Back in the Day: Clark Brothers Glove Factory

About a century ago, J.H. Clark, an upstate New York “pioneer silk glove manufacturer” in retirement, offered sage advice to his sons, Robert and Alfred, when they decided to branch out on their own.

“Well boys,” he said, “if you are going into business, go into it right – on a big scale and with everything the best you can get.”

The “boys” must have got it right, because the company they started in 1920 would operate in Glens Falls for nearly 50 years.

 

Clark Brothers Glove Factory, circa 1920. Photo courtesy of The Chapman Museum.

 

When they started out in 1920, the brothers explored potential locations around the region and determined that Glens Falls was the best place to build their factory that would have state-of-the-art equipment and modern conveniences such as drinking fountains throughout and a recreation room with a piano for employees to play in their off hours.

Elmer J. West and members of Glens Falls Chamber of Commerce made their best pitch to Robert at a luncheon Jan. 13, 1920 at the Glens Falls Country Club.

There was great celebration about a week later when Robert announced that construction would start Feb. 1 on the three-story building at the corner of Hudson Avenue and Elm Street, the building that is now The Mill apartment complex.

“About 500 persons will be employed when the plant is first put in operation, and it is expected the number will be later increased to 700,” The Post-Star reported.

The factory would manufacture silk gloves in seven or eight grades and silk cloth for wholesale to underwear manufacturers.

Raw silk was imported from Japan.

During World War II the company would manufacture cotton tricot mosquito netting for the U.S. Army.

A preliminary $500,000 cost estimate in 1920 was easily exceeded, with equipment alone costing $450,000 – the equivalent of $6 million in 2019 dollars, and the building costing more than $300,000.

The announcement set off a housing development boom in Glens Falls as management estimated as many as 125 additional homes or apartments would be needed for skilled workers that would move from outside the area to take jobs.

“No expense is being spared in making the entire structure a most desirable place to work,” The Post-Star reported on July 17, when the Clark brothers announced they were accepting employment applications from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at the School Street entrance. “The structure will be absolutely fireproof, sanitary in every way, cool in the summer, warm in winter and there will be an abundance of light.”

 

Clark Glove Factory, circa 1930. Photo courtesy of The Chapman Museum.

 

Keeping with their father’s admonition about doing business “on a big scale,” the brothers celebrated the opening with a grand dance and euchre card party for employees and community guests on Nov. 20.

Bishop’s Orchestra of Fort Edward provided music for dancing.

The management passed out souvenir favors – miniature glove boxes filled with chocolates to women and miniature glove boxes filled with cigarettes and a pack of matches to men.

Elizabeth Scannell was hired as forewoman of the sewing machine room and Eleanor Wells of the boxing department. Simon Miner was hired as chief of the mechanical department.

Scannell would supervise the sewing department for many years. In February 1941, 35 employees threw a dinner party for her birthday at Fitzgerald’s restaurant, presenting her with gifts of cosmetics set and a corsage. In February 1942, 40 employees threw a dinner party for her birthday at Fitzgerald’s.

Alfred Clark sold the company to Vanity Gloves of New York City in 1957, shortly after the death of Robert in 1956.

Vanity Gloves sold the company in 1959 to Premiere Gloves of Fultonville, in Montgomery County, which moved the operation to Curran Street in Glens Falls for a decade before going out of business in 1969.

In the 1960s and ‘70s, Embassy Shirt Makers, a different garment company, operated on the second floor of the Elm Street and Hudson Avenue building before closing its operation in 1977. 

Gateway Department Store operated on the ground floor.

Adirondack Scenic, now known as Adirondack Studios, a theater and theme park set company, operated at the building in the 1990s.

Developer Bruce Levinsky led an investment group that bought the building in 2007, renovated it and added three stories and a roof-top penthouse for apartments.

Mark Paquin and Mark Rosen bought the complex in 2017 and have been renovating vacant commercial space into additional apartments.

 

The Mill Apartments at the former Clark Brothers Glove Factory.

 

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Sources: The Post-Star Jan. 14, 20, March 5, May 15, July 17, Nov. 20, 22, 1920; March 18, 1926; Aug. 2, 1940; Feb. 27, 1941; Feb. 25, 1942; May 6, 1970; Dec. 8, 1977; The Glens Falls Times, May 16, 1969.

 

Maury Thompson was a reporter for The Post-Star for 21 years before he retired in 2017. He now is a freelance writer and documentary film producer specializing in regional history. Thompson is collaborating with Snarky Aardvark Films to produce a documentary about Charles Evans Hughes and the Adirondacks, which is expected to release in 2020. See the trailer here.

 

The Weekender: November 29-December 1

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope yours was filled with the people, pets, and pies that you love the most. What are you up to this weekend? Whether you’re Black Friday shopping, decorating the tree, or extending the Thanksgiving holiday a bit longer like we are, we hope it’s a good one. Here are a couple of things to get the holidays started right:

 

 

First Look: Birch Bark Eatery

 

 

Remember those signs promising a Donut Diner downtown? Turns out it was the popular Birch Bark Eatery behind it all! They just recently opened in their new location on Ridge Street after moving from their previous spot in Queensbury, and we were thrilled to check out the new space, sample some old favorites, and taste the donuts, of course. Their entire menu is filled with everyone’s favorite comfort foods - all vegan - and all delicious. We were excited catch up with owner Tania Sharlow to see how they’re settling in downtown and hear a bit more about how it all got started.

 

 

What inspired you to get into the restaurant industry?

I’ve always been in the restaurant industry. And I say restaurant loosely because I don't consider Dunkin Donuts (where I started out) really a restaurant, but I have worked in kitchens before. I just love the environment, the atmosphere, the crunch for time, you know, the “get stuff done” mentality. And then the satisfaction of creating something people then enjoy and are grateful for. That’s the payoff for all of it.

When I knew that I wasn’t going to do Dunkin Donuts anymore, I knew I wanted to stay in the industry, but I didn’t quite know how.

So how did it happen?

A lot of things came into play that seemed like the universe just kind of working for me. I got hurt at work. That was kind of the universe pushing me in the right direction, into doing my own thing. I found a small spot that I thought could work and I knew at least if we gave it a go there and it failed, we wouldn’t be losing everything. But if it was great and it excelled, we’d have nowhere to go but up.


How did the name Birch Bark come about?

Where I'm from, which is about three hours north of here, there's a little tiny bookstore called the Birch Bark Bookstore and it was just part of happy childhood memories. It initially popped into my mind because it's catchy, but the more we talked about it, with it being something from my childhood that has meaning, it just fit.

 

 

ON BEING VEGAN

What prompted you to transition to a vegan diet?

It was just something that was happening in our family. My youngest daughter decided to become vegetarian, and my boyfriend and I decided to support her. We all stopped eating as much meat, and around the same time I saw a horrific video of what happens to chickens, and I get emotional every time I think about it. I didn’t want to put my energy into that. I’m big on energy. Wherever your intention flows, energy goes. And I didn’t want to be a part of that anymore.

So, how do you take yourself out of that? Well, you stop spending your money on it, because that is your energy, and then you start putting your energy into things that fight it - so, veganism.

Have you found there are any misconceptions about being vegan?

There is of course the idea that vegans only eat grass and sticks, or more seriously that we only eat salads, which just isn’t true. We want home cooked comfort foods as much as we want chia pudding and the things that we know are good for us.

What was the easiest thing (or the hardest thing!) about transitioning to a vegan diet?

For myself personally, the easiest thing was just giving up the meat because there are so many good substitutes out there when you’re craving something like that. You can have a buffalo chicken patty that doesn’t have chicken in it, and now you can have a Beyond Sausage - which tastes better than the real thing I think. Beyond Burgers are amazing. There are a lot of amazing things that, if you get a craving, you can fulfill it with those.

The hardest thing was cheese. Along our process, we were vegetarian first and subsisting on omelets and cheese for a long time. So to drop that, when it was a significant part of our diet, we asked ourselves - what do we do now? And unfortunately, the vegan cheese was not always as tasty as the real thing.

It’s nice to have so many options out there now! What do you make of more fast food restaurants catching on - for example, the Impossible Whopper at Burger King or the Beyond Sausage Sandwich at Dunkin?

I think that all of it is amazing. Whatever pushes vegan plant based diets to the forefront and lets people know that it is becoming more mainstream is amazing. We talk about Dunkin Donuts and their new signs that say “Plant Based, Great Taste” - so you know, they’re doing my advertising for me now!

Things are changing fast. Restaurants are scrambling to add these things to their menus. Development in fast food typically takes a while, and it seems like we’re seeing things popping up on the menu faster than ever. Now is the time.

Have you seen more and more people being open to trying vegan food in your experience here?

Absolutely. I'll draw upon a situation that happened a few days ago… We had two men that came in wearing full camo gear and were obviously just coming in from hunting. They sat down, and I was a little bit nervous wondering if they knew they were in a vegan restaurant. People don't always know when they walk in here, and some people don't realize until they start reading the menu! The one gentleman mentioned to the server that this was his favorite restaurant and he brought his friend to try it. When I walked out to check on them, the guy said, “actually, everything's really good!” in this way that was like he couldn't believe it.

We don’t care where you came from, we just want to share great food with you and change minds one mouth at a time.

Any suggestions you’d give to someone transitioning to a vegan diet?

Definitely Beyond products, and definitely Impossible products. A lot of people say they can’t tell the difference between an Impossible Burger and a real beef hamburger. And definitely some of the things that we make! We’ll change your mind about vegan cheese. We’ve learned how to season it, melt it, and make it taste better than you’d expect.

 

 

ON THE MOVE

How did you decide to make the move downtown?

