“The Albany Hand-book: A Stranger’s Guide and Resident’s Manual,” published in 1884, describes the establishment of S.R. Gray, Publisher, Bookseller, Stationer and Blank Book Maker:
“Gray’s Book Store, on State st. (Nos. 42 and 44). Almost opposite the new Custom House and Post-office stands the four-story granite building owned by S. R. Gray, and occupied by him on the first floor as one of the largest and most attractive book stores outside of New York city. The house was first established by Mr. Daniel Steele, who came from Hartford, Ct., in 1793, and opened a book bindery on State st., which was burned with its contents the following year. The business, however, was soon resumed on an enlarged scale with the addition of stationery, Bibles, testaments, and other books, and from the beginning of the present century the general book and stationery business has been in successful operation by the firms in succession.
“Until the year 1850 the business was conducted by the family of the founder, when it passed from the hands of Mr. Daniel Steele Durrie to the new firm of Gray and Sprague, who continued the trade until 1855, since which time Mr. Gray has conducted the business in his own name, adding materially to the various departments and aiming to represent the best class of literature, as well as giving special attention to printing, bookbinding and the manufacture of blank-books. It is here the depository of the Bible Society (which see) is kept and its publications distributed throughout the country.
“The building was erected in 1874-5 and covers an area of 35×100 feet. Being on the principal thoroughfare to the new State Capitol, it naturally attracts the attention of strangers visiting the city, and is a favorite location for business. The Signal Service (which see) occupies part of the upper story.”
If you had a book or notebook from S.R. Gray, you’d likely have found this stamp or bookplate inside.
By the way, that four-story granite building still stands. It’s Jack’s Oyster House.
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