Other Industrial Examples

Other Industrial Examples

Before the exhibit continues, it is important to acknowledge other examples of businesses in North Adams' history. 

Small businesses, like Donald's Decorating, served North Adams' residents at the same that large businesses like Sprague were creating nationally recognized products. 

North Adams' industrial successes brought immigrants of many origins to the area. Lue Gim Gong was a Chinese immigrant brought in to continue making shoes after the shoe workers had a strike (similar to one several decades later in the 1970s at Sprague). 

Lue Gim Gong: An Immigrant in North Adams

Lue’s story of an immigrant finding success in the United States through will and innovation is inspiring. However, it is interesting to look into how Mr. Gim Gong arrived to America. Beckoned by a shoe manufacturing company that resided in the Marshall Street Complex, Gim Gong was one of dozens of Chinese immigrants shipped over to undermine a strike organized by the factory workers and North Adams residents.

Lue Gim Gong illustrates the rocky relationship North Adams residents have had with industry. Before Sprague, and before Arnold Print works there has always been strife with industry, going as far back as the late 19th century.