Henry Crandall — Draft Henry

There was a movement in 1895 to convince Henry Crandall to run for Glens Falls village president, an offer the lumber baron and philanthropist apparently declined.

“I cannot think of a better man for president than Henry Crandall,” The Morning Star of Glens Falls quoted “a prominent citizen” on Jan. 29. “He ought to be nominated by both parties. He is capable, public-spirited, and has the necessary backbone to enforce his convictions.”

In other Henry Crandall news collected from historic newspapers of the region:

• Henry Crandall was one of three members of the Glens Falls School Board committee which studied the feasibility of establishing a public kindergarten, and the committee recommended moving forward.

The committee was empowered to secure a competent teacher for the work,” The Morning Star reported on Feb. 5, 1895.

The Morning Star reported on Feb. 28 that the public kindergarten would open at the South Street School on April 15, under the management of Mrs. Loyal Davis.

Parents had the choice of enrolling students in either one of two half-day sessions — a morning session beginning at 9:15 a.m. or an afternoon session beginning at 1:30 p.m.

“Each child is expected to bring a small lunch neatly drawn up in a basket, box or bag. It may consist of a few crackers, some fruit, or a sandwich. No candy, nuts or rich cake.”

• At the eighth annual banquet of the Glens Falls Lyceum, Henry Crandall was appointed to a committee to raise an honorarium fund for Lyceum Founder the Rev. G. B. Gow, The Morning Star reported on May 17, 1895.

Gow, long-time pastor of Glens Falls Baptist Church, had resigned and left the area due to health reasons, and was retiring from the ministry.

Gow, among other community improvement initiatives, had been a long-time vocal advocate of establishing a public library.

The Lyceum was an organization dedicated to dialogue about philosophical and academic issues.

• The Rev. W. O. Stearns presented at paper on the topic of public parks at the Glens Falls Lyceum, The Morning Star reported on April 30, 1895.

“Henry Crandall was in favor of a park at reasonable expense. He suggested calling a public meeting to feel the popular pulse on the subject. He thought the old fairground the most desirable site.”

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