We knew we needed more space, since every weekend our tables would be packed. We’d been thinking about it for a while and had our feelers out since April of this year. We were looking at things as they came up. When we found this space, it actually coincided with our one year anniversary, so we decided to surprise everyone. We made up an excuse that we were going to have an anniversary party, but that we invited so many people that we had to rent someplace bigger for it.

And then we moved the restaurant in 10 days and reopened it, which took a small army of very dedicated people working around the clock.

Did you make any changes to the space?

We mostly painted. It took a lot of painting. We kept what we had and added a little flair of our own, and we’ll continue to add to it as we have time!

What’s one of your favorite things about the new space?

I just love the vibe of being downtown with people walking by. We love that folks now have the ability to just pop their head in to check out the space and say hello. And we love the feeling of being more a part of the community.

 

 

ON THE MENU

Did you have any changes to the menu with the move?

We added pizza! There was a pizza oven in the space when we moved in, so why not? We’re a nice compliment to folks already offering that, but we make it “Birchy”.

Haha! What’s Birchy?

A little over the top. You know, like onion rings on your pizza.

Any other fan favorites?


Cauli bites, avocado fries, or the ultimate Grilled Cheese - it’s like a cheese stick sandwich!

We overheard a group saying they came from Albany - sounds like you have folks coming from all over?

Oh yes. We’re a destination. Vegans will travel for good food. I’ve done it myself!

We’ve met people who have driven up from New York City to have lunch and dinner here, and they spend the night and then come back for breakfast in the morning. It warms my heart every time I hear somebody planned a trip around what we do here.

How do they find out about you?

A lot of social media. That's something that vegans are really on top of. When they find good vegan options, they want to get it out there and continue to normalize it. Our guests have been our best marketers and cheerleaders.

 

You can find Birch Bark Eatery at 21 Ridge Street in Glens Falls, and check them out online here.

 

 

 

The First Look series is made possible by O’Brien Insurance Agency.

Your hometown insurance agency, they offer car, home, commercial, and life insurance (and lots more). O’Brien shops the best rates for you, often saving you money and getting you better coverage (and they make it super easy to switch to them if you’re considering a change!). Most importantly, they’re local people who are always there for you when you need them. Grab a free quote here. By the way, they also love to support our community (which we love too!). You can learn more about their group O’Brien’s Angels and find ways to give back here.

Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living!

My Glens Falls: Christy Alexander

This week we’re chatting with Christy Alexander! You’ve most certainly seen her around downtown, at WorkSmart, or even in this recent Times Union article! Read on to find out which downtown stores she frequented as a kid (which were probably your favorites, too!), some treasured memories made raising her children here, and her go-to lunch spot when she steps away from her desk.

 

 

Tell us about yourself!

Hi! I am Christy Alexander. I own WorkSmart, a coworking and meeting space in downtown Glens Falls, but my most treasured role is mother to my three children. When I am not spending time with my children or with the community members at WorkSmart you’ll find me running, biking with friends or paddle boarding on Lake George.

On Life in Glens Falls

I grew up in this area and raised my family here. With so many parks and playgrounds within walking distance, seasonal events like the Adirondack Balloon Festival and its proximity to Lake George, Glens Falls has been a fantastic place for my family to grow up. I now have a home in Queensbury where I am close enough to ride my bike to work and I can be on the lake in less than twenty minutes!

One of my favorite things about Glens Falls is its walkability. When I was younger, I would walk downtown to Woolworth’s and the Boston Candy Kitchen with my great grandmother. Now, being located in a walkable city is a great asset for those of us building our businesses within WorkSmart. Walking has become an important part of our workdays, whether to grab lunch, go to the bank or just gain a fresh perspective on our business projects.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

My perfect Glens Falls day? First, it would be a warm, summer day. I would begin with a run through the city streets and along the Feeder Canal path ending at the Glens Falls YMCA where I would swim a few laps. Next I would head over to join the buzz of activity and conversation at WorkSmart. We would celebrate a win that resulted from a collaboration between members and get caught up in sharing visions for success in our latest ventures. My family will then meet me for lunch on the patio at Doc’s Restaurant. We would spend the afternoon on Lake George swimming and playing around on our paddle boards and kayaks. Following an afternoon of hot sun and fun on the water we would finish the day together with dinner at Siam Thai. I love their fresh rolls and pad thai!

On the Past

My most treasured memories in Glens Falls include time spent with my children. There was never a shortage of activities offered for children and families at the Hyde Museum, the Chapman Museum and the neighborhood schools. In the summer we often walked to Crandall Library, biked to Cooper’s Cave for ice cream and had picnics at the playground in Crandall Park.

In the winter I always looked forward to bundling everyone up on the evening of the first snowfall. We would take a walk through the crisp, white, newly fallen snow as flakes continued to fall on our faces. When the children were young, they were pulled on sleds and when they got older, we were dodging each other’s snowballs.

On the Future

I recently visited the Chapman Museum’s “Building Stories” exhibit, and I was struck by the vitality of the streets in old photographs of Glens Falls. It’s an energy that is coming back to our little city. You can see it in the new restaurants and boutiques, you can see it in the investments being made to bring old properties back to life, and I hope to be part of this revitalization by bringing together the talent and energy of entrepreneurs and independent workers downtown at WorkSmart.

If I could wave a magic wand, I would wish for continued momentum in downtown Glens Falls. The store fronts would be filled with interesting shops and open into the evening alongside the restaurants. This may seem like a dream but there are a lot of great people in the region who are working to make this happen, so I wouldn’t bet against it.

 

 

Thanks Christy!

P.S. See more of our My Glens Falls series here.

Road Trip: Ballston Spa, NY

 

 

We breezed through Ballston Spa this summer while we were out and about and couldn’t help but notice the great energy downtown. We immediately made a mental note to head back down with some more time to explore the charming business district and admire the beautiful architecture throughout the village, and we’re so glad we made it happen this past week. We were thrilled to see the village bustling with activity, from shopping to coffee shops to bakeries and restaurants - and we couldn’t recommend it more for a little weekend day trip. You’ll most definitely need more than a day to eat and shop your way through town, but read on for a few favorites that we stumbled across while we were there.

 

 

EAT + DRINK

 

 

Two Birds Marketplace: With sunshine streaming through the windows and the smell of house made baked goods in the air, this is the type of place you’ll want to sit and enjoy for a while. The cozy seating nooks throughout pretty much guarantee it, too! Our muffin and scone were perfection, and we had our eye on pretty much every thing else in the bakery case, so chances are we’ll be making a return trip sooner than later. The perfect place to start your day!

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Nomad Coffee & Crepes: An awesome spot for an afternoon pick-me-up, Nomad has the best of both worlds - coffee and cocktails! And crepes too, by the way, which we can’t wait to sample next time. Two thumbs up on the coffee from Tom, and even though I’m not a coffee drinker, the super friendly crew sold me on a chai latte and it’s safe to say I’ve got my new go-to. Delish! Looking forward to checking out the cocktails next trip.

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Iron Roost: Lots of light, exposed brick, and all of the waffles your little heart desires - Iron Roost is a must for breakfast or lunch (or both!). With savory and sweet options, not to mention vegan and gluten free options too, there’s truly something for everyone. We went with savory for lunch and loved the Happy Harvest (did we mention it’s an open faced waffle sandwich?!), and we were eyeing the neighboring table’s sweet dishes as well - the Very Berry and Apple Crisp are happening next time for sure!

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Next Door Kitchen & Bar: With a fantastic atmosphere and an amazing menu, Next Door will definitely be in regular rotation for date night from here on out. The Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts were a favorite, as well as the Hand Rolled Gnocchi and the Wild Mushroom Risotto. And how could we forget the Cider Donut Bread Pudding?! Don’t miss it.

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SHOP

 

 

Stone Soup Antiques Gallery: With an antique shop at every turn, Ballston Spa is a fantastic spot for treasure hunters. Stone Soup has been a favorite of ours for a while, and with two floors and over 40 dealers, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to peruse. If you’re in the market for larger pieces, be sure to check out the Ballston Spa Antique Center on Milton Ave - they’ve got furniture galore and lots of fun smalls, too.

 

 

Front Street Home: If you’re into the modern farmhouse aesthetic, this is your place. A perfect blend of antiques and vintage with updated decor and art - you’ll want one of each. We were smitten by the desk above repurposed as a bar cart / wine rack, along with the farmhouse tables throughout. And if you’re in the market, they offer interior design as well!

 

 

Boho Chic: Beautifully curated with goods from over 40 New York State artisans, this is the place to shop if you’re looking for a unique gift and looking to support small local artists and businesses. A win-win! With a little bit of everything - adorable tea towels and totes, pottery, fine art, and more - you’ll want to add this to your list for sure.

 

 

The Bundle Store: The sweetest store for little ones, we found the perfect birthday gift for our nephew at The Bundle Store (and maybe a couple of Christmas gifts, too!). With a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly products, this was right up our alley. Bonus - they have classes for new moms, including Tummy Time and Baby and Me Yoga.

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Until next time, Ballston Spa! If you’ve got any other favorites we should add to our list for next trip, we’d love to hear!

P.S. Check out more in our Road Trip series here.

 

 

 

THIS ROAD TRIP WAS FUELED BY STEWART’S SHOPS.

Fueled up at the Ballston Spa Stewart’s while we were in town and couldn’t help but notice the friendly reminder at the gas pump that it’s Egg Nog season (Tom’s favorite!). We’re holding out until after Thanksgiving, but come Friday, you can bet Tom will be heading back to pick some up.

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT GLENS FALLS LIVING.

 

How We Help: Tri-County United Way

Simply put, communities don’t succeed without people helping people. The backbone of any successful community relies on the collective efforts of many, and in particular, of those who lend a hand to those in need. We’re pleased to kick off a new series titled “How We Help”, featuring organizations around our region that are passionate about helping those who need it most. We caught up with Duane Vaughn, Executive Director at the Tri-County United Way to learn more about what they offer and the latest on how they’re making a positive impact. 

