Glens Falls in 1919 — ‘Metropolis for Many Miles Around’

Twenty-five years before Look magazine dubbed Glens Falls “Hometown U.S.A.,” George F. Bayle, who chaired a local marketing committee, wanted the city, once called the “Empire City,” to be known as “The Metropolis for Many Miles Around.”

Somewhere between World War I and World War II the main brand defining Glens Falls switched from its economic dominance to its social charm.

Perhaps it was because the “Hometown U.S.A.” moniker came from outside and local business, government and civic leaders simply jumped on the bandwagon.

“The metropolis for many miles around” slogan of a century ago does seem to inflate the size of the four-square mile city, but it aptly conveys Glens Falls’ role at that time as the hub of commerce between Saratoga Springs and Plattsburgh.

Fifteen local business men pledged a total of $2,000 — the equivalent of $27,800 in 2019 dollars — to jump start a local advertising campaign.

Pledges ranged from $25 to $150 each.

“Memories of that whole-hearted enthusiasm which permeated patriotic rallies during World War days were much in evidence last evening when upwards of 100 Glens Falls businessmen assembled to discuss ways for advertising Glens Falls as a trading center and, incidentally, to partake of a delicious dinner,” The Post-Star reported on Nov. 14, 1919.

“Glens Falls should be the metropolis for many miles around. Our stores are surpassed by none,” said Bayle, who headed the newly-formed marketing committee.

Bayle was president of Glens Falls Portland Cement and had interests in other retail and manufacturing businesses.

“Tell the people about Glens Falls — what a beautiful city it is,” he continued. “Let them know about the quality of merchandise they can buy here and in advertising keep always in mind a determination to tell the truth.”

J. Edward Singleton, a lawyer and vice president/secretary of The Post-Star, suggested what today would be known as a “Buy Local” campaign.

“People should be educated to patronize Glens Falls stores. Those who earn their money here should consider it their duty to spend it here.”