As we walk or drive through the Village of Webster, we often — well, usually — fail to notice and appreciate the history that surrounds us.
The Village of Webster’s Historic Preservation Commission has made it their goal to shine a spotlight on some of these historical treasures. One way they’re doing that is with their recognition of Historic Sites of the Month. In August, that distinction was awarded to the Foley Insurance Agency.
The frame building at 9 East Main St. which we now know as Foley Insurance was built about 1898, and served as a post office until 1914. Inside, there are still several design elements from its days as a post office, including mail slots for letters and packages.
After the post office closed, the building housed several other businesses, including a cigar store, law offices and a construction agency. During that time, in 1921, Harold K. Foley began his career in real estate. With a partner, he purchased the insurance business of Jayne and Mason, later buying out the partner and operating under his own name out of offices on the second floor.
In 1940 Foley purchased the building, did some remodeling and moved his business to the main floor, where Foley Insurance remains today.
When Harold died suddenly in 1949, the business was handed to his wife Dorothea and their son Tom. Today, her great-granddaughters Sheila Foley Hanna and Meghan Foley Bloom run the business and are continuing the legacy. In 2021 the Foley Agency, family-owned since day one, was recognized by the Webster Chamber of Commerce for its 100th anniversary in the community of Webster, truly an amazing achievement, and perhaps the only business in town to achieve that milestone.
To read more about the history of Foley Agency Insurance, visit their website, and to see a list of previous Webster Historic Preservation Commission Historic Site of the Month honorees, click here.
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(posted 8/27/2023)
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Thx Missy, great article.
Thank you!