Troy equipment rental firm added to NYS historic registry

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — C.W. Whalen & Sons in Troy was added to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry on Monday. At nearly 150 years old, it is one of the oldest family-owned and operated businesses in Troy.

C.W. Whalen & Sons was founded in 1876 — the same year that Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone — by Cornelius Walter Whalen and his wife. Whalen built awning frames using his prior blacksmithing experience and his wife sewed covers for them.

Later, with the help of Whalen’s brother, the husband-wife duo expanded the business to better serve the surrounding community. The business went through several name changes throughout the decades, including Troy Awning Works and Whalen Troy Awning Works.

During the fourth generation of C.W. Whalen & Sons, led by Cornelius Whalen Jr. and his wife Tracy Whalen, the business was expanded to include rentals of inflatables, concessions and more. Now, under the leadership of the fifth generation, C.W. Whalen & Sons offers party supplies, flags, awnings, tables, lighting and other event rental needs.

“Over the last century and a half, [C.W. Whalen & Sons] has seen generations of change within our family, our industry and our city,” said business president Connor Whalen. “What hasn’t changed is our commitment to being a part of the fabric of this community.”

C.W. Whalen & Sons is located at 5 North Street. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and all rental information can be found on their website.