1925 Glens Falls area — Kresge coming to downtown

A major retail development project was set for downtown Glens Falls a century ago.

The Kresge Co. closed on purchase of buildings at 127, 129 and 131 Glen Street in order to connect the buildings and renovate for a discount department store, The Glens Falls Times reported on April 27, 1925.

“The purchase price is not given, but it is understood to have been a record price for Glen Street realty.”

The company would spend $50,000 — the equivalent of $901,728 in 2025 dollars — on renovations to be completed in time for an Aug. 1 opening.

In other 1925 Glens Falls area news collected from historic newspapers of the region:

• C. Henry Buckley, an employee at Glens Falls Post Office for 12 years, was relocating to Washington D.C. to accept appointment as Post Office inspector, The Post-Star reported on April 27.

“Mr. Buckley is one of the most enthusiastic lovers of music in the city.”

• The Glens Falls Automobile Club exceeded its goal of doubling its membership to 1,000, The Post-Star reported on April 27.

The club closed out its membership campaign with 510 new members.

• David Haskell was named valedictorian of the Glens Falls High School Class of ’25 and Gladys Bidwell salutatorian, The Post-Star reported on April 30.
• Cold weather ruled at the start of the month of May.

“There were no May poles and no dancing on the village green in these parts yesterday. Whatever sportive ceremonies welcoming the merry month took place indoors around the festive radiator,” The Post-Star reported on May 2.

• “Glens Falls will have two motorcycle policemen as a result of the decision of the Board of Public Safety last night to purchase another machine for the police. Francis C. Lyons, who was recently appointed motorcycle policeman, has been doing good work, but it is felt that two men are needed because of the large amount of ground to be covered,” The Post-Star reported on May 2.
• “William Keech of Kingsbury has a flock of hens which he thinks has established a record for laying. The flock numbers 118 and from them he received 95 eggs a few days ago,” The Post-Star reported on May 2.
• Sophia Yaffee of South Street School won first place in the ages 12–15 category of the Glens Falls Zonta Club girl’s jack stone tournament, The Post-Star reported on May 4.

Marie Flynn of St. Mary’s Academy won the under-age 12 category.

Jack stones is a game where the competitor bounces a small rubber ball and tries to pick up as many stones or jacks while the ball is in the air.

• The Glens Falls High School baseball team defeated Whitehall 13–0 and St. Mary’s Academy defeated Hudson Falls 12–2 on May 2.

“Neither of the games makes a narrative worth telling. Each winner sharply outclassed the loser,” The Post-Star reported on May 4.

• Elizabeth Kirkpatrick won a hope chest, first prize in the popularity contest in conjunction with Knights of Pythias Circus at Hudson Falls, The Post-Star reported on May 4.

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