USA > Vermont > The Lake Champlain and Lake George valleys, Vol. III > Part 25
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After passing through the public schools of Glens Falls and graduating from the Glens Falls High School, J. Robert McMullen attended the New York Business College and then, for eight years, was employed in the office of Joseph Fowler Company. Then, in 1902, Mr. McMullen and Walter P. Leavens established the McMullen-Leavens Company for the manufacture of shirts, in a small building on Glen Street with a payroll of about fifty hands. Within the year, the business prospered so greatly that in 1903 the company was forced to find larger quarters and, accordingly a factory was built on
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Lawrence Street and the staff increased to about one hundred and twenty-five employees. Through subsequent years, the business continued to expand, the Cooper Street extension being added in 1915 and in 1935 a line of products for women was added to the list of the company's manufactures. Today the McMullen-Leavens Company employs about six hundred persons and is one of the largest industries in Glens Falls. Mr. McMullen, who has been presi- dent of the company ever since it was established, became the sole proprietor of the enterprise in 1922, when Mr. Leavens died. In addition to his private responsibilities, Mr. McMullen has accepted other duties, being a director of the First National Bank of Glens Falls and a director of the Queensbury Hotel. A member of the Glens Falls Country Club and the Glens Falls Cham- ber of Commerce, Mr. McMullen also belongs to such organizations as the New York Athletic Club, the Lotos Club, the Metropolitan Club, the Crescent Athletic Club and the Wing Foot Golf Club. A member of St. Mary's Cath- olic Church, Mr. McMullen serves the institution as a trustee. Finding recrea- tion from his responsibilities in his favorite sport of golf, he also devotes himself to gardening.
SHIRLEY E. STRACK-Shirley E. Strack, commissioner of public welfare for Clinton County, and a popular figure in local public and civic life, was born in Redford, Clinton County, April 14, 1897, the son of Martin and Anna (Taylor) Strack. Martin Strack, also a native of Redford, has been engaged in farming and also in the lumber business in this locality, for many years. He is the son of Ansalom Strack, a native of Germany, who was one of the pioneer settlers in Redford, and the street where he lived was known as Strackville Street. During the Civil War he served with the New York Volunteers, and was wounded in action. Anna (Taylor) Strack is a native of Saranac.
Upon completion of his education in the Redford district schools, Shirley E. Strack entered the lumber business, and continued in this field for approxi- mately fifteen years. He then established his own general merchandise busi- ness in Redford, in which, for the next nine years he was successfully engaged. In 1935 he was elected to his present official post, and he has conducted the affairs of his office in a manner which has earned for him the admiration and respect of the entire local populace.
Mr. Strack is a parishioner of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, and a very active member of the Republican party, having served as Saranac town clerk for a period of six years, and as a member of the Clinton County Re- publican Committee since 1929. He is also affiliated with the St. Jean Baptiste Society, Plattsburg Lodge, No. 621, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
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and the Plattsburg Rod and Gun Club. His chief hobbies are baseball, hunt- ing and fishing.
He was married, in 1920, to Alma Bell, a native of Redford, and they are the parents of five children: I. Myrtle E. 2. Madeline. 3. Raymond. 4. Clarence. 5. Alva Strack.
RALPH L. SIGNOR-Since his entry into the field of civil engi- neering in 1900, Ralph L. Signor has maintained headquarters in Plattsburg, where he is regarded as an outstanding figure in his profession, and a promi- nent figure in the civic and fraternal life of this locality. He was born in Saranac, October 12, 1874, the son of J. Leslie and Mary E. (Patchen) Sig- nor, both deceased. J. Leslie Signor, a native of Plattsburg, was engaged in the iron business for many years, and he was also well known in the banking field. Mary E. (Patchen) Signor was a native of Plattsburg.
Ralph L. Signor was educated in the public and high schools in Plattsburg, and then he entered the office of M. A. Diaz, an architect, where he remained for about six years learning engineering and architecture. Then, in 1900 he entered business for himself, establishing offices on Brinkerhoff Street, where he continued until 1922, and now at 58 Margaret Street. He has also served as city engineer for the city of Plattsburg for the past twenty-five years.
Mr. Signor is a member of the Presbyterian Church, an active Republican and a member of the Rotary Club and the Plattsburg Rod and Gun Club. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Plattsburg Lodge, No. 621, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is Past Exalted Ruler, Plattsburg Lodge, No. 828, Free and Accepted Masons, Oriental Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Signor is unmarried.
