Downtown 1890 — ‘Primitive Wildness’

Glens Falls still had an element of its “primitive wildness” in 1890.

“That the rumbling wheels of commerce have not robbed Glens Falls of all its primitive wildness may safely be asserted in view of the fact that the timid bird, the partridge, is found almost daily in different parts of town,” The Morning Star of Glens Falls reported on Nov. 1, 1890.

The condition of crosswalks during the rainy season might give the impression of primitive wildness, as well.

“Some of the lady pedestrians yesterday wished they had on rubber sole boots when they waded through the thin mud with which all the principal crosswalks were covered,” The Morning Star reported on Nov. 20.

In other 1890 downtown Glens Falls news reported in historic newspapers of the region:

• Headwear fashion was deemed an indicator of the change of seasons.

“Winter is surely not far away,” The Morning Star reported on Nov. 4. “Fur caps made their appearance on our streets yesterday.”

• The Rochester Clothing Co. in downtown Glens Falls featured two spinning wheels in a window display to celebrate the clothing store’s sixth anniversary in business.

“Two spinning wheels, a small one and a large one, are to be seen in operation. On the small wheel is a placard bearing the following inscription: ‘Six years ago we began to spin on the wheel,” The Morning Star reported on Nov. 13. “And a card attached to the larger one reads: ‘Now we are spinning on this.’”

• Wedding business was brisk.

“The many weddings occurring here within the past few weeks, and thus in the immediate future, make business lively for the jewelers and furniture dealers,” The Morning Star reported on Nov. 20. “The tendency in later years has run more to the giving of handsome pieces of furniture to the newly wedded couple than every before.”

It wasn’t just wedding-related businesses that were busy.

“Some of the merchants report that the past two days have brought them the most trade of the season.”

• A downtown hotel stepped up its dining operation.

“The proprietors of the Exchange Hotel have secured the services of a first-class cook and are now prepared to furnish hot suppers at any time during the night to one o’clock in the morning,” The Morning Star reported on Nov. 22, 1890. “Choice steaks and chops, fried oysters, clams and oyster stews, etc. will be served at a moment’s notice and at reasonable prices. Also, fish and game suppers cooked to order and served in the best of style.”

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