The 100 Year History of Page

The Foundation of a Legacy

In the bustling Manchester Bridge district of LaGrange, the story of H.G. Page and Sons Inc. began. Its roots can be traced back to the Manchester Hotel, an establishment that faced closure during Prohibition. Samuel McCabe acquired the property and passed it down to his daughter, Mary McCabe, alongside her husband Gustavas Page. Together, they repurposed the hotel into 'G. Page Groceries,' a store cherished by locals.

The Birth of H.G. Page

Henry G. Page Sr., the third child and only son of Mary and Gustavas, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by purchasing a cement block-making machine from the Sears and Roebuck Catalog. This was the foundation of H.G. Page.

Expansion and Family Growth

Henry G. Page Sr. married Josephine Coniff Rittinger. Their union blessed them with three sons: Henry Jr., John, and William. The boys grew up working in the family business along with their uncles and cousins, with jobs ranging from stocking shelves to unloading rail cars.

Diversifying the Business

As the cement block industry grew increasingly competitive, Henry G. Page, Sr. demonstrated remarkable adaptability by expanding the business scope. He began selling a variety of building supplies, including roofing and insulation.

Launch of the Lumberyard

Aligning with the transformation of Dutchess County from agricultural to residential focus, Page opened a lumberyard, marking a significant shift in the company's Legacy.

Revolutionizing Local Building Supplies

A landmark event occurred in 1978 with the opening of a larger home and building center. This expansion not only enhanced the company's offerings but also redefined the standards for local lumber yards and building supply stores.

Enhancing Inventory and Services

A pivotal development was the construction of a new storage building opposite the Rt. 55 Poughkeepsie location. This expansion greatly increased the inventory for customer’s home and building projects.

Henry Sr. Passes

Many customers remember Henry Sr. for his unique presence in the store – assisting customers, or humorously shining his shoes with a banana peel. He was known for his distinctive approach to management, including dismissing customers he mistook for idle employees. Henry Sr. passed away in 1993.

Celebrating 80 Years with Expansion

The 80th anniversary of H.G. Page and Sons Inc. was marked by the opening of a 6,500 sq. ft. Home Design Concepts Showroom, an event that attracted over 3,000 customers.

Branching Out

H. G. Page & Sons acquired three new locations in Dutchess County: Rt. 44 in Amenia, Rt. 22 in Pawling, and Rt. 55 in LaGrangeville. This expansion enhanced the company's influence in the building supplies sector.

A New Era of Retail Excellence

2011 witnessed the grand re-openings of four locations, following extensive renovations. This period heralded the introduction of a diverse range of new products, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation and market trends.

A Century of Dedication

As H.G. Page and Sons Inc. commemorated its 100-year anniversary, it reflected on its evolution from a modest grocery store to a leader in building supplies. William “Bill” Page, the last surviving son of Henry Sr., passed in 2023. Now known as Page Lumber, Millwork, & Building Supplies, the company remains family-owned and operated, with a board of six of Henry Sr.’s grandchildren, and CEO Mark Whitney.