History threads — ‘Pioneer’ Glens Falls linen factory

This is the latest in an occasional series of posts about history of the garment industry in Warren, Washington and Essex counties.

Del Mar, the trotting horse raised by William E. Spier of Glens Falls and New York City, reportedly sold for $40,000 in 1903 — the equivalent of about $1.73 million in 2020 dollars.

So how much might a portrait of Del Mar have been worth?

For New York City artist E.A. Moore, who was in Glens Falls for several weeks in 1890, his portrait of Del Mar, displayed at The Rockwell House hotel, was worth a commission to paint a portrait of another Spier horse, the “well-known stallion, Autograph.”

“Mr. Spier is so well pleased,” The Morning Star reported.

Spier, a co-founder of International Paper Co. and influential Glens Falls businessman, was an original partner in Glens Falls Collar Co., “the pioneer” of the Glens Falls linen garment industry.

“Ground was broken yesterday for a new collar factory in this village,” The Glen’s Falls Republican reported on Nov. 23. 1877.

The three-story, 30 x 60 foot building on the south side of Park Street was to have space for 40 sewing machines and be connected “with the establishment of an extensive laundry for custom work.”

The factory was expected to employ 200 workers.

“Its principal business will be the making of ladies’ and gentlemen’s linen collars and cuffs.”

Spier, an original partner with S. G. Boyd and L.P. Dean, apparently was a venture capital partner, as Spier exited the “successful” business a few years later.

Sources: The Glen’s Falls Republican, Nov. 23, 1877; The Morning Star of Glens Falls Aug. 15, 1890; May 9, 1901; Sept. 25, 1903.

Click here to read the most recent previous post in the series.