HERBERT A. BARTHOLOMEW, M. D .- Member of the staff and assistant surgeon of the Glens Falls Hospital, Herbert A. Bartholomew, M. D., is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Warren County, being active not only within his profession but also in various civic enterprises.
Herbert A. Bartholomew, M. D., was born in Whitehall, February 1, 1905, son of Herbert A. and Harriett (Douglas) Bartholomew. Herbert A. Bar- tholomew, who is a native of Whitehall, has spent many years of his life as a farmer, being also deeply interested in civic problems and active in political endeavor. Harriett (Douglas) Bartholomew, his wife, was also born in Whitehall.
After passing through the grade schools of Whitehall and graduating from the Whitehall High School, Herbert A. Bartholomew prepared for the
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medical profession by taking three years of pre-medical work at Syracuse University and then studied medicine at the University of Vermont, from which institution he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1929. Then, following his interneship at Vassar Brothers Hospital, Poughkeepsie, Dr. Bartholomew came to Glens Falls in 1930, establishing a general medical and surgical practice which he has maintained through the present time. Support- ing his profession by membership in the American Medical Association, the New York State Medical Society, the Warren County Medical Society, and the Glens Falls Academy of Medicine, Dr. Bartholomew has also become attached to the staff of the Glens Falls Hospital, an institution which he also serves as assistant surgeon. Like his father, deeply interested in civic prob- lems, Dr. Bartholomew, as a member of the Republican party, has served Warren County as coroner since 1934. A member of the Glens Falls Country Club, where he finds recreation from his professional responsibilities by play- ing his favorite game, golf, Dr. Bartholomew is also a member of Phoenix Lodge, No. 96, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and belongs to Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Kappa Fraternity and the Cap and Skull Society of Vermont University. Dr. Bartholomew attends the Glens Falls Methodist Church.
Herbert A. Bartholomew married, in 1928, Grace Salzburg, who is a native of New York City. Dr. and Mrs. Bartholomew are the parents of two chil- dren : I. Herbert A., 3d. 2. D. Kerry.
THOMAS R. NORTH-Member of the Plattsburg law firm of Haley and North, Thomas R. North, of Plattsburg, is one of the leading attor- neys of Clinton County as well as being active in the ranks of the Republican party and the Plattsburg Kiwanis Club.
Thomas R. North was born at Dannemora, Clinton County, June 13, 1909, son of Charles H. and Luella (Robinson) North. Charles H. North, who was a native of Dannemora, was educated as a physician and practiced medicine as a member of the staff of the Mattewan State Hospital for a period and then became the superintendent of the State Hospital at Dannemora, a position which he occupied until the time of his decease. Luella (Robinson) North, his wife, who survives him, was born at Clyde, Wayne County, New York.
After passing through the public schools and graduating from the Platts- burg High School, Thomas R. North entered Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts, and graduated with the class of 1931 as a Bachelor of Arts. Then, selecting the legal profession for his career, Mr. North entered the Law School of Harvard University, graduating from that institution in 1934 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Admitted to the New York State bar shortly thereafter, Mr. North returned to Plattsburg and established himself in the
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practice of his profession, forming a partnership with Sherlock E. Haley under the firm name of Haley and North, an association which has continued through the present time. Supporting his profession through membership in the New York State Bar Association as well as the Clinton County Bar Asso- ciation, Mr. North, who attends the Plattsburg Presbyterian Church, interests himself in civic and political problems as a member of the Republican party and takes an active part in the community life as a member of the Plattsburg Kiwanis Club. Fond of fishing and other sports, Mr. North finds recreation from his professional duties by indulgence in these pastimes.
FRANK MINZEY-Supervisor of Warren County, Frank Minzey is not only one of the leading citizens of Lake George but is also widely known throughout the United States as a prominent thespian, having spent many years on the stage as well as having played an outstanding rôle in the early days of motion pictures, days when the now vast industry was enduring the vicissitudes of its humble beginnings.
Frank Minzey was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, April 15, 1879, son of George E. and Henrietta A. (Rounds) Minzey. George E. Minzey, who was a native of Brockton, Massachusetts, engaged in the last business, used in connection with the manufacture of shoes, an occupation at which he was occu- pied at the time of his death. Henrietta A. (Rounds) Minzey, his wife, also deceased, was a native of Rehoboth, Massachusetts.
