William Arthur Gallup
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William Arthur Gallup was a notable figure in North Adams, Massachusetts, where he was president of Arnold Print Works, a leading textile manufacturing company. Gallup was also known for his commitment of the community. Arnold Print Works was a major employer in North Adams and Gallup played a crucial role in the success. Gallup began working at Arnold Print Works at a young age where he was able to bring experience in textile manufacturing and management. With his experience, he was able to grow the company to employ over 3,000 within a 26-building complex. Under Gallup’s leadership, Arnold Print Works began to thrive and become known for its unique designs and high-quality textiles. William Arthur Gallup attended Drury Academy in North Adams where he was introduced to business affairs. His father asked him to start working for him after school, a request which Gallup did not consider to be his first job but more of a son’s duty. In 1867 at the age of sixteen, Gallup took a job at a tailoring establishment where he made $12.50 a month. After a year as a tailor, he made the decision to work at a mill which later became Arnold Print Works. In 1920 he would celebrate fifty years with Arnold Print Works. A magazine story was published celebrating his career and Drury hosted a concert and reception in honor of his fifty years with the company, leaving Gallup feeling genuine satisfaction for his successful achievements. Gallup’s son-in-law took over the role of president of Arnold Print Works allowing for Gallup to retire after 56 years of devotion to the company. It was shortly after his retirement that Mr. Gallup and his wife moved to Boston. Although he was in Boston, Gallup was able to maintain his support and interest to the North Adams community. Alongside his investment and dedication to Arnold Print Works, Mr. Gallup was also involved in the North Adams Public Library where he served as a member of the board of trustees. He spent part of his life serving the North Adams Savings Bank as the trustee and eventually became the director of the North Adams National Bank. At 79 years old, William Arthur Gallup suddenly passed away in Paris after complications from surgical operations. Gallup believed in giving back to the community that had supported his business throughout the years. He was able to improve the lives of many residents of North Adams as well as supporting charitable organizations and local education.
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William Arthur Gallup tombstone.
William Arthur Gallup was buried in the Gallup family plot in Hillside Cemetery. | Source: Photo courtesy of Ely Janis.
Gallup family cross.
Several family members are buried in the Gallup family plot in Hillside Cemetery. | Source: Photo courtesy of Ely Janis.
William Arthur Gallup Oil Painting
An oil painting of the former president of Arnold Print Works was donated to the North Adams public library by Gallup’s wife and son. Since William A. Gallup was a trustee for the library for many years this seemed fitting for the portrait to be in the library. Mr. Gallup’s father in-law was also the one to present the library building itself to the city. | Source: Courtesy of the MCLA Freel Library
Gallup Residence, 150 Church St.
William Arthur Gallup resided in North Adams where he was able to build a successful life for himself and family after dedicating 56 years of his life to Arnold Print Works, a textile manufacturing company. H. Neill Wilson was a western MA architect who was hired by Gallup to design this mansion for him and his family at 150 Church Street. His house was located close to his father in-law's house who was also his business partner. | Source: Gallup House// 1894, Buildings of New England, September 3, 2020, https://buildingsofnewengland.com/2020/09/03/gallup-house-1894/
Obituary for Dorthy Jones Trudel, William A. Gallup's granddaughter.
William A. Gallup’s granddaughter passed away at the age of 79 in 2003. Her father Dr. Samuel M. Jones, one of William Gallup’s children, eventually went on to take over Arnold Print Works after Gallup retired. | Source: Courtesy of the MCLA Freel Library.
Burial record for William Arthur Gallup.
William Arthur Gallup was buried in Hillside Cemetery in North Adams, Massachusetts on August 31, 1930. His sudden death on August 9, 1930, in Paris caused Arnold Print Works to shut down for the day in honor of Mr. Gallup and resumed operations the following day. | Source: Courtesy of the North Adams Historical Society.
Arnold Print Works.
After Arnold Print Works had closed, Sprague Electric company had taken over their complex before their conversion. What was once the largest producers of printed fabric in North Adams is now home to Mass Moca. Mass Moca houses galleries and performing arts space where people from around the world can enjoy. | Source: Courtesy of MCLA Freel Library.