Broad Street Bridge, c. 1923

by | posted in: City of Rochester | 0

The original aqueduct over the Genesee River in the city of Rochester was opened in 1824. Built from sandstone quarried at Carthage at lower falls, it was regarded as one of the finest masonry structures in the world. At only 17 feet wide with a sharp turn, traffic could only travel one way and had to alternate. This caused bottle-necking. And it quickly began to leak. In 1842, Rochester opened the second aqueduct just a few feet north of the original. It was 34 feet wide and built entirely of Onondaga limestone, and it allowed for two-way traffic. For nearly 100 years, the Erie Canal brought prosperity to Rochester and the 1919-1920 season was it’s last. In part, the citizens of Rochester were happy to see it go. The stagnant water, filth, and drownings had worn on the city and we were ready to accept ideas to move our city into the future. In November of 1921 Mayor Edgerton set in motion plans to convert the existing canal bed into a trolley system, running that line across the aqueduct while adding an upper deck for automobile traffic. The ordinance passed unanimously and construction to convert the aqueduct began in 1922. The Broad Street bridge officially opened in 1924. These photographs show the construction. Photographs are by H. Manzler, 480 Meigs Street. Reproduced from 8” x 10” photographs.

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Todd Residence, 85 Knollwood Drive, c. 1954

by | posted in: Pittsford, Whiting Collection | 0

In 1899 George W. and Libanus M. Todd opened G.W. Todd & Co., dealers of office specialties.  That same year Libanus began work on a device that would protect checks from forgery.  Its beginnings were in the shed of Charles G. Tiefel’s house on Gregory Street.  There, Tiefel and Libanus Todd developed the Protectograph, a device used to protect checks from fraud by shredding the fibers of the paper and allowing indelible ink to penetrate.  The Todd Protectograph became the world’s standard of protection for checks and documents; an advertisement from 1915 claims over 375,000 in use.  The company is first listed on East Avenue, eventually setting up headquarters on University Avenue in 1909.  In 1916 they become the Todd Protectograph Co., and then the Todd Company in 1925.

This is the home of George W.’s son, George L. Todd.  He started as a clerk with the Todd Company in 1925, and at the time of these photographs was Vice President and General Manager.  The Pittsford directories show that he moved in about 1950.  The house was built in 1930 and these photographs document what appears to be a rehab of an existing pool.  Currently the pool is enclosed and most likely does not retain the original structure.  From the Whiting Collection.  Reproduced from 4”x 5” negatives. 

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USGA 56th Open Championship Souvenir Glass, 1956

by | posted in: Ephemera, Pittsford | 0

The USGA 56th Open Championship was held June 14-16, 1956 at Oak Hill County Club’s East Course. Three US Opens have been held at Oak Hill; 1956, 1968 and 1989. Cary Middlecoff won his second US Open title in 1956. Founded in 1895, the United States Golf Association’s US Open is the second oldest major championship in the world, held yearly except for 1917-18 and 1942-45 due to World Wars I and II. It is an open tournament; anyone can compete if they have a handicap of 1.4 or less. Reproduced from 2⅞” x 2⅞” x 5” glass.

Strasenburgh Planetarium, Lobby Pre-Show, c.1980

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First listed in the city directories in 1887, Robert J. Strasenburgh operated Strasenburgh & Steele drug store on West Avenue.  By 1890 it was known as R.J. Strasenburgh Company and in 1937 his son Edwin Griffin Strasenburgh becomes president of the newly named Strasenburgh Laboratories.  Edwin and his wife Clara were dedicated to social and civic endeavors in Rochester, so in 1965 they donated $2.4 million for the construction and maintenance of a planetarium.  The building was designed by Carl F. W. Kaelber Jr. of the Rochester architectural firm of Waasdorp, Northup & Kaelber.  Located on East Avenue, the Strasenburgh Planetarium was dedicated September 14th 1968.  Reproduced from 35mm mounted slides.

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Forestport Feeder Breaks, c.1898

by | posted in: Oneida County | 0

North of Utica in Oneida County on the banks of the Black River is Forestport, New York.  Beginning in 1837 and completed in 1855, the Black River Canal was built to connect the river to the Erie Canal.  The Forestport feeder was constructed to replenish the canal and accommodate boat traffic.  At the end of the 19th century Forestport was a town of sawmills.  The Black River was used to transport logs from the Adirondack Mountains to the local mills, making it a major lumber producer.  The canal was a vital part of the economy of the town but the entire canal system was in disrepair and breaks happened frequently.  Money was misspent, men with no qualifications were given salary in return for political favor and contractors padded their invoices.  The canal was leaking water and money.  Along with that the railroads were increasingly becoming the main transport of goods.  Like many canal towns of that time, Forestport was in decline.  In July 1897 the Forestport feeder canal suffered a break.  Quickly men were sent to make repairs.  Hundreds of Italian immigrant laborers from Utica and far too many foremen descended on the small town.  Hotels, saloons and just about everyone else was making money.

