Not surprisingly, I don’t write Hoxsie to get rich. I do it because I love the history of our humble little cities that helped create this country. And I do it because by telling those stories, sometimes I really connect with others who love the past as much as I do.
Ages ago I posted an ad from a Troy outfit called Mertens & Phalen, located where the parking lot for the Franklin Plaza is today. They made and sold clothing and had a substantial operation, but I hadn’t run across any mentions of them other than some trade cards that still float around on eBay.
Then I got this wonderful message from a fellow named Mark Latham:
“Hi…just wanted to drop you a note regarding Mertens and Phalens Clothing House in Troy. Years ago I purchased a couple signs in Waterford NY. They were being used as walking supports in an attic of a very old home there (laid down on top of the rafters so you wouldn’t slip in between). At first I couldn’t even tell they were signs as they were completely black with dust, but when I stepped on one, I realized there were colors underneath the years of soot. Not knowing what they said, amd without really knowing if they would clean up, I took them home and proceeded to wash them. They actually cleaned up extremely well and I believe the years of soot may have indeed been protecting them.
“Both were hand painted signs advertising Mertens and Phalens Clothing House in Troy. One reads ‘Go To Mertens and Phalens, Troy NY’ (and gave the multiple street adresses) and the other says ‘9 Miles to Mertens and Phalen’s’. One of them mentions the word ‘elevators’ as that was a big deal when they were first introduced back in the 1860s.
“The first one depicts a silouette caricature of a man (oversized head on small body with victorian dressed collar) pushing a large wagon with his family inside (only black and red paint on this one). The other depicts a full color image of a standing woman with a large cylinder shaped bowl balanced on her head.
“I never knew how they got into the home and the owner never knew although the family had owned a business (I believe she said drug store) in Mechanicville many many years back. Maybe it came off that building at one time? I believe Mechanicville could be about 9 miles from downtown Troy.
“Anyhow, you stated there isn’t much known to be left from this great store beyond trade cards so just wanted you to know that at least one (2) other things still exist thankfully. And I am taking good care of them.”
Hi, I came across your blog while doing research on my CNY ancestry. Jacques/Jacob Mertens is my 3rd Great Grandfather. From what I’ve discovered, he was born in Belgium in and trained as a tailor before coming to Syracuse in 1865 when he was 19 years old and starting JM Mertens Clothiers. The company name had several variations over the years – going by Mertens, Yann, & Garnett as well as Mertens & Phalen . They seemed to mostly sell clothing and accessories. By 1893, the company had huge stores in Syracuse, Troy, Schenectady, and Philadelphia. I believe all of these buildings have since been demolished. It’s really cool to see the old ads. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! That’s really interesting.I also have long been involved in Syracuse history (though I don’t write about it), and I’ve always been interested in Syracuse-Capital Region connections. And there were a number of clothing stores that had that range – Flah’s, D’Jimas, Wells & Coverly come to mind. I didn’t know about the Philly connection – I live in greater Philly now, so I’m interested in that as well.