JOHNSTOWN — When Fulton County Historian Samantha Hall-Saladino helped establish 2019 as “The Year of the Glove” to promote the area’s rich glove-making history, it was apparent the topic would be featured in many activities this year.
So far, she hasn’t disappointed, as outlined by her monthly reports to the Board of Supervisors’ Economic Development and Environment Committee at the County Office Building.
In her most recent report to the county, Hall-Saladino noted she presented in Northville.
“The Northville library presentation was part of the Year of the Glove,” she said.
Hall-Saladino presented July 8 at the Johnstown Public Library, and July 10 with a “Year of the Glove” presentation at the Northville Public Library.
Elsewhere in her report to supervisors, Hall-Saladino said SUNY Albany history Professor Gerry Zahavi July 9 gave a presentation at Fulton-Montgomery Community College’s Allen House. The presentation was titled, “Memories of the Industrial Past: Fulton County Glovers and Tanners Speak About Their Industry.” She said the presentation included filmed interviews with some of Fulton County’s glovers and tanners, recorded in the mid-1990s.
Hall-Saladino told the committee that Zahavi’s talk was a “fascinating look” into the glove industry and Fulton County’s heritage as “Glove Capital of the World.”
She said Zahavi is due to return Oct. 19 for a presentation on labor unions in Fulton County tanneries.
The Gloversville Public Library had its traveling storytime July 11 at the Fulton County Historical Society, Hall-Saladino said. The program marked the beginning of a “Design Your Own Glove” contest, she said. Participants can pick up glove templates at the library or society and return their finished designs to the library. Hall-Saladino said an awards ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 12.
She also reported on a History Happy Hour event July 25 at Stump City Brewery, with 10 teams joining in trivia. She said the event will be reprised in the future.
Hall-Saladino reported the Fulton County Historian’s Office at the Office for Aging/Youth, 19 N. William St., now has established regular office hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays.
“Other times will be available by appointment,” she said. “Any changes in hours due to vacation or otherwise will be listed on the historian’s outgoing voice mail, Facebook, and a notice will be placed on the office door.”
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at [email protected]