The residents of Forestport had a long reputation for lawlessness.  After the 1897 break someone suggests that another break would be good for business.  Soon the owners of the hotels and saloons were conspiring to break the feeder canal wall.  In May 1898 the feeder canal broke again and quickly there was speculation that it was intentional.  The people of the town either keep quiet about what they knew, or explained it as a natural event.  Everyone knew that business was about to boom.  In January 1899 the newly elected Governor Theodore Roosevelt, on his promise to clean up the canal, appoints Colonel John Partridge as Superintendent of New York Department of Public Works.  He begins his investigation into the breaks of the previous two years when, in September 1899, the feeder breaks for the third time.  Detectives from Pinkerton National Detective Agency were hired to investigate and what they find is a conspiracy unlike any that New York had seen before.  In 1900, trials were held in Rome, NY and several men were convicted of deliberately destroying or conspiring to destroy the feeder canal.

These photographs show the repair work after one of the breaks.  Men cleared the debris, built paths for the wagons to transport fill and rebuilt the towpath.  Kerosene lights were used so work could be continued after dark.  

The Forestport Breaks by Michael Doyle is an in-depth examination of these events.  It was a great resource in helping to understand these photographs and highly recommended.

Photographs by R.T. Stratton, Utica and Waterville NY.  Reproduced from 8”x10” photographs.

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Zweigle’s Butchers, c.1930

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These photographs were taken when Zweigle’s operated out of 214 Joseph Avenue at the corner of Kelly Street.  In the background you can see Community Drug Store located at 222 Joseph Avenue.  Reproduced from 2¼” x 3” and 2½” x 4¼” photographs.

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Rochester Canoe Club, Thistle Races, c.1954

by | posted in: Irondequoit, Whiting Collection | 0

George Henry Harris (1843-1893) founder of the Rochester Canoe Club, is one of Rochester’s most interesting citizens.  His grandparents settled in Rochester in the early 1800’s.  As a boy his family resided near the bend of the Genesee river where the river campus of the University of Rochester is, and it was there that he developed a love for Native American life.  When he was a young boy he was instrumental in saving the lives of Indian children caught in river rapids in a canoe with no paddles.  One of the boys was Onoto, son of Tall Chief.  George’s father and Tall Chief established an exchange visit where the boys would stay with each other’s family’s.  George learned Iroquois and began a life devoted to the friendship and understanding of Native Americans.  George Henry Harris was a well-respected historian and lecturer and in 1889 was adopted into the Wolf Clan of the Seneca Indians and given the name “Ho-tar-shan-nyoh”, the Pathfinder.

Established in 1882, the Rochester Canoe Club is the oldest continuous sailing club in Rochester.  There are no longer canoes; by 1886 sailing became the direction of the club, but the name remains in honor of the history.  Thistle Racing was introduced in 1952, and by 1955 only Thistle boats were being raced.  That has since changed and current fleets of the RCC include Sunfish, JY-15, Thistle and Optimist.  From the Whiting Collection.  Reproduced from 4”x 5” negatives.

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St. Leo’s Benevolent Society at St. Michael’s Church, c.1911

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Rochester has a long tradition of charitable organizations, many of them being benevolent societies.  Before the Civil War there were twelve in Rochester.  By 1870 there were 20, and that number doubled by 1880.  These societies, often based in religious and ethnic affiliations, were established in part to help ease the financial burdens of other charities.  Much of their work dealt with integrating the numerous immigrants coming into the city through sponsorship and social welfare.  In 1846 more than half of head of households were foreign born.  By 1890 over two-thirds of Rochester’s population was either foreign born or born to immigrant parents.  St. Michael’s was established c.1873 and the church at 869 North Clinton Avenue was dedicated in 1890.  This photograph was taken on the north side of Parish Hall located behind the church.  Reproduced from 8½” x 27” photograph.

Gannett Residence, 195 Sandringham Road, c.1953

by | posted in: Brighton, Whiting Collection | 0

Residence of Frank E. and Caroline W. Gannett.  Publisher and founder of the Gannett Company, Inc., Frank Gannett began his publishing career in 1906 with the purchase of the Elmira Gazette and the Ithaca Journal.  In 1918 he moved to Rochester and formed the Times-Union.  Gannett was a leader of technological advancements in the newspaper industry.  He used shortwave radio for quicker reporting, color printing presses and invested in the teletypesetter; an apparatus used for remotely setting type by telegraph.  At the time of his death in 1957, Gannett owned 22 newspapers, 4 radio stations and 3 television stations.  A native to Rochester, Caroline Gannett was involved in numerous social and civic works.  Some of the organizations that she supported were Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of Rochester, Rochester Museum and Science Center, the Rochester chapter of the American Red Cross, and many others.  Her dedication to education and children led her to positions with Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York, Syracuse University Youth Development Program, the 1960 White House Conference on Children and Youth and numerous other organizations.  From the Whiting Collection.  Reproduced from 4”x 5” negatives.

