Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner recently presented owner Harvey Fox with a certificate recognizing the designation of N. Fox, Inc./N. Fox Jewelers for inclusion in the registry, which is a new program of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
The program honors businesses that have been operating for at least 50 years and have contributed to their community’s history.
N. Fox, Inc., located on Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs, was established in the late 1940s by Norman Fox. The first shop sold an array of goods, including vinyl records, small appliances, photography equipment and costume jewelry.
Norman was active in the community, organizing the Downtown Business Association in the early 1960s. He ran the store along with his wife, Eva, and eventually, their son, Harvey, joined them.
In 1978, Harvey purchased the business from his father and over time transitioned to only jewelry sales. Harvey and his wife Cassie currently operate N. Fox Jewelers selling high-end jewelry.
Woerner nominated N. Fox for inclusion recognizing not only the late founder’s business achievements in Saratoga Springs, but also his extensive efforts and involvement that are largely responsible for the thriving and walkable downtown Saratoga Springs locals and visitors enjoy today.
“You, your family have such a history of engagement in making this city and this community what it is today,” Woerner told Harvey.
“The criteria for inclusion is not just being [in business for] 50 years – but contributing to your community, and I don’t see how anyone could argue against that,” Christina Vagvolgyi said to Harvey on behalf of the New York State Historic Preservation Office. “This is such a fine example of how this business, and your father, and you have really done so much not just as a business but as a pillar of the community.”
Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim congratulated the business on this designation and presented a proclamation from the city. In the mayor’s remarks, he recalled his interactions with Norman over the years. “He was so welcoming to our community, and it really made a difference to me,” Kim said, wishing the company many more years of success.
“This community has been good to us and we have to give back,” Harvey said, sharing his father’s philosophy that’s been firmly instilled in him, “and that’s my lifetime job.”
Looking ahead to the future, Harvey said his goal is to continue growing N. Fox Jewelers and to keep giving back to the community.
An interactive map of the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry, including photos and information on the history of each business, can be viewed online at https://parks.ny.gov/historic-preservation/business-registry/default.aspx.
Other Saratoga County businesses included in the registry, which currently features a total of 100 sites throughout the state, are Stewart’s Shops, Curtis Lumber Company, and DeCrescente Distributing Company.
“I’m looking forward to seeing this grow as an initiative,” Woerner said, “to really recognize the businesses and business owners who have invested so much.”
More information about N. Fox Jewelers is available online at www.nfoxjewelers.com.
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The original article appeared in the Saratogian