 How does the Tri-County United Way Help? 

Tri-County United Way is an organization dedicated to helping people. We work to improve lives and make a positive impact in our communities by raising resources, both monetary and volunteer. We strive to do this through collaboration with others; encouraging volunteerism, and resolving community problems through identifying and communicating our community’s priority issues.

 

Right to left… The Tri-County United Way Team - Kristen Chlopecki, Chris McKenna, Duane Vaughn, Joan Prouty, Kathy Tolstrup, and Joanna Sheridan

 

Let’s talk about your team… who are they and what are their roles?

Kristin Chlopecki is our Director of Resource Development. Kristin fosters our giving programs, is a liaison for our various workplace campaigns and organizes events and our Community Investment Committee.

Chris McKenna is our Business Manager. Chris gives full time effort in her part time position making sure that proper oversight and management of all fiscal responsibilities here at the Tri-County United Way. Chris came to us with a wealth of experience in non-profit business management and makes sure that every donation is treated with critical responsibly. 

Kathy Tolstrup, our Director of Community Engagement, started with us the first week of September of 2019. Kathy is currently working on creating an efficient system for connection to volunteerism through the United Way.  We have set lofty goals in supporting volunteerism in our community and we are already making wonderful connections between our business community and local service agencies.

Joanna Sheridan is our Director of RSVP.  Joanna is part-time and has two part-time support staff to coordinate volunteer opportunities for those over 55 years of age and provides medical transportation.

Joan Prouty is our VITA coordinator in Washington County. Joan’s ability to train volunteers in tax preparation and execute the VITA program has saved our local community thousands of dollars in tax prep fees and has been a tremendous asset to so many.   

For those who may not be familiar, what are the most important things you would like people to know about The Tri-County United Way?

The Tri-County United Way works with the community to identify need. From our beginnings in 1923, we have strived to identify what are the most important issues in regards to the Health, Education and Financial Stability that affect our most vulnerable. When those needs are identified, the Tri-County United Way works with local agencies to support programming to solve those issues.   

What makes TCUW unique in terms of the services it offers?

TCUW has been a trusted organization for community members to contribute to multiple community programs through one source. By giving through the Tri-County United Way, local agencies and the programs they provide can concentrate on their missions instead of spending valuable resources and time on fund development. The Tri-County United Way funds local agencies and initiatives through our allocations or investment committee. This is a committee of 22 local volunteers that carefully reviews all requests for funding and insures that all donations are treated ethically and responsibly. Community members also have the option to donate through us by a company employee campaign. Employees can elect to have an amount that they choose to come directly out of their company pay check to the United Way or to the agency that they would like to support.

Who are your member organizations? How do you help them?

Our member agencies are Adirondack Samaritan Counseling Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks, Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties Domestic Violence, Family Service Association, Greater Glens Falls Senior Citizens Center, Nearcare, The Salvation Army, Glens Falls Corps, and the The Senior Center of Kingsbury and Fort Edward.  We also serve dozens of other local agencies through our donor designation program. These agencies are supported not only in monetary donations but through volunteer recruitment and in-kind services.

 

A few of the TCUW member organizations and the TCUW team… Max McDonnell, Kingsbury Senior Center, Kim Bren, Glens Falls Senior Center, Kathleen Hanchett, Nearcare, Kim Sopczyk, Family Services Association of Glens Falls, and Megan Bohan and Sonya Scally, Board Members, Adirondack Samaritan Counseling Center, Bill Moon, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks.

 

Where do donations go?

Donations stay in our local, tri-county community.  Funding for our partner agencies are for specific requests to fund projects that have a positive impact in our community.  Whether it is a specific Tri-County United Way project or a program of our funded agency partners, every dollar is carefully vetted and given responsibly.  After donations have been received, our Allocations Committee spends many volunteer hours reviewing requests and makes those hard decisions on how the funding will be allocated.  This is a tough decision to make because the community ask is typically more than we have raised. We will continue to work hard until all programs to help those in most dire circumstances are funded to the fullest.

TCUW also offers several programs that make a direct impact on community members, can you briefly describe them? 

“Stuff the Bus” is a weekend program that the Tri-County United Way and Community Work and Independence (CWI) combine with the assistance of Price Chopper and many other supporters to help supply 20 local food pantries with much needed food supplies. The event takes place every first week in November at the Price Chopper on Upper Glen St. in Queensbury. Shoppers can buy ready bagged $5 and $10 food supplies or purchase/drop off their own items and donate them outside the store in the CWI bus.

This year we are happy to report that we collected over 8.3 tons of food, nearly doubling our results from last year. We are grateful for our partnership with CWI, and the collective efforts of 42 businesses, 65 food collection sites, and over 105 volunteers impacting 20 regional food pantries. And most especially all of the many community individuals who donated to the cause! A full listing of the organizations who sponsored, volunteered, and hosted collection sites can be viewed by clicking here. Thank You!

 

Just a few of the volunteers at this year’s successful Stuff the Bus event…

 

Kids with Packs program is a program that has really take off.  With the support of the Post Star, Target, Robert Nemer of Nemer Ford the Tri-County United Way we are able to purchase backpacks and fill them with needed school supplies for less fortunate children in local school districts get the start they deserve beginning every school year.   This year we were able to stuff 568 backpacks for children k-4th grades in 17 schools in 9 school districts.  We distribute the packs with supplies directly to the schools and to the teachers that have identified those in need.  Our local teachers have been a huge help in this process and have come up with very creative ways to get these packs to the children so that they are not singled out in any way.  We are always looking for more support for this program and our goal is to make backpacks and school supplies available to all children in need in all of our Tri-County service area and to make sure our wonderful local teachers are not spending their personal funds and time making these purchases.

VITA or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is a program that runs throughout locations in Warren, Washington and Northern Saratoga Counties.  VITA, through a large volunteer program, provides free tax preparation for anyone that has an income of $55,000 or less.  Last tax season, we executed over 2000 tax returns at no cost to the community. This year we hope to continue to increase that total and will be opening a new site in Glens Falls.  I was a volunteer tax preparer last year on Monday and Tuesday nights and I can attest by first-hand experience that it is a truly wonderful volunteer opportunity. We hope to increase our number of volunteers and are currently seeking more community members to get involved.

Swim United and the United Way Holiday dinner are two programs where we partner with the Great Escape.  One day a year the Great Escape graciously allows us to bring in over 100 area youth that may never have the ability to use the water park for the evening.  The United Way Holiday dinner is completely provided by the Great Escape and their staff. Dozens of Great Escape staff member volunteer an evening to provide a complete holiday sit down dinner for over 120 individuals and family members that may not have the means to provide a holiday feast. The Great Escape has gifts and activities for the children and Santa and Mrs. Claus are always in attendance.

RSVP or Retired Senior Volunteer Program is housed in our offices and provides projects for volunteers that are 55 and older.  RSVP provides medical transportation for community members in need and many other programs like Osteobusters.

211 is a United Way initiative where if someone is in need of various social and human services, they can simply dial 2-1-1 and be connected to a live operator 24 hrs a day 7 days a week to be directed and connected to the service they may need.  Some of those connections may be homeless services, heating assistance and food insecurity to name a few.

What does the future hold for the TCUW? 

One of the great things for the Tri-County United Way is that like all 1400 United Way’s around the world, we are built to change with community needs. Our goal is to do our best to identify and work towards solving local problems through partnerships with community agencies.  We look at the challenging issues that are at the core of communities and support the programs that are working to improve these circumstances in real time. The key is to keep fighting for the Health, Education and Financial stability of our community no matter what barriers present themselves.   

How can people help? Volunteer? Donate?

The best way to donate or volunteer is to go to our website at www.tricountyunitedway.org. You can also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and of course Facebook.

 

 

The Weekender: November 22-24

Hope you’ve had a great week! It’s hard to believe that we’re only a week away from Thanksgiving, but we’re definitely feeling the holiday spirit sneaking up on us. Other than deciding what pies we’ll be baking next week, here’s what caught our eye this weekend…

 

 

 

 

My Glens Falls: Rachel Meacher

This week we caught up with Rachel Meacher! We were psyched to hear she’s just opened a new cycling studio downtown (which we need to try out before we overload on holiday desserts!). Read on to find out her go-to picks for dinner and a cocktail, a favorite workout (other than cycling!) and the one thing she’d like to see in Glens Falls in the future.

 

 

Tell us about yourself!

My name’s Rachel, and I’m the owner and instructor at the newly opened Kind Cycling Studio in downtown Glens Falls. I’m a wife, mother, world-adventurer, avid cyclist, group exercise instructor, and personal trainer. You may recognize me as your waitress from a handful of local restaurants, or maybe you once took my class at the Glens Falls YMCA. Every spring and summer I offer a free community HIIT class on the bandstand in Crandall Park. This year will be its tenth year running! 

On Life in Glens Falls

I’m originally from a small town in the Hudson Valley region, but Glens Falls has been my home since I graduated in 2007. As a newcomer to the area, I instantly fell in love. It’s such a charming little city, with the kindest people around. I’ve tried living other places — my husband and I have lived in the Virgin Islands and Costa Rica. Even paradise doesn’t compare to good old Hometown USA. We love our apartment on the outskirts of downtown. We have great neighbors and are just a short walk away from everything we love to do. 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

My perfect Glens Falls day? That’s a tough one! I’d kick off my day with my Rise & Kind class at 6AM. It’s such a feel-good way to start the day! After class, I’d get my coffee fix at Spot or Spektor, followed by breakfast with my family at Juicin’ Jar. I love that they offer light, healthy options! I’d digest a little before heading over to the Cool Insuring Arena to run the stairs. If you’re looking for a really good workout, that’s my other go-to. A walking membership is only $10 a year! After that, I’d take my 5 year old son, Atlas, to the library. He loves the playroom and the super friendly library staff. We’d pick some books for him to read in the bike trailer, before heading up the bike path for an easy afternoon ride. After all that exercise, it’d be Mikado on my mind. My husband and I love their new space and the awesome sushi! Last stop would be at the Park Theater for a nightcap at Doc’s restaurant. The “prescription” cocktails are unique and delicious. Sipping on one at the candlelit bar makes me feel just a little bit more glamorous.  

