Rewind:  July 15, 2024

The Shirt Factory – A Trip Down Memory Lane

by Henry France-Miller

     In the heart of Glens Falls, New York, lies a storied piece of industrial history:  The Shirt Factory.  A relic of the bygone era of American manufacturing, this building once bustled with the energy of hundreds of skilled workers who were part of the region’s thriving textile industry.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to appreciate the rich legacy of this iconic establishment.

     Originally called the McMullen-Leavens Shirt Factory, it was established in 1902 by James Robert McMullen and Walter P. Leavens, who had been principals in the Joseph Fowler Shirt & Collar Company on Glen Street which fell to a fire in 1902.

     The Great Fire of Glens Falls was a inferno that engulfed the town in 1902.  The Joseph Fowler business was decimated.  The clerks, McMullen and Leavens, didn’t discount the business.  Opening at 51 Lawrence Street, they rebuilt and established the business as the McMullen-Leavens Shirt Factory.  The factory was more than a factory; it was a community hub.  Families often worked together, passing down skills through generations.

The factory also began hiring women in the 1930s to make dresses, uniting families in the workplace.  The meticulous craftsmanship that went into each shirt and dress was a source of pride, making the factory’s products highly sought after.

     During World War II, the Shirt Factory adapted to produce military uniforms, showcasing its flexibility and the workers’ dedication.  However, the post-war era brought economic changes and increased competition from overseas manufacturers.  By the late 20^th century, these pressures led to a decline, and the factory eventually closed its doors in the 1990s.

     The closure marked the end of an era, but not the end of the building’s story.  Recognizing its historical significance, local entrepreneur Eric Unkauf transformed the Shirt Factory into an arts and business center.  Today it hosts over 100 artists, artisans, and small businesses, creating a vibrant community space that honors its industrial past while fostering creativity and entrepreneurship.

     Walking through the Shirt Factory today, one can feel the echoes of its industrious past.  The original wooden floors, exposed brick walls, and vintage machinery on display remind visitors of the building’s heritage.  Art studios and craft shops now fill the spaces where sewing machines once operated, blending history with modern creativity.

     The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls stands as a testament to the town’s industrious past and innovative spirit.  It symbolizes the resilience of the community, turning a symbol of industrial decline into a hub of creativity and economic revival.  By preserving and repurposing the historical site, Glens Falls celebrates its heritage while looking toward a dynamic future.  The Shirt Factory remains a vital part of the town’s identity, a proud reminder of its history and a hopeful symbol of its ongoing evolution.

Prepared by Henry France-Miller, student intern, for the Warren County Historical Society.