D. Powers and Sons, Lansingburgh

Before linoleum, ceramic tile, and hardwood veneers, there were two ways to cover the floors in your home: paint, and oil cloth. The first manufacturer of oil cloth in the United States was William Powers of Lansingburgh. Weise, in his “The City of Troy and its Vicinity,” writes: “The first oil-cloth was made in Lansingburgh by William Powers, who, on June 17, 1817, advertised himself as a manufacturer of it. His wife and sons, Albert E. and Nathaniel B. Powers, under the firm-name of Deborah Powers & Sons, have for many years continued the business in the large buildings on the west and east sides of Second Avenue, (State Street), in the south part of the village.”

William Powers was born in New Hampshire, and came to Lansingburgh around 1812, working first in a meat market and then teaching public school. He started the oil cloth business in 1817, later branching into paint manufacture and oil refining. Eventually they moved into the production of linoleum, which was canvas impregnated with powdered cork. He died in an accident at the factory in 1852. Deborah continued the business with her sons, and she lived to the age of 100, dying in 1891. In 1883 she founded the Powers Home for Old
Ladies. The building still stands at 3rd Avenue and 123rd Street, though the grounds have been developed.

Albert and Nathaniel became major landholders in Lansingburgh. When the Bank of Lansingburgh failed, the family stepped in and established the Bank of D. Powers and Sons, which for many years was the only bank in the village. The brothers also owned the Ivoroid Manufacturing Company (a maker of imitation ivory from celluloid, another local invention) and the Green Island Foundry. Albert also became a trustee of RPI, as well as holding local titles.