On the Future

If I could add anything to the Glens Falls area, it’d be a health-oriented grocery store like the Healthy Living Market or maybe a Whole Foods. One of our daily activities includes a trip to the grocery store; often in which we have to drive to Saratoga to find what we’re looking for. I’d love to keep those dollars more local. 

Oh, by the Way…

Thank you for taking a moment and allowing me to introduce myself. I hope you’ll become one of the Kind, and join me for a ride soon! To check out my class schedule, class descriptions, or reserve your ride, you can visit www.KindCyclingStudio.com. You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram!

 

 

Thanks Rachel!

P.S. Check out more from our My Glens Falls series here.

The Weekender: November 15 - 17

Happy weekend! How was your week? Kinda chilly, eh? This is about the time of year Tom and I start discussing the fact that I need to learn to ski - otherwise I’ll be hibernating by the fire until April. But I digress - here are a few things that might just get us away from the fireplace this weekend:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

P.S. Looking for a Sunday drive this weekend? Head to Cambridge for amazing donuts, great shopping, and a local craft beer - check out our travel guide here.

…and if you need some date night inspiration, see our First Look at Craft on 9 here!

First Look: Craft on 9

 

 

Have you been to Craft on 9 in their new location downtown? We were so excited to check it out for the first time a couple weeks ago, and our jaws just about hit the floor when we walked in. The new space is absolutely amazing, and no detail was overlooked in the (12 month!) renovation. From the cozy lounge, high-tops, and bar in front, to the booths and mezzanine seating in back, it’s definitely a place that makes you want to linger a little longer over their fantastic food + drink. We were lucky enough to catch Chef Rob Murphy and his mom, Maria to hear a bit more about their renovation and move, some favorites from their menu, as well as some background on how it all began.

 

 

SOME BACKGROUND

Chef Rob, we’d love to know - what inspired you to become a chef?

Rob: I grew up with all of my grandparents being great home cooks. Watching them was fun, especially my grandfather Jim Murphy. I also was homeschooled by my grandmother from grades 7-9 and traveled with my family’s furniture business “Cottage Crafts”. We ate out a lot at very cool and unique restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner - sometimes being away from home for 4 weeks at a time. Seeing different cuisine from all over the country was very inspiring.

How did Craft on 9 come about?

Rob: I learned just about everything I know from Chef Shawn Whalen from Bistro Tallula (RIP). He gave me the tools I needed to be a successful chef/owner from the day I started working for him up until the point where I opened Craft on 9, which was five years. With my love for the community of South Glens Falls, when I heard that the former Luisas Italian Bistro had closed, I thought it could be a perfect spot to finally have the restaurant I had always wanted.

Maria: My husband Jeramie and I knew how much Rob wanted his own place. We had some financial availability to help with that, and along with Jeramie’s abilities in building we decided to take the leap of faith to help our son live his dream.

How did you decide on the name?

Rob: I wanted to focus on everything being handcrafted - from the food, cocktails, and of course, craft beer. I thought the simple but bold name “CRAFT” was catchy and then added the “on 9” to give it a “homey” feel as Route 9 pretty much runs through the center of all of our lives around here.

 

 

ON THE MOVE

We’re so thrilled to have you here downtown - how did you decide to make the move to Glens Falls?

Rob: It was a combination of it being a much better location with more seating, and the chance to have a new fresh breath of air with a space that will be maintained and kept up well by my new landlord Chris Patten.

How have things been at the new location? Settling in nicely?

Rob: We are settling in GREAT! We have just about quadrupled sales from the last restaurant. People seem to be enjoying it, as we’ve been sold out every weekend. We also have many private parties booked and have already done at least a dozen. We’re seeing a lot of the same faces plus many new regulars.

What kind of feedback have you gotten from customers on the space? 

Rob: We have been welcomed to the neighborhood for sure! Everyone has been super great to us and seem to be excited that were closer to the majority of the population.

What's been the biggest advantage to having the new space?

Rob: Definitely the prime location and being able to seat 140 customers. The last location had a very dilapidated parking lot - it’s nice to have the Pavilion parking lot right next door also.

What's your personal favorite thing about the location in GF?

Rob: My personal favorite thing is and was being able to design this space from the ground up, with my parents and landlord Chris Patten. Also just the whole building being beautifully renovated, and the soon to be South Street project underway is very exciting.

Maria: The space, the people!! Glens Falls feels very alive and it’s inspiring!

 

 

ON THE TEAM

Sounds like it was a group effort to get all of the renovations done... how does it feel now that that's behind you?

Rob: It feels great! We had the best team ever while designing and building this place…my parents and I (who did the majority of the work) couldn’t have asked for better help than we had. Tons of people gave up extra time out of their days on the regular, such as my brothers, my uncle Matt, girlfriend Morgan, best friend Hank, and even some of my employees would come and help on their days off. The amount of help we received was incredibly overwhelming, and we are super grateful to everyone that lent a hand as the project STILL took 12 months.

Maria: Throughout the winter and spring it became difficult to stay motivated and there were times we lost sight of the light at the end of the tunnel, so it feels very good to be done and exciting to see guests enjoying the space as much as we hoped they would. 

Amazing! You mentioned your employees - how many do you have on board now?

Rob: We now have 18 employees, and I really do have the best employees. My new GM Bill Dingman and my Sous Chef Shawn have been killing it and really taking a huge load off my back, along with Bartender Joe and Chef Bill Nash who came with me to this new space from the old space. These guys have made training all of the new employees at Craft an absolute dream. I even got to hire my mother Maria full time…it feels great to be able to do that.

Yes! We noticed "Mom's Office" inscribed on the door upstairs..what's Mom's role?

Rob: Mom keeps all of the things that you don’t really think about while being a chef nice and glued together. She is basically my human resources person and accountant. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.. cooking really good food is the easiest part of owning your own place.

Maria: I’ll help wherever I am needed, but the main responsibilities will be anything to do with keeping the lights on and the employees paid. And decorating - my favorite thing to do in this amazing space!

 

 

ON THE SPACE

Speaking of the space - what was the most fun part and / or biggest challenge with the renovation?

Rob: The most fun part was definitely seeing and working closely alongside my parents for countless hours even though it wasn’t exactly what most people would call fun. I enjoy spending time with my family. The biggest challenge for us was working our normal full time jobs in between it all.. also I hate tile now.

Maria: The most fun part was when we started gutting and opened up the space to find the beautiful potential this old building had and to freely create and design the space. Another fun part of remodeling was when I built the bar back. Using the old shiplap flooring we found and the old Exit 17 highway sign we had made. It was one of the first of our designs to be finished. The most challenging part was balancing family time and the renovations. Working full time jobs and renovating in between. And the project taking 366 days!

Any fun surprises that came about during the renovation? 

Rob: There were many surprises during the demolition part, which was to be expected in these old buildings. Countless layers of flooring installed through multiple decades - and apparently some people just poured concrete over problem areas back in the day!

Maria: All of the brick, high tin ceilings and the words Hotel Rolluf Glens Falls we discovered written on the I-beam on the front of the building. So much history and beauty.

Now that you’ve been through it, any recommendations you would offer to anyone looking to dig into a major renovation?

Rob: If it’s in an old building, allow yourself much more time than you think you need.

Maria: Do what it takes to stay motivated and work past the hard because in the end hard work will pay off.

Any favorite unique details in the space?

Rob: We got to use all of the old shiplap flooring from the 1800s that was in the now dining room on the front and behind the bar - gives it a real nice touch. Also, I got to hang my great grandfather “Bud” Scoville’s original “M.C. Scoville Jewelers” sign above my kitchen.

Maria: I love the huge old doors dividing the bar lounge from the dining area. I am also loving my office area as we added that floor to the mezzanine plan where it was originally just open space. My amazing husband found a way for me to be there rather than the basement!

 

 

ON THE MENU

All the regular favorites are still there... any plans on adding anything new? 

Rob: Yes! Now that the train is rolling nicely and all new employees are well trained on how we do things here, we will start running more specials and change a few of the menu items to go along with the seasons.

How would you describe the menu to someone from out of town?

Rob: It’s hard to describe it honestly..when people ask what kind of menu I have, I tell them “it’s really whatever I feel like cooking”. It’s nice not being limited to one thing like Italian or Mexican. We have some American, Japanese, and lots of European dishes.

You've got about a dozen local brews on tap... how often do you rotate them?

Rob: Often! We never get two kegs of the same thing back to back and very rarely does one keg even make it through one work week.

What's your favorite dish to prepare?

Rob: My favorite thing on my menu is the Ramen for sure.. it’s also the most difficult to prepare but its just sooo good.

We can’t wait to try it. We’re so excited to have you downtown!

Maria: We are so excited to be a part of the growth downtown is experiencing!

 

 

Thanks Chef Rob and Maria - we’ll see you again soon for sure!

P.S. Reservations are recommended (they’ve been busy!) - you can grab all of their info and check out their awesome menu here.

 

 

——————

Hungry for more? We’ve featured a few other downtown restaurants here!

 

 

 

The First Look series is made possible by O’Brien Insurance Agency.