After passing through the grade schools of Brockton and graduating from the Brockton High School, Frank Minzey began his long and successful career as a thespian, finding his first engagement as a juvenile in the famous Castle Square Stock Company, which was at the time, Boston's most celebrated theatrical enterprise. After three years in Boston, he entered vaudeville and then, for several years alternated between that form of the art and his original type of work in stock, finally in 1905 becoming associated with the play "Sis Hopkins," starring Rose Melville. Mr. Minzey was the leading man of this cast and eventually manager, a dual position which he filled for thirteen years. In addition, the early struggles of motion pictures attracted his attention and he devoted a portion of his time and talent to the development of the infant industry, being associated with the Old Kalem Company for several years. Finding the country about Lake George very interesting, Mr. Minzey about 1910 established his home in the village of Lake George and began to develop an automobile business. Always keenly concerned with public problems, Mr. Minzey began to take an active part in Lake George affairs as soon as he established his home there and eventually became one of the local leaders of the Republican party, being elected supervisor of Warren County in 1936, a post which he has occupied through the present time. A member of St. Sacra-
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ment Lodge, No. 1029, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Mr. Minzey also belongs to Glens Falls Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and to Lake George Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He customarily finds recreation from his official responsibilities by indulging in his three favorite hobbies of golf, tennis and fishing.
Frank Minzey married, in 1910, Rose Melville, who is a native of Terre Haute, Indiana, one of the most loved actresses of the early quarter of the century, who was Mr. Minzey's leading lady and, as a star in her own right, the brilliant attraction of her day, having been the famous character "Sis Hopkins," a rôle which she created and made known on the boards of every prominent theatre in all the world.
TRUE M. AVERY-Vice-president in charge of manufacturing of the Union Bag and Paper Company of Hudson Falls, True M. Avery, who has had the particular responsibility of developing the specialty bag division of his organization, is very well known in the industry throughout the United States for not only does his work take him regularly to such municipalities as New York City, Savannah, Georgia, Chicago, Illinois, and Los Angeles, Cali- fornia, but he has also gained celebrity as an engineer and developer of new machines for the manufacture and printing of paper bags.
True M. Avery was born in Cawker City, Kansas, September 8, 1881, son of Henry J. and Ida M. (Hilleary) Avery. Henry J. Avery is a member of a family that was among the first settlers of Iowa who conducted a nursery busi- ness in Burlington, Iowa. Ida M. (Hilleary) Avery, his wife, was also a native of Burlington, Iowa.
After passing through the grade schools and the high school of Burlington, Iowa, True M. Avery, who had while a boy demonstrated unusual ability as a mechanic, working in summer vacations and in his spare time as a machinist, engaged in experimental work until about 1903 when he entered Iowa State College, where he studied engineering as a member of the class of 1907. In 1907 Mr. Avery, who had been working on paper machinery, invented a paper bag machine which he sold to the Union Bag and Paper Company. As a result of this demonstration of his ability, Mr. Avery was invited to join the engineering staff of the Union Bag and Paper Company and, in September of 1907, he came East to join the organization as a designer of automatic equip- ment. Then, after twenty-three years in various duties on the engineering staff, in 1930 True M. Avery was made manager of all the factories of the company, a position which he held until January of 1936, when he was elected vice-president in charge of manufacturing. Although Mr. Avery makes his home in Glens Falls, his duties require him to spend much of his time in the various plants of the Union Bag and Paper Company in various parts of the country. Supporting his profession in the State and Nation by membership
mavery
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in the New York State Society of Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Mr. Avery, who belongs to the Glens Falls Rotary Club, is a member also of Senate Lodge, No. 456, of Glens Falls, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He finds recreation from his responsibility in the Union Bag and Paper Corporation by his twin sports of hunting and fishing.
True M. Avery married in Chicago, August, 1907, Elsa M. Thomas, a native of Ottumwa, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Avery are the parents of a daughter, Virginia Ann, who, a graduate of the Glens Falls High School, is now a student in Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, a member of the class of 1940.
REVEREND DANIEL FRANCIS CRONIN-Pastor of the Blessed Sacrament Church of Bolton, Warren County, Rev. Daniel Francis Cronin, who has served his parish for the past nine years, holds the esteem of all residents of his community as well as the affection of the members of his church.
