Discover Downtown Gloversville
- Jennifer Donovan
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Honoring Our Roots: Gloversville Launches the "Centennial Club" to Celebrate Century-Old Institutions
Gloversville has a rich story written by the businesses and organizations that have anchored our community for generations. To honor these enduring institutions, the City of Gloversville and the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth (CRG) are launching a brand-new community recognition initiative: the Gloversville Centennial Club.
Timed to coincide with New York State History Month this October, the Centennial Club highlights the remarkable longevity, economic resilience, and contributions of our local legacy institutions. Highlighting establishments that have survived a century of economic shifts proves that Gloversville is a place where investments endure and succeed. As downtown revitalization momentum continues to build, this program connects a 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 or more years.
Qualification Criteria
To qualify for recognition in the Gloversville Centennial Club, nominees must meet the following standards:
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 not required. Leadership may have transferred 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.
Inductees will receive an official window cling designation for public display at their physical location and featured coverage on the Downtown Gloversville website. Qualifying commercial businesses will also be submitted to New York State Senate and Assembly representatives for consideration on the NYS Historic Business Preservation Registry.
Important Program Dates
September 1 – September 25, 2026: Public nomination window is open.
Friday, October 9, 2026: Official Inductee Presentation & Award Ceremony under the historic Glove Theatre Marquee in downtown Gloversville.
A Weekend of Heritage & Community Events
The October 9 award presentation serves as the official kickoff for an exciting weekend full of heritage, culture, and autumn festivities across Gloversville:
Path Through History Weekend (Oct. 10–12)
As part of New York State’s celebration of local heritage, 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).
Glove Theatre Lineup
Trivia Night with the Fulton County Regional SPCA (Oct. 9): Come for the Centennial Club announcement and stay for a Halloween-themed Trivia Night supporting local animals in need! Doors open at 6:15 p.m.; trivia begins at 7:00 p.m.
Legacy Classic Rock – Styx/Foreigner Tribute (Oct. 10): Relive the golden era of arena rock starting at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available online via Ticketstripe.
Free Family Movie (Oct. 11): Enjoy a free screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG) starting at 2:00 p.m.
Gloversville Fall Fest (Oct. 10)
The Gloversville Recreation Commission will host its annual Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Trail Station Park.
Dorn Space Concert (Oct. 10)
NY Blues Hall of Fame bluesman Mark Tolstrup and Texas singer Jill Tolstrup perform live at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $10 (cash only at the door). Reserve tickets in advance by emailing dornspace@gmail.com.
Why Heritage Matters for Economic Growth
Century-old establishments offer far more than rich history—they serve as vital mentors for the next generation of entrepreneurs moving into downtown. Heritage tourism plays an essential role in economic development; visitors drawn to historic architecture and story-rich downtowns stay to shop, dine, and explore, fueling the entire local economy. By celebrating the anchors that built Gloversville, the community shows new investors that local business is supported for the long haul.
How to Submit a Nomination
Members of the public, business owners, and local leaders are all encouraged to submit eligible establishments (self-nominations welcome!).
Nomination forms can be downloaded at www.downtowngloversville.org/history or picked up in person at the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth offices.
Completed forms and supporting historical documentation must be submitted by September 25, 2026:
By Email: JennD@fccrg.org
By Mail or In-Person: Fulton County Center for Regional Growth, 34 W. Fulton St., Gloversville, NY 12078
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Discover Downtown Gloversville
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