Your hometown insurance agency, they offer car, home, commercial, and life insurance (and lots more). O’Brien shops the best rates for you, often saving you money and getting you better coverage (and they make it super easy to switch to them if you’re considering a change!). Most importantly, they’re local people who are always there for you when you need them. Grab a free quote here. By the way, they also love to support our community (which we love too!). You can learn more about their group O’Brien’s Angels and find ways to give back here.

Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living!

 

My Glens Falls: Jeremy Deason

This week we caught up with Jeremy Deason! He and his wife Cassie were among the first friendly faces we met when we moved to Glens Falls years ago. Find out what brought him here, what he loves about working downtown, and his go-to brunch and pizza spots (a couple of our favorites!).

 

 

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Jeremy Deason, and I am an Account Executive at Associates of Glens Falls Insurance. I live locally with my wife Cassie and our seven year old twins. I’m on the Glens Falls School Board, am a coach in local youth recreational sports, and I volunteer for both the State Basketball Tournament Committee and the YMCA.

On Life in Glens Falls

I was born in Michigan and grew up in Atlanta, GA, but attended college in upstate New York. I met my wife (a Glens Falls native) in college, and I always enjoyed coming to visit the area. After living in Massachusetts after college, life intervened, and we moved back to the area about 10 years ago. We love this place, love that we have four seasons, and love the community. Glens Falls has pride and grit, things you don’t get in a big city, and traits we are happy to have ingrained in our kids. We are also so lucky to live in a neighborhood where we walk to school every day. Even better, the kids can head outside and, at any moment, be playing with a number of kids, all within a few blocks. I am also fortunate that my "commute" is about a mile, and I really enjoy working downtown. It's rewarding to be a part of a locally owned business (look for the clock!) that has been in Glens Falls for over 50 years and is an active part of our community. One thing I've become aware of working downtown is that if you only go downtown on nights or weekends, you wouldn't know that a bustle and flow really does exist during the weekday days. It's refreshing to work in an area that is both busy and inviting at the same time.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

A perfect GF day could be any time of the year, but since it's the fall, it would probably start with a Rec Soccer game in the morning, playing with neighbors or a bike ride, and then dinner at Raul's followed by a drink or two at Fenimore's (or sitting at the outside fire pits at The Q). For breakfast/brunch we love Kelly's Roots, and you can’t beat a pizza for dinner and seeing friends at Talk of the Town! Crandall Library is also a must visit for us most weeks.

On the Past

While I didn't grow up here, many Glens Falls moments have become a part of my life. One of my favorite times of year is the State Basketball Tournament. Having played basketball in college in New York, so many people talk with such fond memories of coming to our community for those few days, and remark how welcoming Glens Falls is. It feels much better that it’s back in its rightful place this year.

On the Future

Selfishly I'd love a place to have a good deli sandwich downtown, but overall, it's nice to see downtown transforming each day. I truly do feel like good things are happening.

We have friends and family who live in places like Washington, DC, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, and while it's great to visit with them, we wouldn't trade Glens Falls and Hometown USA for the world. I'm incredibly grateful that Cassie and I met in college and we ended up here to settle and raise our family.

Thanks Jeremy!

P.S. Read more of our chats with Glens Falls neighbors in our My Glens Falls series here.

Road Trip: Cambridge, NY

 

 

If you love charming small towns, great food, and afternoons spent browsing antique shops, then we’ve got a road trip for you. Just a 45 minute drive from Glens Falls sits the lovely village of Cambridge, NY and it’s one of our go-to weekend day trips. Read on for some favorites from our recent jaunt, and if you go - don’t forget your appetite…and an empty trunk for all of your newfound treasures.

 

 

Eat + Drink

 

 

King Bakery Donut Cart: The most delicious donuts and pastries served fresh out of an old Freihofer’s wagon - need we say more?! Every Sunday morning a line forms at the beloved King Bakery Donut Cart parked at the end of the driveway at 108 West Main Street - and take it from us, it’s worth the short wait (which goes even quicker chatting with friendly folks in line!). The glazed are an absolute must, and you might as well grab some scones, danish, and good old fashioned cinnamon buns while you’re there too.

 

 

Round House Bakery Cafe: [Update as of March 2021: Round House Bakery Cafe has closed] A frequent stop for us when we find ourselves in Washington County, Round House is a cozy cafe reminiscent of an old country store. You’ll find some amazing sweet treats in the bakery case and cookie jars, but you’ll definitely want to linger for a sandwich (the Mediterranean is a favorite of ours). Of course, don’t leave without a ginger spice cookie (or three!).

 

 

Argyle Brewing Co. Tasting Room: Around the corner from the Cafe, a cold beverage awaits in an old train depot! While we love enjoying the picnic tables and fresh air in the summer, the charming interior of the depot is cozy and welcoming in the cooler months - and they’ve got a great lineup of music coming over the next couple of months as well.

See, Do + Shop

 

 

Cambridge Valley Farmers Market: Another great reason to make your trip on a Sunday (in addition to the King Bakery Donut Cart) is the Sunday Farmers Market. During the warmer months you’ll find the vendors on the lawn in front of the Argyle Brewing Co. Depot Taproom, but this time of year it’s held in the Lovejoy Building across the way - a charming barn behind Hubbard Hall. While we wanted one of everything, we left with a delicious baguette from Earth Sky Time Community Farm (because you can never have too many carbs).

 

 

Battenkill Books: The type of bookstore that everyone would want to have in their town. Friendly and warm, with a fantastic selection of bestsellers and classics alike (and children’s books, too!). We love giving books as Christmas gifts, and this will be the perfect spot to do some shopping while supporting a local independent bookstore.

Also - did you know that this bookstore has been continuously running (albeit with different owners and names) in Cambridge for 35 years?! Amazing.

 

 

Valley Artisans Market: We’re always thrilled to see a vibrant and talented arts scene in the towns we visit, and Cambridge was no different. The Artisans Market (located alongside the Round House Bakery Cafe) is an arts cooperative with a fantastic spectrum of hand-crafted work on display, including oil paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and so much more. The perfect place to shop for a unique holiday gift!

Antiques

 

 

Blacksmith Antiques: Absolutely filled to the brim with unique finds, it’s exactly the kind of place you’d see on American Pickers (which somehow always seems to be on tv at our house). We’re looking forward to coming back with a bit more time to peruse the aisles of old bottles, books, paintings and prints, “smalls” and so much more. A hidden gem, for sure.

 

 

Cambridge Antiques Center: With a little bit of everything spanning two floors, we always love to pop in here to see what’s new. From the ever popular blue and white ginger jars and chinoiserie lamps to beautiful antique furniture, lighting, and rugs, there’s something for everyone (and there’s a decent chance you’ll spend the afternoon!).

 

 

Jack’s Outback Antiques: Right next door to Cambridge Antiques, don’t miss Jack Metzger’s Gallery and Antiques. One of the best parts about browsing for antiques is hearing the stories behind them, and Jack, the owner, always has the story at the ready. We love the old signage here, as well as Jack’s one of a kind sculptures.

 

 

Hubbard Block: Just down the street from the Cafe, don’t miss Hubbard Block for antiques, folk art, and country collectibles. With a fantastic selection of seasonal items, this is a perfect stop as we head into the holidays. You won’t want to miss the Christmas room - plenty of antique and vintage ornaments and decor to get you in the spirit.

On our list for next trip: We’re looking forward to catching a performance at Hubbard Hall next time - check their events calendar here to see if something is playing while you’re in town!

Also, we can’t wait to see what Lakota’s Farm has in store next year - we had the most wonderful evening at one of their Farm to Table dinners this past summer, and we’re sure they have even more great events up their sleeve on their beautiful property in 2020!

Until next time, Cambridge! If you’ve got any area favorites we should add to our list for next trip, we’d love to hear!

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Our Road Trip series is fueled by Stewart’s Shops.

The gas gauge on our Wagoneer is stuck on full, so we fill up with gas every couple of hours. We’re always on the lookout for a Stewart’s to fuel up with non-ethanol, and lucky for us, there’s one right in Cambridge. Couldn’t resist grabbing a coffee for our morning stroll through the village, too.

Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living.

 

The Weekender: November 8-10

Happy weekend! We’re holding on to these golden views, but word on the street is that the first snowflakes are set to fly tonight. Can’t say we’re ready, but there’s also no denying the excitement that comes along with those first few flurries of the season - so we’ll go with it :) In addition to cozying up by the fire this weekend, here’s what caught our eye:

 

 

 

 

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

P.S. Are you following us on Instagram? We’re doing a giveaway with Darling Doughnuts that you won’t want to miss - check it out here!

Back in the Day: A Warrensburg Housewarming (with Marilyn Monroe!)

The “economical house for the average American family” that Virginia MacAllister of Warrensburg won in 1949 had an above average guest list at the house-warming party, including actress Marilyn Monroe.

The 23-year-old Monroe, whose real name was Norma Jeane Mortenson, was just three years into her career as an actress, model and singer at the time.

 

L-R: Marilyn Monroe, actor Donald Buka, Photoplay Editor Adele Fletcher and Virginia MacAllister pose in front of the “Dream House” in Warrensburg that MacAllister won in a national jingle writing contest. Photo Courtesy of The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library.

 

“Ladies of the Chorus,” Monroe’s fifth film, had just been released in February, and “Love Happy” was in production.  

MacAllister, a widow with a five-year-old son, Rusty, was winner of the Photoplay magazine “Dream House” national contest to write the best jingle to promote the economy of a prefabricated house, or an “industrial engineered bungalow” as the National Retail Lumber Dealers Association, the contest sponsor, called it.

An industrial engineered home could be constructed 1,540 labor hours versus 2,079 labor hours for a convention home, saving about 10 percent on the total price.

The lyrics and tune of the jingle seem to have been lost over time.

MacAllister, the winner out of 265,000 entries, received a free house and furnishings built at a location of her choice – a one-acre plot on James Street in Warrensburg, two blocks from the Warrensburg school and two blocks from the business district.

