue. Telephone (Glen) no. 2888. A fine assortment of canned and bottled goods is always found in the stock of Mr. Hengen. His reputation for keeping the best of everything is so grounded among his numerous customers that they have the greatest faith in every article that comes from his store. All are groceries of choicest quality and recommend themselves. The store occupied is finely equipped and fitted up with elegant fixtures, comparing favorably with any similar retail store in the city. Mr. Hengen has been in the business for about one year and the trade has learned to appreciate his goods. Orders are taken and delivered with due promptness, there always being a wagon on hand to deliver to any part of the city or suburbs. Mr. Hengen makes a specialty of grain in small or large quantities.

RICHARD E. LOEBEN. - Florist and landscape gardener. Greenhouse at No. 356 North Main street. Telephone connections. Mr. Loeben has been a florist and gardener all his life. In fact, he was brought up in the business, the result being that now, having been established as a retail florist for some time nine years, he is looked upon by the good citizens of Gloversville as the most experienced and best equipped man in that particular line of trade. All these things added together give Mr. Loeben a certain prestige in the city, which he is at pains to retain and to increase. Mr. Loebens' plant is a large one, taking in three greenhouses and covering three (3) acres of ground. The finest cut flowers may always be had at a moment's notice, carnations and roses, and violets especially. No better display of beautiful flowers can be seen anywhere in the city. Mr. Loeben takes a well earned pride in his success, as his untiring efforts are ever appreciated by the customers. In addition to the flower trade Mr. Loeben is a landscape gardener of high ability and some of his designs are unsurpassed for their beauty and symmetry. Two men besides himself are employed and no fault is ever found with the conduct of the business. Special attention is given to wedding and funeral work and floral decorations for parties, suppers, church entertainments, dances, balls and the like.

HENRY A. SMITH - Groceries and provisions, hay, feed and wood. Telephone No. 2161. The above concern opened its doors to the trade in 1888. Mr. Smith has been established in this street and building for about eight years. The store has always met with a most encouraging patronage and has on its list of customers some of the leading families of the city. Mr. Smith is thorough business man, up-to-date in his methods, and gives his business the closest personal attention. He carries a full and complete line of all kinds of groceries and provisions, which are warranted to be of the best quality and strictly fresh. He makes an extra specialty of hay, feed and wood, which articles he sells at the most reasonable prices. The store is a fine large one and two clerks are engaged, as well as two business wagons used for delivery of goods.

BERFHOFF'S CASH MEAT MARKET. - No. 117 West Fulton street. Telephone No. 2812. Fred Berghoff is one of the chief meat cutters of Gloversville and as such has gained a wide reputation for serving to his many customers the choicest cuts that can be had from any market in the city. His place of business is conducted on a strict cash basis, which eliminates all the petty tricks of the trade which merchants are liable to resort to when an over abundance of public confidence is allowed to be the mainstay and chief means of subsistence. The market is itself is a neat and attractive place, well furnished and equipped with all the essentials of the meat cutting trade. The stock is always fresh, as Mr. Berghoff has installed an up-to-date refrigerating plant and electric machinery for making his celebrated bologna, frankfurters and sausages, which are known everywhere. After five years of establishment in the city he feels that his trade is one of the finest and most select. Four assistants are employed and goods are delivered promptly.

THE KINGSBOROUGH. - The leading hotel of central New York, C. P. and C. S. Worman, proprietors. This is the leading hostelry in Gloversville and it is strictly first-class in every respect. It is nicely located in the most desirable part of the city. It has one hundred and five guest rooms. Each on and outside room, open to air and sunshine, supplied with steam heat, hot and cold water, electric lights and a telephone. Forty-eight of the rooms are connected with baths. The hotel has its own electric plant, developing electricity for lights, elevators and other machinery. The furnishings throughout are elegant and substantial, the beds being an especial feature of the house. The office and dining rooms are light, cheerful and attractive to an extent not often found, and the cuisine is second to that of no house in the country, run on the American plan. The building is as nearly fireproof as any building in the world. There is a farm operated in conjunction with The Kingsborough, containing one hundred and twenty-five acres, from which its supplies are obtained. There is also a fine furnished and completely stocked care where the standard brands of wines, liquors and cigars are retailed. This hotel was built by the merchants and manufacturers of the city and is an institution of which the city is justly proud.

L. C. KILMER. - Cabinet maker and general repairer in woodwork, No. 17 South School street. This gentlemen conducts a cabinet and repair shop at the above address and has been established in the business for himself for about one year. The shop has been in existence for the past twenty years and was formerly known as Burr & Kilmer. Mr. Kilmer makes a special feature of stairs, mantels, sideboards and various other articles of furniture. Contracts are made with carpenters and builders for the putting up of scaffoldings and riggings, both interior and exterior, for the work to be thereafter carried on. Mr. Kilmer has four experienced men in his employ and all work contracted for is done with the utmost skill and promptness.