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Tobin Residence, 756 Rock Beach Road, c.1957

by | posted in: Irondequoit, Whiting Collection | 0

Residence of Frederick M. Tobin, president of the Tobin Packaging Company Inc.  Frederick M. Tobin successfully established several meat packaging plants in New York and Iowa.  In 1942 the merger of these plants formed the Tobin Packaging Company Inc.  Although not the creator of the White Hot, he improved the recipe and preparation.  At its height, the Tobin Packaging Company was considered the largest meat packing company in the North-East.  From the Whiting Collection.  Reproduced from 4”x 5” negatives.

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WHEC Matchbook, c.1960

by | posted in: City of Rochester, Ephemera | 0

 Lawrence J. Hickson was a pioneer of radio in Rochester.  He began his experiments in 1911 while studying Electrics at Mechanics Institute (Rochester Institute of Technology).  After WWI he resumed his experiments and in December 1920 Hickson began a weekly broadcast of a phonograph record from his home in Irondequoit.  The following year Hickson Electric Company opened, and with support from Frank Gannett WHQ was established at the Times-Union building at 22 Exchange Street.  In 1922 Hickson sold his interest in WHQ to the Democrat and Chronicle (Gannett would purchase the D&C in 1928).  On March 26, 1925 the Hickson Electric Company began broadcasting from the Seneca Hotel as WHEC. 

This promotional matchbook features the on air personalities of the daily line up; Ed Meath, Warren Doremus, Dorothy Cotton, Ed Ferland, Jack Friel, Roger Goodrich, John MacDonald, Foster Brooks and Dean Taylor.  Although all are notable, one in particular achieved national recognition.  Foster Brooks, comedian and actor, was born in 1912 and began his career in radio in his native Louisville, Kentucky.  In the early 1940’s and again in the late 1950’s he worked for WHAM and in 1960 for WHEC.  Brooks left for Los Angeles in 1961.  He was most notably famous for his ‘lovable lush’ act, appearing regularly on The Dean Martin Show and The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast.  For many years he owned a home in Rush, New York.  Foster Brooks passed away in December 2001 in California.  Reproduced from 3¾” x 12½” matchbook.

View in Franklin Square, c.1907

by | posted in: Ephemera | 0

View in Franklin Square, c.1907

One of many public squares located in the city of Rochester. Located on Andrews and Cumberland Streets, it is now called Schiller Park in honor of German Poet and Playwright Friedrich Schiller (1759-1805). Reproduced from 3½” x 5½” postcard.

Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, c.1935

by | posted in: Ephemera | 0

“Designated by the Council November 23rd, 1931 in honor of the brave men of Rochester and Monroe County who gave their lives in the service of their country.” Reproduced from 3½” x 5½” postcard.

Lily Pond, Eastman House Gardens, c.1935

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Lily Pond, Eastman House Gardens, c.1935

View of the terraced Italianate garden at the George Eastman House. Designed by Alling S. DeForest (1875-1957) between 1902 and 1904, it is the oldest and most formal garden on the property. Reproduced from 3½” x 5½” postcard.

Powers Hotel, c.1900

by | posted in: Ephemera | 0

Powers Hotel, c.1900

Concerned by the movement of hotel and retail business moving to the east side of the river Daniel Powers, Samuel Wilder, Patrick Barry, George Ellwanger and Mortimer F. Reynolds invested in the construction of the Powers Hotel. Located adjacent to the Powers Building and on the site of the demolished National Hotel, construction was begun in 1881. Designed by A.J. Warner and constructed with the latest fireproof materials, it was considered the safest and most palatial hotel in America. The hotel was completed in April 1883 at a cost of $500,000. Located at 36 West Main Street, it is currently the Executive Office Building. Reproduced from 3½” x 5½” postcard.

Mouth of Red Creek, c.1905

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Mouth of Red Creek, c.1905

View of the western terminus of the portage trail from Irondequoit Bay to the Genesee River, Genesee Valley Park – Early American canoes traveling from the St. Lawrence Seaway would have trouble passing the falls on the Genesee River. To avoid this, they would travel from Lake Ontario into Irondequoit Bay and then to Irondequoit Creek, disembarking at Indian Landing in Ellison Park. From there a portage trail followed the direction of Highland Avenue and skirted the base of Mount Hope until reaching Red Creek. Part of the Iroquois Trail, this was an important trade route from Canada to the Mississippi Valley for two hundred years. Published by H.V. Walker. Reproduced from 7½” x 9½” tinted print.