“I’m in a state of coma. I’ve got to catch my breath,” MacAllister said, when informed that she won. “Is it true, really true?”

Actresses Claudette Colbert, Joan Crawford, Shirley Temple and director Mitch Leisen, along with “engineers from all over the country,” consulted on the design of the L-shaped, two-story house which, at 5-year-old Rusty’s request, included a basement.

Griffin Lumber of Hudson Falls constructed the house, and Union-Fern, a retail furniture chain with a store in Glens Falls, furnished the house.

Monroe and three male actors traveled with the magazine’s staff and publicists via special rail car from New York City to Albany, and then on to Warrensburg via automobile, to present the house keys to MacAllister in a ceremony on June 21, 1949, which about 500 people attended.

WWSC radio of Glens Falls audio-taped the ceremony for broadcast on 500 Mutual Radio Network stations nationwide.

“Lon McAllister, the young actor who will soon be in ‘The Story of Seabiscuit,’ was very impressed with the Dream House,” The Post-Star reported. “He remarked that he particularly liked the large windows with their beautiful view of the Adirondack Mountains.”

The other actors were Don DeFore and Donald Buka.

The story of how MacAllister came to be a home owner could easily be a Hollywood movie plot itself.

“This is a story of big hearts,” said Jackie Neben, a writer for Photoplay.

The Rev. Douglas MacAllister of Trenton, N.J., Virginia’s husband, died in 1945 from polio.

Virginia moved with her young son to Warrensburg, her hometown, to live with her parents and work as a camp nurse in summers and ski instructor at Gore Mountain in  winters.

About five years after winning the house, she remarried, sold the house and moved with her new husband to New York City.

She wrote 30 published novels and wrote soap opera scripts for “The Guiding Light” and “The Young and the Restless” – writing under the names Virginia McDonnell and Virginia Barclay.

Son Rusty grew up to graduate the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

As of 1979 he was living in California.

——————

Sources: The Post-Star, March 9, 31, May 9, June 20, 22, Oct. 11, 1949; Dec. 26, 1979; Dec. 15, 2006; Warrensburg Historical Society; IMBd.

 

 

 

 

Maury Thompson was a reporter for The Post-Star for 21 years before he retired in 2017. He now is a freelance writer and documentary film producer specializing in regional history. Thompson is collaborating with Snarky Aardvark Films to produce a documentary about Charles Evans Hughes and the Adirondacks, which is expected to release in 2020. See the trailer here.

My Glens Falls: Lisa Boucher

This week we chatted with Lisa Boucher! Read on to find out why the City Park bandstand is so special to her (the sweetest story!), what inspired her to get into the field of Human Resources, and what hobbies keep her busy when she finds some spare time.

 

 

Tell us about yourself!

Hi - My name is Lisa Boucher and I am the HR Director at Double H Ranch as well as Vice-President and Co-Owner of Women in Networking Connect, Inc. (WINC). WINC is a social and professional networking group of women empowering women. Our mission is to offer women a place to connect, share and grow. We are true believers in empowering each other and “strength in numbers!” Our passion is to inspire and empower women to pursue their true passions in life.  

My hobbies include teaching Tae Kwon Do classes and women’s self defense classes for over 20 years as part of Murray’s Family Martial Arts in Hudson Falls.  There is something about empowering a woman to feel she can protect herself or her family that I cannot begin to describe. My husband and I also truck and tractor pull together and travel all over New York State and have gone as far as Ohio to compete!  I just love the noise of a big motor and the excitement of the competition! I also love the freedom of traveling in our motorhome and stopping at places along the way to just camp out for the night.  

My life’s passion has been about empowering others to live their best lives and be the best they can at whatever their heart leads them to. I got into Human Resources as I saw it as a way to help employees be more productive and happy at work, while at the same time helping the organization retain and coach good employees for longevity. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone succeed and be happy coming to work every day. It’s ironic that I ended up at Double H Ranch as my cousin was one of the very first campers there and I feel like I’m able to give back to an organization that gave so much to our family. (I don’t believe in coincidence though - I believe everything happens for a reason!)

When my closest friend and business partner, Cristine DiCaprio, approached me at about starting WINC I was all in. To provide a way for local business women to connect and thrive through an all women’s networking group was really exciting to me. Being able to impact local small businesses and families through such a fun and inspiring venture has been so rewarding and I cannot begin to list the amazing things we’ve seen happen through this group.

On Life in Glens Falls

I was born and raised in South Glens Falls and have always loved the Glens Falls area. We have some fun city events, like plays at the Wood Theater, concerts at the Cool Insuring Arena, the Adirondack Balloon Fest, as well as amazing countryside to tour and live in. It’s really the best of both worlds in my opinion!  

I live in Kingsbury with my husband Jeff, and our 4 rescue kitties, Buddy, Maggie, Jack and Chloe. My husband and I both have chosen to live and work in this area because we love the change of seasons and the diversity of the area. Our families also still live in the area and we love to be near them and spend time with them. I cannot imagine living more than 15 to 20 minutes away from my parents!

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

A perfect day in Glens Falls to me would start with breakfast at The Exchange Cafe, hitting the local farmers market, lunch at Samantha’s Cafe, shopping the great local shops downtown, and then ending the evening with a great country concert at the Cool Insuring Arena with dinner at Davidson Brothers! (I may like to eat just a little too much and there are so many great places downtown it’s hard to choose just one!)

On the Past

One of my fondest and favorite memories of Glens Falls is Christmas Eve 1998. My husband and I had been dating for about a year and he knew I just love to see the band stand at City Park all lit up for Christmas. After an evening of family parties, he stopped downtown on Ridge Street at about 11 p.m. and told me to get out of the truck. I thought I’d done something wrong but did it anyway even though it was super cold and snowy out! He took my hand and led me through the snow to the bandstand and stood me in front of the Christmas tree. He then handed me a box and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was the most romantic thing ever!

On the Future

I cannot imagine anything I’d change about living in the Glens Falls area! It’s why we’ve chosen to stay here all these years! I have to say that seeing the city come back to life over the last few years has been so awesome. The vibrancy and diversity that we are seeing happen makes me happy to be a part of the community. I cannot wait to see what else is to come!

Thanks Lisa!

P.S. Check out more of our My Glens Falls series here.

Hockey Town: Conor Riley

Had a blast catching up with and getting to know Adirondack Thunder Forward Conor Riley as we gear up for another couple of home games this weekend. Read on to learn more about his small town beginnings, a unique experience on the ice at Fenway, some great advice from his father, and his thoughts on who's shaping up to be the big competition this year.

 

Conor Riley (Photo: Andy Camp)

 

On the Past

What inspired you to play hockey? How’d you get started?

Growing up it was pretty much my father. He had played college hockey actually in Plattsburgh. He went overseas for a little bit, and he played over there. So growing up it was kind of a family thing.


Also, I’m from a small town up north [Massena, NY] where there were a bunch of rinks, so it was a community thing, too. People would always go skating, and it was easy to get on the ice. My dad would take me and my two sisters skating all the time. Actually, it all started as my sisters were in figure skating. My dad put me in that too and said it would be good for hockey down the road. It’s really good for your edge-work.

You played at the University of Maine at Oreno - how was that for you?

I was playing junior hockey in Boston, and I got recruited by a few universities and when I went up to the University of Maine, I just fell in love with it up there. It just had that small community feel and it was a strong hockey team as far as being nationally ranked. So I did an official visit there, left the visit, and called the coach right away to say that I would commit there. It was nice because it’s a good sized university, but it still has that small town feel.

How about the seafood?

Even in our dining halls, every now and then they’d bring in lobster - that was nice!

 

Conor Riley (Photo: Andy Camp)

 

Did you have a favorite team growing up?

Growing up I was always a Devils fan. My Dad was a Devils fan, so I just stuck with that. Zack Parise was definitely one of my favorite players growing up.

How about a favorite hockey memory?

I would say one of the coolest moments was my sophomore year at Maine, we played one of those outdoor games at Fenway Park. We used the Red Sox locker room and all. It was a unique experience to play in a stadium like that. And mid-way through the second period we had to stop for a lightning delay. We had to get off the ice in a hurry!

On the Ice

What do you love most about being on the ice?

I think the biggest thing is just being able to go out and compete. You can go out there and it’s just you vs. that other guy. The physicality of it, the speed of the game, I think that’s always something that really drove me to play hockey - it’s just a fast paced game with a lot of contact.

Also, the camaraderie with the guys. It’s easy to get along with the hockey guys. The whole team aspect. It’s a big team game and you never feel like you’re secluded, so that’s what makes hockey pretty fun.

Do you have any superstitions or pre-game routines?

Not really. More just a basic routine. Get to the rink. Cup of coffee. Meeting. Warm up. Play a little soccer with the guys before which is always fun. I say talk to a goalie, they definitely have their superstitions!

 

Conor Riley (Photo: Andy Camp)

 

On the Season

Thoughts on this season so far?

Record wise, a good start - we’re tied for first. We’re lucky to have two really good goaltenders that have stolen us a couple of wins. I think we’re still trying to figure out our team identity a little bit - it’s always tough to get into that team chemistry right away. It takes time, and right now we’re in a good spot. It’s always good to have a really good start to the season. To be racking up those wins is huge, but I think we still have room to grow as a team.

Any rivalries this year?

Looks like Worcester is going to be that team this year. With Manchester out of the league, you end up playing your divisional rivals at least four or five more games per year, which adds up. It seems like Worcseter is going to be a team that’s pretty physical and could be a big rivalry.

On the Next Generation

Any advice you’d like to share for up and coming players?

I think people spend time worrying about what team they’re on, what line they’re on, who they’re playing with, how much ice time they get. But I’d say the biggest thing to worry about as a player would be - at the end of the year, if you think you got better, then that was a successful season. Too many people worry about all the ins and outs, but if you’re getting better every year, then you’re going to find yourself where you want to be at the end of the day.