Daniel Francis Cronin was born in Glens Falls, February 13, 1889, son of Daniel and Mary (Foley) Cronin, both of whom originally were natives of County Cork, Ireland.
After passing through St. Mary's Academy in Glens Falls, Father Cronin spent some years in newspaper work and later studied law with the late Supreme Court Judge Edward M. Angell, of Glens Falls.
Forsaking a career in law, he entered the Catholic University at Washing- ton, District of Columbia, for his preparatory studies for the priesthood. Later he pursued courses in philosophy and theology at the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels, Niagara University, New York, and was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany, New York, on May 25, 1918. Father Cronin's first appointment was at the same Cathedral where he labored for seven years, going afterwards to the pastorate of the Sacred Heart Church at Berlin, New York.
He became the first resident pastor of the Blessed Sacrament Church at Bolton Landing in September, 1929, and in October, 1938, became the pastor of the Church of St. Ambrose, Latham, New York.
A member of the Glens Falls Council, Knights of Columbus, Father Cronin also belongs to the Glens Falls Lodge, No. 81, Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks and is a member of the Glens Falls Country and Saga- more Country clubs.
DODGE and FRAZIER: HERBERT O. DODGE; ARTHUR W. FRAZIER-One of the leading jewelry retail establishments in the Lake Champlain district, Dodge and Frazier, jewelers, of Plattsburg, serves
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Clinton County with a complete stock of diamonds, jewelry, silverware, fine clocks and related merchandise. The business was established in 1906 by Jules La Rocque, who opened a small shop in Plattsburg where he offered jewelry, optical goods and the like and also conducted a watch repairing busi- ness. In 1912, at the death of Mr. La Rocque, Herbert O. Dodge, who had been employed by a local jewelry establishment, purchased the business and conducted it independently until 1919, when Arthur W. Frazier became a partner and the title of the business was changed to Dodge and Frazier, its present name.
Herbert O. Dodge was born at Nashua, New Hampshire. November 18, 1875, son of Dana D. and Nancy Emery (Otterson) Dodge. Dana D. Dodge, who was also a native of Nashua, learned the trade of a moulder as a young man and followed his calling all his life, being so engaged at the time of his death. Nancy Emery (Otterson) Dodge, his wife, also deceased, was a native of Nashua.
After passing through the grammar schools of Nashua and graduating from the Nashua High School, Herbert O. Dodge in 1892 entered the jewelry business with E. E. Cheney, of Nashua, New Hampshire, with whom he served a three-year apprenticeship. Then, after being employed for a time in Montpelier, Vermont, at his trade, Mr. Dodge went to Northfield. Massachu- setts, where he again worked for a short period, and removed to Plattsburg, where he became associated with Tuttle and Parshall, jewelers, continuing with that firm until 1912, when he purchased the business of Jules La Rocque. This business Mr. Dodge maintained individually until 1919. when he took Arthur W. Frazier into partnership and the firm became Dodge and Frazier. Interested in the civic affairs of Plattsburg, and expressing this concern through membership in the Chamber of Commerce and the Plattsburg Young Men's Christian Association, of which he was formerly a director, Mr. Dodge is a member and a Past Master of Plattsburg Lodge, No. 828, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. A member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Plattsburg, which he serves as secretary of the board of trustees, Mr. Dodge is fond of automobiling as a means of recreation and also devotes him- self to partridge shooting.
Herbert O. Dodge married, in 1903. Julia Howe, a native of East Beek- mantown, Clinton County. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge are the parents of a daughter : Dorothy Howe Dodge who, after attending Skidmore College, graduated from the Nurses' School of the Physicians' Hospital of Plattsburg.
Arthur W. Frazier was born at Plattsburg December 4. 1893. son of Stewart J. and Flora ( Barber) Frazier. Stewart J. Frazier, who was born at Plattsburg, son of Joseph and Ellen ( McNanna) Frazier, established himself in Plattsburg as a leading real estate and insurance broker, being the proprietor
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of the firm of Parkhurst and Taylor. Flora (Barber) Frazier, his wife, is a native of Bangor, New York.
