Kingston, Ulster County

In a testament to the past, this old ghost sign advertises Gregory & Co. in Kingston, New York. The furniture company had a long history in Kingston dating back to the late 19th century that included previous incarnations as Knight & Gregory; becoming Knight, Gregory & Barnes in 1886 with the addition of Andrew Barnes (1847-1923); then becoming Gregory & Barnes in 1887 when Mr. Knight sold his interest in the company – this company was for a time operated as the Hudson River Furniture Company; then becoming Gregory & Co. in 1912 when Andrew Barnes sold his interest in the company and retired from active business.

The Kingston Daily Freeman detailed some of the company’s history in a 1951 article: “The "American Journal of Commerce" of the late 90's loaned me by Sara Osterhoudt of Mt. Marion, covers not only Kingston but other cities along the Hudson. There is a handsome sketch of the warehouse and salesrooms of the Hudson River Furniture Co., known to old timers as Gregory & Barnes, dealers in furniture, carpets, curtains and crockery at 661-663 Broadway. This business was founded by Messrs. John H. Gregory and Andrew N. Barnes, in 1884. [The year varies depending on the source.] The firm owned the fine double four story and basement brick building in which they carried on a large business, both retail and wholesale. In the rear of the store was a two-story frame building, in which they manufactured and repaired all kinds of furniture. They had two telephones. Mr. Gregory was born in Kingston and was 40 years of age when the book was written. He was alderman for two years, and then city treasurer and also secretary of the Kingston Board of Trade. Mr. Barnes was director of the Board of Trade. He was also postmaster for 10 years, and alderman for two years.” (Miller, Sophie. “Do You Remember.” Kingston Daily Freeman. 2nd section, page 9. April 11, 1951.)

As for the building on which the old advertisement stands, in March 1897 the Gregory & Barnes Company “bought the lot on Broadway at Van Buren street and began the erection of the present four story furniture house.” The building was later home to the Stock and Cordts furniture company. Today, the building is currently home to the Earl B. Feiden appliance store.