CY. S. COLLINS. - Koal, wood and real estate, corner Broad and West Fulton streets. Telephone connections. This gentleman enjoys a reputation in Gloversville that is hard to beat. He has been established here for the past 28 years, for all of which time he has been transacting a lad office business in koal, wood and real estate. The best koal to be obtained comes from Mr. Collins' yard, from which place it is carried to any destination upon receipt of order, in any part of the city with out extra charge. Orders for wood from Mr. Collins' pile are subject to the same treatment, and no better wood can be found in the city than this now under discussion. Mr. Collins is also a real estate agent of some considerable name in the city. He handles properties, buys and sells land, and looks after estates with greatest care. Two assistants are employed with him in the conduct of his varied interests and the management of affairs runs along without a single hitch in any particular. He has a number of men in his employ.

THE CITY FLORIST.-- F. W. Wilson, manager, No. 31 North Main street. Telephone call No. 3301. This is one of the recently established concerns in the city and most conveniently located, being next to the Family theatre. But this does not mean that its proprietor, Mr. Wilson, is recently established in this business. On the contrary, the better part of his life has been devoted to the florist and nursery lines. For a number of years he was located near Detroit, where he raised seeds, trees, etc., successfully on a plot of about two hundred acres. He has been located here since August of the year 1906 and has become very popular for his expertness in his different lines. He furnishes designs of flowers and cut flowers for all occasions, making a specialty of funeral designs. He deals in choice fruit, nut and ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, plants, roses, bulbs and seeds, wholesale and retail. The decorations of halls and churches and all kinds of landscape gardening are also his specialties. He has a beautiful store and a fine stock of vases, jardinieres, fern dishes, flower pots, fertilizer, seeds Rallia reeds, etc. Try this place when in need of something in these lines.

FRANK A. PATTEN. - The grocer, No. 289 North Main street. Telephone No. 2118. This well known grocery store has been looked upon by the citizens of Gloversville for the past thirteen years as one of the chief trade conveniences of the city. The store was formerly conducted by Mr. H. Lenz, the management, however, having been taken over by the present proprietor about three years ago. As a grocer Mr. Patten is a decided success. His terms are cash and credit and his goods are the best. His store is abundantly stocked with a full and complete line of staple and fancy groceries, canned and bottled goods of every description, teas, coffees, spices, butter, lard, flour, cigars, tobaccos, etc. Ever has Mr. Patten made it a point as a business man of giving his patrons that which will send them away satisfied and glad that they have given to him their custom. Orders are called for, filled and delivered. The trade transacted requires the attention of four clerks and one delivery wagon.

FELLOWS, THE PIANO MAN

GEORGE A. FELLOWS.-- Dealer in pianos, organs, phonographs and musical merchandise, No. 37 North Main street. Mr. Fellows has been established in business in Gloversville for the past three years, and has had an experience in the business that covers a period of over twenty years in various cities. Before locating at his present stand he was formerly located at No. 57 North Main street, but in July of 1906 moved into the present larger quarters and today stands at the head of any enterprise of its kind in the city. The premises occupied are of ample dimensions to afford a fine display, the lower floor being devoted in part to pianos, organs, phonographs and records and other musical merchandise and sheet music, of which a very large assortment or all kinds is carried, a specialty being made of all the latest "hits." The second floor is devoted to a mammoth piano salesroom and is tastefully arranged, and here is generally carried in stock from 30 to 50 instruments. In this department many demonstrations are given of the tone value of the many fine makes of pianos carried. Mr. Fellows has made the study of musical merchandise a part of his nature and is always willing himself, as well as his assistants, to render to prospective purchasers the best advice pertaining to a choice of whatever article they may select.

MITCHELL & THOMAS. - Manufacturers of clothing, hats and furnishings. Store, No. 10 North Main street. Factory and office at Utica, N.Y. This firm does an extensive wholesale and retail business and has been located in Gloversville for a number of years and its importance increases as it becomes more firmly entrenched in the confidence of the public. Its affairs were directed by Mr. I. H. Howe for many years, and nine years ago Messrs. W. W. Mitchell and J. G. Thomas became its proprietors. R. L. Thomas is the local manager, a good business man, and well fitted for this work. A fine line of clothing of all kinds is carried and the quality of all goods handled is uniformly standard. Gents' furnishing goods and hats are handled and their line in these goods is most popular among the best dressed men in town. They have the agency for the famous Youngs hats and Winthrop Lion Brand shirts and Corliss Coon collars. The enterprise for them the success which they so well deserve.