The G.L. Miner Company, c.1910

by | posted in: City of Rochester | 0

The G.L. Miner Company, c.1910

First listed in the City of Rochester Business Directory in 1905, The G.L. Miner Company was a dealer of motorcycles. Until 1923 it was located on Clinton Avenue at the corner of Court Street, now Xerox Tower. The view is from Clinton Avenue near the northeast corner of Washington Square Park looking towards Court Street. In the background the tower of the old First Unitarian Church is visible. Reproduced from 2” x 3¼” photograph.

Papec Machine Company, c.1915

by | posted in: Shortsville | 0

Papec Machine Company, no.005Beginning in the early 1900’s through the 1980’s, the Papec Machine Company of Shortsville New York manufactured farming implements known worldwide for their quality. Originally located in Lima, New York, the company moved to Shortsville sometime around 1910. Reproduced from 5″x7″ and 8″x10″ glass plate negatives.

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Lover Come Back, c.1962

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Lover Come Back, c.1962
A promotion for “Lover Come Back” starring Rock Hudson, Doris Day and Tony Randall. Formerly located at 71 Clinton Avenue, the RKO Palace in Rochester opened Christmas 1928 and was demolished in 1965. Reproduced from 7½” x 10½” paper bag.

Vera Photo Co., c.1910

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Printed on reverse: “MADE BY VERA PHOTO CO. 273 MAIN ST. EAST, Directly opposite North Street, (and only one flight up) Next door to McCurdy’s.” Reproduced from 1¼” x 2” photographs.

Midtown Plaza Sidewalk Cafe, c.1962

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Midtown Plaza Sidewalk Cafe, c.1962
Printed on reverse: “Unique globe lights and a central fountain lend a continental charm and restful atmosphere for visitors to the sidewalk café on Midtown Plaza mall, Rochester, N.Y. Midtown Plaza is the nation’s largest downtown shopping and business center – 7½ acres under one roof.” Reproduced from 3½” x 5½” postcard.

Henry Lomb Memorial, c.1950

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In 1932 the 48-foot-tall granite obelisk was dedicated to Henry Lomb (1828-1908); co-founder of Bausch & Lomb Optical Company, Civil War Captain, philanthropist and first president of Mechanics Institute, now Rochester Institute of Technology.  The first two photographs are taken from Lomb Memorial Park looking towards the intersection of Martin Street and Sheridan Street (now Upper Falls Boulevard).  Coca-Cola Bottling of Rochester is now on that site.  The third photograph is a view of Lowell Street looking towards Galusha Street.  In the background you can see the Model Lunch at 26 Lowell Street and Lowell Restaurant located at 23 Lowell Street.  Reproduced from 127 negatives.

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Wilgus Plan, c.1909

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Wilgus Plan, c.1909
Printed on reverse: “BEAUTY IS UTILITY – This post card shows the Wilgus plan for the new Central Station over the Genesee, and the Grand Esplanade connecting with Main Street. The symbolical group represents the beauty of the river and falls resulting from water storage that will accompany this improvement.” In 1907 Rochester businessmen brought in consulting engineer William J. Wilgus to explore building a new station over the river. The view is looking north from the Main Street Bridge. The station is built on the Central Avenue Bridge overlooking High Falls. Reproduced from 3 ½” x 5 ½” postcard.

East High, c.1903

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East High, c.1903
East High, c.1903 – East High School designed by J. Foster Warner and located on Alexander Street. Opened April 15th 1903, it served as a high school until 1959. Reproduced from 2¼” x 3” cyanotype.

Midtown Plaza Tropical Foliage, c.1962

by | posted in: Ephemera | 0

Midtown Plaza Tropical Foliage, c.1962
Printed on reverse: “Life-size sculptured children climb amid plantings of Phoenix Roebellini palms and scheffleras on the mall at Midtown Plaza, Rochester, N.Y. Tropical foliage is one highlight of the 7½ acre complex under one roof that is Midtown Plaza – the nation’s showplace.” Reproduced from 3½” x 5½” postcard.

The Breezer, c.1916

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The Breezer, c.1916 - L.A. Thompson's Scenic Railway - Located at Ontario Beach Park, it was first called the 'Russian Railway' and later became 'The Breezer'. The park and ride closed on Labor Day 1919. Reproduced from 2¾” x 4” photograph.
The Breezer, c.1916 – L.A. Thompson’s Scenic Railway – Located at Ontario Beach Park, it was first called the ‘Russian Railway’ and later became ‘The Breezer’. The park and ride closed on Labor Day 1919. Reproduced from 2¾” x 4” photograph.