Amsterdam, New York: The Leather Guy

Unfortunately he was sold and no longer stands there. He is out there somewhere though.

The "Leather Guy" in Mayfield is actually a fiberglass likeness of Steve Alvord (me). I was the creator, owner and operator of Alvord House of Leather from 1971 until 1998.

"Big Steve" was built by Rod Shutt from Strasburg PA, and delivered on a flatbed truck on May 13, 1971. The head was carved from styrofoam and then covered with fiberglass. The body was done with 2x4's plus chicken wire, and then also covered with fiberglass.

My Great Grandfather Benjamin Alvord was a leather glove manufacturer in Mayfield, starting in 1898 the Alvord Glove Company. Operated first by Benjamin, then his son Clarence, and then his son Vincent Alvord. The Alvord Glove Company was closed in 1973 when Vincent retired and I didn't go into the manufacturing business, but instead went into retailing leather goods.

It was reported in the Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY) that the Leather Guy had been purchased for $5,000 as a big doll for a daughter named Mary Kate (age unknown). This was originally made of wood but it will be reinforced with fiberglass to protect against water damage of the feet. The color of the jeans will be changed, the glasses have been removed, and accent the fringe on the jacket. The hairstyle (including the sideburns) will remain the same.

"James" the tipster was right! The "Big Man", as we call him was moved yesterday, 05/06/06. He was carefully transported by the same guys that put him up 36 years ago! It was the coolest thing to watch! The Big Man was driven down the road to the new owner's home in Mayfield, where he will be touched up and will come back as a new MAN! Watch for an update!

I grew up in Mayfield, so this iconic figure is deeply rooted in my memory. After visiting my parents today I drove up School Street to the Intersection with Rt. 30A, the site of the former Alvord's Leather Store. Today they brought the big man down. Using a small crane and a harness around his neck, they laid him down to be carted away.

The old Alvords building is reportedly soon going to be a flooring store, and the Leather Man was purchased by a man who lives in Mayfield, and will remain in the town near where it once stood. Although it will stay nearby, this is a depressing event. as Mayfield is a small town without much going for it other than a place tourists and visitors only pass through on their way north into the Adirondack Mountains. I would like to invite anyone traveling on Rt. 30A North to stop into this small town, and show interest in what little it has.