by Bea Peterson
On Monday evening, November 24, Weir Committee member Norma Brenenstuhl distributed checks amounting to $11,000 to 12 community organizations. [private]They were the Cheney Library and Library Children’s Room, Hoosick Township Historical Society, Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, North Hoosick Fire Department, Hoosick Falls Cemetery Association, Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at Hoosick Falls, Hoosick Area Food Closet, Hoosick Falls Community Band, Girl Scout Neighborhood, Boy Scout Troop 63, Wood Park Seniors and the Hoosick Falls Senior Center.
Hoosick Town Historian Phil Leonard gave everyone a synopsis of the life of Harry Weir. This time he included a photo of Simon Milbert and Jim Brahen with Mr. Weir. He said they were instrumental in getting the Nancy Shoe Company to come to Hoosick Falls. Local people bought shares in the company to pay for building the factory. After the factory was built even the employees bought shares.
Harry Weir was born in Cambridge, NY, in 1886. He rose from foreman of the Noble and Wood Machine Company to become Treasurer, President and General Manager of the company. When he retired he was named Chairman of the Board. He was involved in countless other endeavors, from a gas and oil company, to banking, to the McClellan Hospital, to the First United Church, Presbyterian, to the Youth Center, Kiwanis, Elks and more.
When he died in 1963 he left many bequests to local organizations and individuals. The remaining money was set up as a trust fund to be given out in the Hoosick area. In 1965 funds from the trust were given to complete the Town of Hoosick pool.
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