When people ask me about the some of the most interesting people and places around Delhi, I invariably think of George Stewart. George is a local icon. If you haven’t met him or visited his store, Stewart’s Department Store located at 85-87 Main Street in Delhi, you’ve been denied a real pleasure. George is now 88 years young and has been working at the store since he was a boy.“Stewart’s”, as it is simply called, started as a department store under a different name circa 1883, the same year the building it is located in was built. When you enter through the front door, you are stepping back in time. There is a certain quality and comfort to that. Not much has changed regarding the store in terms of its appearance or the way business is done since the earlier part of the 20th century – except that Stewarts now accepts debit and credit cards. Stewart’s, by the way, sells men’s and women’s clothing, baby clothing, bulk cloth, suit jackets, ties, buttons, ribbon, hats, Woolrich sweaters, wallets, belts, underwear, socks, boy scout supplies, etc.
Here’s some of the history- While it was founded by Aaron Stern, Chauncey Stewart (George’s father), purchased the business in 1926 and subsequently purchased the building in 1928, just before the great depression. George remembers that times were rough during these early years; however, his father did his best to pay the bills and keep the business going. George said he believes the stress of those years probably shortened his father’s life, though his dad remained active in the business just a few months before he died in 1970. With the assistance of two farmers turned investors, Chauncey was able to keep the doors of the business open and survived the depression.According to George, his father Chauncey was excellent as a storeowner and manager– good with his customers and a genius at calculating figures. He sold goods that were, for the most part, similar to those that the store still offers today, except in the early days, the store also sold rugs, linoleum, and dress patterns, which it no longer carries. Through the years, a lot has changed in the world, however, not much has changed at Stewarts except the names and faces of customers, cloth sizes, and prices. For instance, bib overalls once sold for $3.95 at Stewart’s. Hard to believe, isn’t it?
After WWII, George returned to Delhi and worked in the store. There were plans for George to have a store in Margaretville; however, they never materialized. George officially took over the store in 1966. George was faithful and dutiful by following in his father’s footsteps and conducted business as his father had done for many years before him. To George, his guiding principle through the years has been the ‘golden rule’ – do to others, as you would have them have them do to you.
While a lot people have patronized Stewart’s over the years, there was perhaps no one more famous than Allen Ginsberg. George told me that Ginsberg came into his store when he was up in our area on a visit back in 1994. Ginsberg told George that he couldn’t find tan khaki pants in a 28” long size anywhere – not even in New York City. Well, guess what, George just happened to have them in stock. Ginsberg became a good customer of Stewart’s immediately.
I’m happy that though the world has changed so much during my forty some-odd years, some things like Stewart’s have remained relatively unchanged. While I’m not afraid of the future, I love and take comfort in some of the quality things from the past. Stewart’s is one of those quality things. Thank you, George, for who you are and what your store means to all of us who love and appreciate you.
