The Naumkeag Clothing Company had been a successful retailer on High Street since 1892, when it purchased the inventory and store fixtures from the short-lived Currier & Company.
In 1905, Augustus T. Gallup relocated his residence from 252 to 247 Oak Street, remaining in the Fairmont Square area. The home was purchased from Charles A. Otterson.
In January 1905, plans were unveiled for a new building to replace the 1885 structure. The eminent Holyoke architect, George Alderman, was the designer. As the Naumkeag Clothing Store needed additional space, the new establishment would be two stories and solely be for the store's use in conducting its business. Large display windows would be installed on both the High and Suffolk Street sides.
The building would be erected by the Gallup family and the heirs of A.L. Shumway, who owned the real estate. The Naumkeag Clothing Company would sign a long-term lease as part of the transaction. It was anticipated that the business would open in the new building by April 1, 1905. Doane & Williams was selected as the construction contractor.
The clothing store would need to find a temporary location to conduct business while the old site was razed, and the new building was erected and outfitted for business. At the end of January 2005, a clearance sale was held with price markdowns to minimize the transfer of inventory to the short-term location.
In early February, the company leased the former John D. Holbrook Store in the Lafrance block at 402 High Street, which would be vacated the week of February 12, 1905. The A. Steiger & Company department store had purchased the remaining inventory from Mr. Holbrook's store.
On February 16, 1905, the Naumkeag Clothing Co. opened at its temporary location in the Lafrance block. This would be the future location of the Lafrance Hotel, later renamed the Hotel Essex and Essex House.
On the evening of April 20, 1905, the store celebrated its grand reopening. The Bridges Orchestra performed 17 numbers to entertain the large gathering.
The new store continued to stock boys' and children's wear, as well as men's wear, all sold at affordable prices for its many customers. Its ads featured the high-quality Hart, Schaffner & Marx suits and overcoats, which were popular for much of the 20th century.
In 1908, A. T. Gallup purchased Holyoke's Naumkeag Store from the estate of Benjamin W. Currier. Mr. Gallup's name began appearing in ads under The Naumkeag.
In 1909, the Naumkeag Baseball League was formed for boys aged 12. It was intended to train the mind and body and keep the participants away from potentially destructive behavior.
In 1909, A. T. Gallup purchased the clothing inventory of the Boston & Meriden Clothing Store at half price. The owner of the well-established 30-year-old Meriden, Connecticut business was retiring. This would be Mr. Gallup's second Naumkeag store operation.
In 1911, Holyoke's Naumkeag Clothing Store celebrated its 20th anniversary.
On March 1, 1913, the store was officially renamed the A. T. Gallup Company, the Naumkeag name disappearing from the Holyoke retail scene. Mr. Gallup considered renaming the store when he acquired it in 1908, but decided against it. He reconsidered this decision 4 years later and made the change.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; publication dates and pages are shown.
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