A vision of Albany’s future, circa 1914.

In 1912, architect Arnold W. Brunner was asked by James B. McEwan, then Mayor, to prepare studies for the improvement of Albany. The results were collected…

The Raven Radio Company and Frank A. Raven

Radio was all the rage in the early 1920’s. Frank A. Raven, Albany Commissioner of the Municipal Department of Public Works, came to his job with…

Why Do They All Take The Night Boat To Albany?

(photo link courtesy Kevin A. McGrath) The night boat to Albany wasn’t merely a mode of transport; it was a floating love nest, an unsupervised getaway…

Before it was the Elbo Room

Pre-Elbo Room, 170 Delaware Avenue. The address was home to Diamond Taxi, owned by J.J. Callahan, from 1931-a1933 and possibly beyond. It was Hall’s from 1941-1954…

Before it was Safeway Muffler

Before it turned into Safeway Muffler, 1117 Central Avenue (across from Ford’s Tavern) was quite the address. It was begun with lofty ideals in 1948 by…