Downtown 1888 — Let there be electric light

It sparked a new era of artistic imagery on the night of April 21, 1888, when Finch, Pruyn & Co. turned on electric lighting for the first time at its sawmill in Glens Falls.

Now, mills on both sides of the Hudson River, which divides Glens Falls from South Glens Falls, were illuminated by electricity.

“Nineteen lamps of the American system are now used on both sides of the river,” The Morning Star of Glens Falls reported on April 23. “The sorting grounds are also supplied with lights, and the volume and brilliance of illumination produces a pleasing effect on the surface of the water on dark nights.”

Apparently, parasols were in demand in the merry month of May.

“Our ladies will find 1,000 parasols to select from at the Boston Store. All of them are offered at special bargains,” The Morning Star reported on May 2.

The second full week of May was “Table Linens Week” at William H. Robbins’ dry goods store.

Renovation was underway at H.M. Day grocery store on Warren Street, The Morning Star reported on May 17.

A new birch floor had been laid, and an addition was under construction at the rear of the building.

“When it is completed, it will add materially to the size of the store and increase the facilities for doing business.”

An electric motor was being installed to operate the coffee mill.

May was a month for new vehicles.

“Earl Smith is out with a new ice wagon,” The Morning Star reported on May 25. “Stevens, the vender of lacteal fluid, has put a new cart on the road. On the panel of the box is painted the suggestive legend: ‘Pure cow’s milk.’”

A downtown window display was singled out for praise.

“One of the windows of Bayle & Company’s dry goods store, tastefully trimmed with neckwear, attracts considerable attention. It is the work of Arthur Fish.”

Click here to read my most recent previous downtown Glens Falls history post.