W. H. LENZ'S CREAMERY. - No. 289 North Main street. Telephone connections. This gentleman, who has been established in business in this city for the past fifteen years or longer conducts one of the finest and most progressive butcher shops in Gloversville. His market is fitted up in the most modern manner and is calculated to attract and to hold the attention of prospective purchasers. A splendid refrigerating system in operation and all meats are kept fresh and wholesome throughout the year. Mr. Peck is a meat cutter of remarkable ability, having been connected with the trade for a large number of years. The trade transacted requires the attention of two employes besides the proprietor, while the numerous orders that are taken and must be delivered with promptness necessitates the retention of two teams. In addition to the general meat trade, Mr. Peck also makes sausages and steams prunes, both of which are widely known for their delicious flavor.

THE OLYMPIA RESTAURANT, QUICK LUNCH. - No. 3 South Main street. The proprietor of this well known lunch room is a man of hustling proclivities, who has fitted up his eating apartments of the king's taste. It is a pleasure to enter such a pleasant dining room as is presented to the hungry man at the above address. There are tow floors to the restaurant, both of which are furnished in the richest style. There are thirteen tables in all, each seating four persons. These are on the second floor. The lunch counter is on the first floor, and this is fitted up with a long counter and five separate tables. The meals are always well cooked and deliciously served. The prices are nothing to be afraid of. The restaurant is open day and night. A full course dinner for twenty-five cents is the specialty of the house. Cigars may be had at the paying counter.

THE EUREKA SILK MANUFACTURING CO. - Office and salesrooms No. 9 West Fulton street, Gloversville. N. Y. The Eureka Silk Manufacturing company is one of the oldest and largest establishments of its kind in the city. It has been doing a large and constantly increasing business in this vicinity for a great many years. Mr. J. S. Shiner, the manager, is a man well known with the trade and is recognized as a most successful manager for the company. This company make a specialty of manufacturing high grade spool silk, made from selected stock and colored with strictly pure dyes for glove manufacturers. This office does a strictly jobbing business and sells direct to the glove manufacturers. Their mills are located at Putnam, Conn., New London, Conn., and Canton, Mass. The company's main office is located in New York and has branch offices in Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, St. Louis, Cincinnati, San Francisco, and Gloversville. The business done annually by this company is enormous. Being represented so widely, they command practically all the states of the Union. The quality of the silk which they produce is unquestionably the best, as is attested by their enormous sales. A large number of hands are employed at the company's mills, which are equipped with the latest improved machinery.

W. E. WARD. - Grocer, No. 110 North Main street. Mr. Ward opened his business in this city some five years ago at No. 227 North Main street. From there he removed about a year ago to the present location, where he enjoys larger and better facilities and conveniences for the management of the large custom which he controls. The new store has been excellently trimmed and furnished throughout, with ample shelf space for the stocking of the large line of canned and bottled goods which Mr. Ward always keeps on hand, besides the best of everything in the matter of staples and fancy groceries, flour, teas, coffees, spices, vegetables, fruits in season, cigars, tobaccos and bankers' supplies. The business done requires the services of four employes and two delivery wagons. The clerks in the store are always polite and courteous, treating all customers with deference and consideration. Orders are taken, filled and delivered without any unnecessary ado and satisfaction is guaranteed with every article that leaves the store.

F. A. COOK. - Optician, No. 83 North Main street. One of the most interesting and fascinating professions of today, and one that carries with it a burden of responsibility on account of delicacy and importance of the organ treated, is the profession of the optician. Mr. Cook, whose address is given above, is one of the few men to whom the care of one's eyesight may with perfect security be trusted. He has had a fine business training and long experience, and his record in this city is one to be proud of. He has a very fine office equipped with all the latest and most modern instruments. Give him a trial if your sight troubles you and you will be surprised and pleased at the extent of his knowledge about the eye and his skill in treating it.

JOHN LERCH - Manufacturer of fine cigars, No. 34 Bleecker street. Telephone connections. The brands of cigars manufactured by Mr. Lerch and his able assistants are unequalled by any "smokes" in the county. Mr. Lerch has been established in Gloversville for about three years and a half and has achieved a reputation and a success of which he may well be proud. Originally he came from the state of Nebraska, is an excellent man, a pusher in every acceptation of the word. He conducts a finely equipped factory at the above address. Besides his own makes he handles the leading brands of cigars or others and does a large amount of shipping. Among the specials may be mentioned the "J. L. Perfecto," the "Mildo" and "The Silver Dream." The business done requires the services of five employes.

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