That and the other thing that my dad taught me growing up is that it’s hard for coaches and scouts to cut you if you’re the hardest working guy on the ice. So always work to be the hardest working guy on the ice and make it tough for teams to release you. Everyone recognizes the guy going the hardest.

How about words of wisdom for folks just learning to skate?

I’d say right away - you’re going to get frustrated. You’re going to fall a bunch. You might not last long out there, but it’s like riding a bike, you’ve just gotta get back on until sooner or later you start catching on to it. Skating is a unique thing where you’re definitely going to hurt yourself a couple of times, but you’ve just gotta keep getting back up.

On Glens Falls

Favorite place to grab a bite after a game?

There’s really not a bad spot to eat! We bounce around a lot - Mikado, Downtown City Tavern…

How do you unwind on your days off?

I like to read a lot - it doesn’t matter if it’s non-fiction, fiction. Lately I just like to sit down and read, which is kind of new because in school, the last thing you want to do is read those books. I’ve really started to enjoy reading on my own time.

Also, my sister lives down in Kinderhook, and she has a daughter and newborn son. It’s great because on my days off I can go down there, and that’s a big reason I love playing here. Traveling with hockey, it can be tough to find time to see family, but with my sister and brother in law and two kids nearby, it’s nice to go down there and see them and relax, so that’s a huge bonus of playing here. My whole family is really important to me. I really can’t say enough about them. They’re the reason I’ve been able to play and keep on playing.

 

Conor Riley (Photo: Andy Camp)

 

 

Two games this weekend - Friday and Sunday! Grab tickets here.

P.S. Who wouldn't love to meet a superhero? Join the Thunder for great family fun on Sunday, November 10th at 3pm. The one and only Spiderman will be there for a pre-game meet and greet! Four pack specials are available and you can grab all the details here.

 

The Weekender: November 1 - 3

Happy weekend and Happy Halloween! Hope you’re staying dry and enjoying all of your favorite candy - we’re sneaking a few Twix and Snickers in between trick or treaters ourselves :)

With all of the leaves coming down tonight, raking is definitely on the agenda this weekend, and here’s what else looks good…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

P.S. If you’re up for a Sunday drive this weekend, we shared some favorites from a recent trip to Bennington here.

First Look: A New Home for Grey Ghost

 

 

Many have grown to know and love Grey Ghost Bicycles over the years, so we’re thrilled at the opportunity to share the latest from the guys - Dan, Paul, Steve, and Niles, which just so happens to include their awesome new home on Lawrence Street. From some background on how they got started, to their favorite rides, and the transition to the new space, read on to hear more from Grey Ghost.

 

 

How did you catch the cycling bug? Why do you think it stuck? 

Steve: For me, it may have been watching the Olympic Road Race in 1984. Watching Alexi Grewal outsprint a much faster Steve Bauer to win the gold medal really lit a fire in me for the sport. I always liked the freedom that riding provided me and still does to this day. 

Niles: I fell in love with cycling when I was around 11 or so. I would ride my bike through Gansevoort, sometimes for transportation, but mostly for something to do. Ever since, I have been on two wheels for enjoyment.

 

Steve Fairchild & Niles Gagnon at Grey Ghost

 

For beginners… what’s the best way to get more involved in the sport?

Steve: Pedal your bike! Biking to cycling can be a different thing to different people and one in the same to others. It may be a 100 mile century ride, a mtb adventure race, a local group ride, or simply a cruise on the bike trail. There is a great support system locally for all types of cycling and a wealth of information as well.  

Niles: To start, find something you’re interested in. Not all that love cycling do it to compete, most do it for fun. Now with all the different types of bikes from road to mountain to gravel, ebikes, hybrids, there is a bike for everyone. 

Let’s chat about cycling in general… what do you think are the top benefits of getting involved in the sport?

Steve: Cycling can be a lifelong sport, it’s great exercise and fairly easy on the body. It can be competitive, a solitary relaxing activity, or a very social one as well. You get to choose what you want it to be!

Niles: One of my favorite things about the sport is the freedom of where a bike can take you. I recently did an event that takes you through some really rough jeep roads in Vermont, something a regular motor vehicle could not pass, and the bike can take you through it with ease. It’s all up to how far the rider wants to push themselves and their equipment.

 

 

What would be some of your top tips and tricks to be aware of before getting serious about the road? 

Steve: Be aware and careful. There are a lot of distracted drivers out there, but I feel the roads are still as safe as they were 20 and 30 years ago. Cycling has grown in popularity greatly in the last few decades, so while we all hear about how unsafe the roads are, there are more cyclists and I feel more awareness for cyclists these days than when I began riding in the early 80’s. There are also bike paths that you can choose to ride on initially until you are ready to conquer the local roads.

Niles: Top tips for the road would be - don’t skimp on good cycling clothing. From good shorts, which are what provides the padding, to a nice helmet that is light with good venting. These items will keep you comfortable out there which will make you want to ride longer. Now as for the road itself, it can be a very dangerous place with traffic. I suggest learning all the quiet roads in your area, make sure you understand and obey the traffic laws, and don’t be afraid to explore. Washington County is one of our favorite places to ride, with tons of quiet roads and lots of different terrain options.

How would you describe the local cycling community? 

Steve: The local cycling community is very active in my opinion for small town USA. There are groups to ride with pretty much every day of the week if you look a little. It is rare I go on a ride anywhere these days without seeing other cyclists out and about. When I first started riding we would be lucky to see 15-20 riders for an entire season, and we usually knew everyone back then! That is not the case these days, you could likely meet new riding partners everyday.

Niles:  The local cycling community is great. There are a number of different core groups that are always doing rides, not just on the road too. 

Dan: The local cycling community is strong and active. I see more people and different people out riding on the roads and the trails every day. In addition, the local communities have seemed to embrace cyclists at a new level. Take a look at the recent Bicyclists Bring Business initiatives around New York State.

 

 

You offer a cool variety of group rides over the season… is there a crowd favorite? 

Steve: Has to be the Donut 100 - it’s a long, long day, but you get donut stops! Maple Bacon Donuts from King’s Bakery Donut Cart in Cambridge, NY does not disappoint.

Niles: It’s tough too pick one but I would say the Metric Loop for Janey’s Ride, our ride we do on Mother’s Day to support the breast cancer fund at the Glens Falls Hospital. It is a 62 mile loop leaving from Common Roots Brewing and heading into Washington County, around Lake Cossayuna and through some of the nicest views in the whole county. There are also two shorter ride options for Janey’s Ride, a 30 mile and a 15 mile.

My personal favorite is The Donut 100- a ride where we head to Cambridge and get donuts at Kings Donut Cart then proceed to Manchester, VT for more donuts and a taco stop for lunch. The ride is about 120 miles all said and done. A great challenge.

Let’s get caught up on the tech a bit. Do you have any favorite new gadgets or design features that you find most helpful? 

Steve: I’m partial to electronic shifting and carbon wheels, I need all the help I can get as I get older :)

Niles: There are a ton of items to make the riding experience more enjoyable. Narrowing it down to one or two is hard because they are different for everyone. The one thing I can say that everyone can enjoy is how comfortable bikes have become. Frames have more flex built into them where they need it, and the geometry offers a comfortable position. That teamed with a good bike fitting will ensure you enjoy your cycling experience.  

 

 

How has technology made an impact on cycling over the past decade? 

Steve: Technology changes have been non stop in the last decade. Hi tech carbon, electronic shifting, constantly evolving mtb suspension systems, pedal assist e-bikes. There has been tech upgrades to just about every aspect of every bike available. They all make for a more enjoyable experience. 

Niles: The tech in the way frames are manufactured has allowed companies to make bikes for the road that are not only fast and efficient but extremely comfortable to ride. In the past ten years I can’t even begin to scratch the surface on how far mountain bikes have come. From frame geometry to shock technology, pretty much everything has changed in the dirt world and all of it has been for the better.   

Your website mentions your favorite rides… what it is that makes them your favorite? 

Steve: Palisades Road in Brant Lake - it’s just a really cool scenic fun road to ride on! I can get there easily and ride it whenever I want. It never disappoints.

Niles: Most of these are our favorites because they get you off the beaten path and off the main roads. Some take you by some scenic sights, some are just fun routes with twisting country roads.

Paul: With the new Kelly Bedford tandem, my latest favorite rides are anywhere that I can get out with my son, Max.

Dan: My favorite rides are evolving as well. I love the exploration component. Exploring a new town, county, state, or country on a bike gives unique perspective and a thrill.  

 

 

We all know it, change is the only constant… how’s the move into the new space and location been? 

Steve: It’s been fantastic. The store space is more open and inviting. To have our own parking lot so customers don’t have to drive around looking for parking is wonderful.

Niles: We love our new space. It’s always tough moving from your first location, but it has been well received by our customers. We have a much wider space that makes it easier to shop and walk around, and best of all there is no more hunting for a parking spot, we have plenty. And the bike path is right out back! 

Who is your favorite cyclist of all time? 

Steve: Greg LeMond, bar none. When I raced my bike in France, which was at the tail end of his career, he was more popular with the local French than their cycling stars. His accomplishments changed the sport for future generations.

Niles: I’m fairly new into following competitive cycling but if I had to pick one from years past I would have to say Greg LeMond. Current cyclist to watch would be Mathieu van der Poel. 

If you could sit down and shoot the breeze with any current cyclist in the world who would it be and what would you ask them? 

Steve: Peter Sagan. How do you ride a wheelie, uphill, on your time trial bike? Tour de France 2019......

Niles: I would sit down with the current US Cyclocross champ Stephen Hyde. I would have to image the conversation would consist of a lot of talk about trucks, he has really awesome older pickup. He is a total character, FYI.  