After passing through the Plattsburg grammar schools and graduating from the Plattsburg High School, Arthur W. Frazier learned the jeweler's trade under Herbert O. Dodge, with whom he spent three years. Then, after a year working with Henry Engal, jeweler of Brockport, New York, Mr. Frazier went to Burlington, Vermont, where he spent a year with A. G. Mansur and Company, leaving them to enlist in the United States Army in September, 1917. Assigned to the aviation corps, he was sent to Kelley Field with the 29th Aero Squadron and was later transferred to Camp Taylor in Kentucky, where he was discharged from the service in January of 1919. Returning home to Plattsburg, he found Mr. Dodge the proprietor of the La Rocque store and, accordingly, purchased an interest in the business, an asso- ciation which he has maintained through the present time. Supporting his profession by membership in the National Jewelers' Association and the New York State Jewelers' Association, and preserving his war-time military asso- ciations by membership in Plattsburg Post, No. 20, American Legion, being a Past Commander of the post, Mr. Frazier supports civic enterprises gener- ously, being the first treasurer and a charter member of the Plattsburg Kiwanis Club, a past vice-president of the Plattsburg Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Plattsburg Rod and Gun Club. Mr. Frazier is also a member of Plattsburg Lodge, No. 828, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and Platts- burg Lodge, No. 621, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. A member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Plattsburg, which he serves as a steward, Mr. Frazier finds in his fondness for motoring a means of recreation from his business responsibilities.
Arthur W. Frazier married, in 1923, Anna J. Brennan, a native of Dan- nemora, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Frazier are the parents of two children : I. William A. 2. James S.
GORDON S. PARTRIDGE-Since leaving college in 1926, Gordon S. Partridge, of Saranac Lake, has been associated with the telephone business in various capacities. He is a native of Glens Falls, New York, born Sep- tember 26, 1903, son of Orville W. and Nellie (Stratton) Partridge. His father, born at Fort Edward, New York, was engaged as a clothing merchant to the time of his death. Mrs. Partridge, born in Gilboa, this State, is living.
Mr. Partridge prepared for a broad academic and technical education in the Glens Falls schools. He attended Wesleyan University and Syracuse University. In December, 1926, he entered the employ of the New York Telephone Company in the general toll supervisor's office, at Albany. Two years later he was made traffic supervisor, with headquarters at Poughkeepsie.
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In 1929 he was assigned to the Troy office of the company, as traffic superin- tendent, and a year later returned to Albany to serve in a similar capacity. In December, 1930, Mr. Partridge became traffic superintendent at Newburgh, and during the following year was district traffic supervisor in Poughkeepsie. In 1932 he was located in Glens Falls as traffic superintendent of the local office ; in 1933, was made assistant district manager at Kingston; and since 1934 he has been manager of the Saranac Lake office. All references are to the New York Telephone Company, and to New York State cities.
Wherever he has been situated, Mr. Partridge has endeavored to identify himself with local life and affairs. Since coming to Saranac Lake, he has become a member and a director of the Rotary Club, likewise of the Saranac Lake Club; and he is secretary of the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce. He is district chairman of the Saranac Lake District of the Adirondack Coun- cil of the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Partridge's college fraternity is Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Syracuse University, and Phi Nu Theta at Wesleyan Uni- versity. He plays golf as a member of the Saranac Lake Country Club, an- other recreation being hunting. He attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Saranac Lake.
REV. CHARLES LEO PONTBRIAND-Forty-four years in the priesthood of the Catholic Church, and thirty-three years in one Vermont parish, is the noteworthy record of Rev. Charles Leo Pontbriand, now pastor at the Holy Family Church, Essex Junction, Vermont.
His father, Leon Joseph Francis Pontbriand, was born at Berthierville, Province of Quebec, Canada, and in 1869 married Flavia Labossiere. He followed the trade of a millwright and later owned the Central Hotel. He served as a soldier in the Civil War, the military records of which erred in listing his name as "Pomeroy." He enlisted as a private in Company G, 3d New York Cavalry, on April 10, 1865. and was discharged in November of that same year at City Point, Virginia. In 1928 at their home in Highgate, Vermont, Mr. and Mrs. Pontbriand celebrated their fifty-ninth wedding anni- versary and at that time he was eighty-one years of age, and his wife, seventy- nine. They had four children: I. Rev. Charles Leo, of further mention. 2. Henry. 3. Flavia. 4. Louis.
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