GLOVERSVILLE LAUNCHES “CENTENNIAL CLUB” HONORING CENTURY-OLD BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Timed to coincide with New York State History Month in October, the Centennial Club highlights the remarkable longevity, economic resilience, and enduring contributions of Gloversville’s legacy institutions. “Highlighting businesses that have survived a century of economic shifts proves that Gloversville is a place where investments endure and succeed,” said Donovan. “As we continue our Downtown Revitalization Initiative momentum, this program connects our vibrant future with a proven, historic foundation.” While focusing primarily on commercial legacy businesses, the program is also open to non-profit organizations and community institutions that have been part of Gloversville’s fabric for 100+ years. To qualify for recognition in the Gloversville Centennial Club, nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Location: Must currently operate within Gloversville municipal boundaries and have been founded 100 or more years ago. Operation across multiple locations over time is permitted as long as all addresses remained inside city limits.
• Ownership: Continuous family ownership is notrequired. The business or organization may have transferred leadership across different entities or individuals over the past century.
• Verifiable Founding Date: Applicants must provide historical documentation verifying a founding date of 100 or more years ago (e.g., historical newspaper ads, city directories, incorporation records, land deeds, or vintage photographs).
• Community Impact: Nominees must submit a brief written statement detailing their history, evolution, and meaningful contributions to the Gloversville community. Self-nominations are welcome.

• September 1 – September 25, 2026: Public nomination window open.
• Friday, October 9, 2026: Official Inductee Presentation & Award Ceremony held in downtown Gloversville under the historic Glove Theatre Marquee.

The October 9 award presentation serves as the official downtown kickoff for a major weekend of heritage and community events in Gloversville:

• Path Through History Weekend (Oct. 10–12): As part of New York State’s celebration of local heritage, this local event fits into the intent of the annual commemoration. Attendees are encouraged to take the self-guided Downtown Gloversville Historic Walk and visit the Fulton County Museum (237 Kingsboro Ave.), open Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11, from noon to 4 p.m. (Note: The museum is closed Monday, Oct. 12, for Indigenous Peoples’ Day / Columbus Day).
• The Glove Theatre’s Events:
  • Trivia Night with the Fulton County Regional SPCA (Oct. 9): Come for the Centennial Club announcement, stay for some fun at the theatre! Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for a 7 p.m. start time. Either enter a team to compete or watch this Halloween-themed Trivia Night to support local animals in need.
  • Legacy Classic Rock – Styx/Foreigner Tribute (Oct. 10): Relive the magic of these iconic tunes and the golden era of arena rock, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets can be obtained online at https://ticketstripe.com/LEGACY_CLASSIC_ROCK
  • Free Movie (Oct. 11): Starting at 2 p.m., families can enjoy PG rated film “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
• Gloversville Fall Fest (Oct. 10): The Gloversville Recreation Commission will host its annual Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Trail Station Park.
• Dorn Space Concert (Oct. 10): NY Blues Hall of Fame bluesman Mark Tolstrup and Texas singer Jill Tolstrup come together and perform at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 and is cash at the door only. Reserve tickets by emailing dornspace@gmail.com

In addition to celebrating longevity, the initiative highlights the crucial role legacy institutions play in guiding future economic development. “Our century-old establishments offer far more than rich history – they serve as vital mentors for the next generation of entrepreneurs moving into downtown,” added Donovan. “Heritage tourism plays an essential role in economic development. Visitors drawn to our historic architecture and story-rich downtown stay to shop, dine, and explore, fueling our local economy.

By celebrating the anchors that built Gloversville, we show new investors that our community supports local business for the long haul.” Members of the public, business owners, and local leaders are encouraged to nominate eligible establishments. Self-nominations are welcomed. Nomination forms are available for download at www.downtowngloversville.org/history or can be picked up in person at the CRG offices. Completed forms and supporting historical documentation must be submitted bySeptember 25, 2026 by email to JennD@fccrg.org, or by mail and in-person to Fulton County Center for Regional Growth, 34 W. Fulton St., Gloversville, NY 12078