 

 

Cycling seems like such a fun adventure… we bet you’ve got a story or two. How about one of the most inspiring ones? Or most humorous?

Steve: More than a few in 35+ years of being a cyclist. Helping a child ride without training wheels for the first time. Because you know you just opened up a whole new book of adventure for them. Some other stories are best untold :)

Niles: We have a youth mountain bike team (NICA) that consists of any kids in 7th-12th grade. When we get the group together each spring, some have been on the team for a few years and some are new to it and new to the sport, and it is great to watch them grow with their abilities and see them help each other. From helping each other through the trails to cheering teammates on at the racing, seeing the interaction and love for the sport is great. Getting kids into programs like this, whether they want to race or just ride with the group, helps to get them excited about cycling for years to come!   

Anything you’d like to share about what’s on the horizon for Grey Ghost? 

Steve: There may be a thing or two on the horizon, we can’t give all our secrets away. Stay tuned!

Niles: We are always looking for things to help grow all aspects of the cycling community so be on the look out for new events and rides, workshops and other fun events.

 

Niles Gagnon, Paul Fronhofer, Dan Fronhofer, and Steve Fairchild at Grey Ghost

 

 

 

Thanks guys!

P.S. See more in our First Look series here.

 

 

 

The First Look series is made possible by O’Brien Insurance Agency.

Your hometown insurance agency, they offer car, home, commercial, and life insurance (and lots more). O’Brien shops the best rates for you, often saving you money and getting you better coverage (and they make it super easy to switch to them if you’re considering a change!). Most importantly, they’re local people who are always there for you when you need them. Grab a free quote here. By the way, they also love to support our community (which we love too!). You can learn more about their group O’Brien’s Angels and find ways to give back here.

Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living!

 

My Glens Falls: Herman Johnson

We caught up with Herman Johnson this week! Keep reading to find out what brought him back to Glens Falls after spending years away, some favorite Glens Falls memories, and a few of his favorite spots in the city.

 

 

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Herman Johnson, I’m the president of Cerebral Sports, a coach at Glens Falls High School, an Instructor at SUNY Adirondack, and a Radio Host on 1450 WWSC AM. I have three daughters who reside in Washington State. I am married to a wonderful woman, Caroline Johnson, who has a son and a young lady attending SUNY Potsdam. I enjoy helping those who cannot help themselves.

On Life in Glens Falls

I am back in Glens Falls after spending many years away. After graduating from Glens Falls High and attending the University of Jamestown in North Dakota, I came back home to work at the Nautilus which was located just across the street from the Civic Center, now the Cool Insuring Arena.

Upon leaving Glens Falls, my family and I moved to Lewiston, Idaho for 12 years, where I taught and coached, and then from Idaho to Washington State where we lived for 22 years and I continued teaching, coaching and doing triggerpoint therapy.

A divorce got me saying to myself, it's time to return home, and so here I am and am so excited to be here, staying here forever.

My mom, who lives in South Glens Falls now and still drives at 90 years old, moved from Alabama in the early 50s. I have 4 sisters, Remona, Maureen, Joslyn, and Bridget and 2 brothers, Lamont and Jeffrey.

My wife Caroline is from Redhook area and her son is Michael and a beautiful daughter, Victoria.

We rent a very beautiful older home on South Street Extension. Caroline and I enjoy the quiet and quick stroll to Haviland Cove. We do not have to commute, which is the beauty of residing here.

Some Glens Falls Favorites

My favorite thing about Glens Falls is that I grew up with the majority of the long time residents here and it's so nice to see how they have become successful and generous and are comfortable in their own skin - and everyone can love that, can't they?

I wish more people would explore seasonal activities that abound throughout the region, especially the excellent cuisine assembled with fresh ingredients within walking distance of each other.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

An ideal day comes in many forms - like, in the middle of winter, when we have piles of snow and the streets are clear and there is lots of sunshine - taking a trip to West Mountain Ski Resort and observing the symphony of skiers.

It could be the eventual saunter into the library to read and enjoy the glass enclosure, watching humans and animals strolling by in all kinds of weather.

I’ve never met a calorie I didn't like, but all my closest breakfast nooks deliver a breakfast that's to die for, seriously. I can't single out a particular restaurant because I give praises to all of them when I meet people from out of town. Is it obvious I'm in love with the area?

On the Past

My favorite memory is growing up in the city, having been a part of this great school system and having a school record in the triple jump which afforded me the ability to attend the University. Or sitting in the library reading 24 volumes of Sigmund Freud and 18 volumes of Carl Gustave Jung - love psychology.

Another indelible impression was going to Poopie's when I was 10 years old and getting an egg sandwich with ketchup. I haven't had that sandwich in a great while however, I always enjoy having the delicious hashbrowns.

On the Future

The future of Glens Falls is evolving as we speak because since returning home, many things are happening. I'm loving the leadership of Mayor Hall. The momentum picked up by expanding the Farmer's Market, and many developers have renovated and have beautified South Street and Glen Street is transitioning into a corridor of shops and eateries and as is Ridge, Park, Hudson and many others - kudos to the entrepreneurs! I am hopeful that the people of Glens Falls participate in the growth and transformation of this great city because without their involvement, it is only a dream.

My personal dream is to have people steer more towards Holistic Health, spread the love. Many, many praises to the individual practitioners in the field of Holistic Medicine.

 

 

Thanks, Herman!

P.S. Read more in our My Glens Falls series here.

Just Married: Angela & Seth Weinberger

High school sweethearts, a classic downtown wedding, an elegant ballroom, and dreamy rooftop photos at sunset to cap off the night. We’re so thrilled to share Angela and Seth’s wedding (beautifully captured by Simply 23 Photography), as well as the fun way they met, and the story behind the meaningful proposal. Congratulations, you two!

 

THE COUPLE - Angela & Seth Weinberger 

Tell us about yourselves!

Seth and I live in South Glens Falls. We love football (the Carolina Panthers - we go to Charlotte in 2 weeks for 4th row seats!), we both love to work on home projects inside and out, and we love to be outside with our two yellow labs Hayden (4), Charlotte (1) doing yard work! Seth and I enjoy local date nights (to Five Guys and Downtown City Tavern), and we also love a good trip to Lowe’s and Homegoods!

I grew up in North Carolina but moved here in 8th grade. Seth was born and raised here. We both went to South High. My family is from the area and had a lot available to build on after my great grandmother passed away. The year I graduated high school and my first year of college, we bought the lot and then saved every penny to build on it.

How did you meet?

Seth and I met when he was a freshman in high school at South High and I was in 8th grade at Oliver Winch Middle School. We were playing “manhunt” at the local elementary school with a big group of friends. Too funny! We started dating when we were in high school, and have been together since!

 

 

 

 

 

THE PROPOSAL

Seth proposed on Christmas at my grandparent’s house. What made it so special was that it was our first Christmas with our new home, and my mom and little brother were also in town from California. That was my first Christmas with my brother and the first one I’ve had with my mom in over 10 years. It was very special for me.

At the time we were about 7 years into our relationship. I knew we had created a beautiful life together and built a beautiful home, and I knew the next step would be marriage. 

My engagement ring is very simple. We had actually looked at rings together 2-3 years before he asked. My style changed 5-6 times! I have a very simple but elegant round solitaire.

 

 

THE WEDDING - August 23, 2019

The best part of our wedding day was the party and having all of our family and friends together. I come from a family with divorced parents so the most exciting part for me was having my parents and their relatives all together. Being that I have family on the west coast and east coast, some of them had never even met. Seth also has many relatives out of state. It was nice for everyone to get together. We love a good party and to dance!

Our favorite moment from the day was all the love we received from our family and friends. It was so special. Also the anticipation all morning of finally seeing one another and becoming husband and wife! 

The Venue

Our venue was The Queensbury Hotel. We both loved the elegant ballroom theme. Very simple but beautiful. We had all white, black and biscotti (cream) decor. We used white Hydrangeas and floating candles as the centerpiece. It was beautiful. 

The Decor

We both agreed we weren’t the ”color” or “theme” type of couple. We loved the elegance and classy look we went with. Especially being in a ballroom setting. White linens, white flowers, floating candles, and a pop of black and biscotti.

 

 

The Details

I had an all white, lace gown with off the shoulder sleeves. My bridesmaids wore a one shoulder biscotti dress and my flower girls (2 little sisters) also had a one shoulder dress. My cake was all white, tiered, vanilla bean frosting with vanilla cake. My aunt owns a local bakery in South Glens Falls (Cakes by Kate). I’ve had so many people tell me how wonderful the food and cake was! 

The Honeymoon

We did not go on a honeymoon right away as we had family in town staying with us after the wedding. Instead we are spending the week before Christmas in sunny Mexico!

 

 

Some Advice…

Soak it all in. The love, stress, excitement, anticipation, everything. It goes so quick. When planning, it seems like a lifetime! We loved every single moment. We were both pretty calm and easy going through the whole process and the day of our wedding. That made for a much more enjoyable experience.

 

 

VENDOR CREDITS  

Venue + Food: The Queensbury Hotel 
Cake: Cakes by Kate 
Gown: A Love Story Bridal (Troy)
Hair: Lauren White, En Pointe Hair Studio 
Makeup: Taylor Seymour, Makeup by Taylor 
Photographer: Hannah Hutter, Simply 23 Photography
Videographer: Adam Merrow, Thoughts Left On 
Florist: A Lasting Impression Florist / Trader Joe’s Albany 
DJ: Joesph Stanislowsky, New Era Entertainment

 

 

 

 

P.S. Check out more in our Wedding series here.

We’re looking forward to sharing the stories of engaged and newly married couples, births, milestone birthdays, retirements, and more.

We’d love to share your happy news! Contact us here.