20 to 22 Warren Street
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Last modified 10/30/03
Building Name: Conkey Building
Street Location: 20 to 22 Warren Street, Glens Falls
Use: Original: Commercial / residential
Use: As of 1980, Commercial / Residential
Date of Original Construction: ca. 1874
Architect: Unknown
Builder: Unknown
Historical and Architectural Importance: The Conkey Building, known also as the "Holley Block", may have been constructed as early as 1874, for Hiram Holley, as a dry goods and grocery store -- originally known as "Holley and Wing Dry Goods." By 1879, the firm was known as Hiram Holley and Son (Wilson F. Holley). In 1867, Hiram Holley was a corporation assessor for the village of Glens Falls. By 1886, George W. Conkey, the first of Glens Falls' 19th century photographers, had established his home and studio on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Conkey is credited with producing the first photographer studio (daguerrotypes) in the city. He had a close association with the nationally-known camera artist and photographer, Seneca Ray Stoddard, who, having been raised in nearby Wilton, N.Y., came to Glens Falls presumably as an apprentice to Conkey. Conkey occupied the upper floors of the building until his death in 1898. In 1888, John S. Powers established in the commercial space below, a fancy groceries business, which was in 1896, bought out by G. B. McIntosh. By 1897, McIntosh had earned city wide acclaim for his imported and domestic delicacies including rare coffees, teas and spices, French, English and German condiments, preserved fruits and potted and canned meats.
Architecturally, the building survives with much of its original integrity as part of a 19th century block of commercial buildings facing Fountain Square. Presumably, it was built within 10 years after the Great conflagration of 1864, which burned out existing structures on the site. The Conkey building exhibits details of the late Italianate period. An unusual feature is the elaborate brick work of the frieze and cornice.
Sources:
Name of Collector: Richard C. Youngken
Collected on: November 28, 1980
Organizations: City of Glens Falls Community Development Office
Previous ownership:
Previous occupants:
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