B.B. Fowler — ‘Gents’ shirt sale

“Sunday morning the thermometer (in Thurman) registered thirty-two degrees below zero. It is said to have been the coldest winter since 1881,” The Morning Star reported on Jan. 10, 1884.

The frigid weather did not stunt the enthusiasm of downtown merchant B.B. Fowler from launching a sale on men’s shirts.

“B.B. Fowler, 102 Glen Street, succeeds where mercury fails,” The Morning Star advertised. “For who will refuse to acknowledge that bottom has been found when an article worth one dollar is offered at for fifty-five cents.”

Fowler put on sale 50 dozen “gents” unlaundered, “quality” reinforced cotton, linen shirts, with a suggested retail price of $1, for 55 cents — the equivalent of $14.59 in 2020 dollars.

“Come and examine and be convinced,” he invited.

Fowler had already been successful with a separate sale the previous day, selling 135 white shirts the same day he ran an ad in The Morning Star, a factoid the Glens Falls daily newspaper trumpeted to its readers.

The store also was a place to shop for those who preferred to sew their own shirts and dresses.

B.B. Fowler was the exclusive local agent for E. Butterick and Co. sewing patterns.

He boasted of having “the most complete and beautiful” line of sewing buttons in Glens Falls.

“Mr. Fowler has always considered the button trade an important factor in his business and has always kept a better class of goods in this line than any other dealer,” he advertised on Feb. 14, 1884. “The colors are bought with particular reference to all the new spring shades and the line includes several choice novelties in cut and riveted steel that are very scarce and desirable.”

Fowler was born Sept. 4, 1845 in Chestertown.

After finishing school, he moved to Glens Falls and worked as a clerk for Glens Falls National Bank.

Later he took employment as book keeper and office manager for W.W. Rockwell general merchandise store at the corner of Glen and Exchange streets.

On April 22, 1869, Fowler and brother Joseph bought the business and renamed it Fowler Brothers.

Joseph later left the business and it became B.B. Fowler.

The historic building now houses the offices of JMZ Architects and Planners and Downtown Social restaurant.

Click here, here and here to read previous posts about B.B. Fowler.