You”ROC”hester Facts

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Hands On the Wheel

While we continue our travels eastward the next scheduled stop is Rochester New York. We are on a whirlwind tour of the southern shore of Lake Ontario. Of course, you can’t always adhere to the schedule and budget. Therefore, it is important to take a break and enjoy some amazing countryside. An idyllic lake here, a small forest, a golf course or a marina there. Admittedly, the road is dotted with the ever-present gas station and fast-food restaurant. Now that’s America. Now welcome to Rochester New York.  Buffalo may have Character, Rochester has personality. You”ROC”hester.

The Flour Mill

The first Flour mill was built by Ebenezer Allan on the Genesee river in 1789. Consequently,  others soon recognizing the power of the river other establishments were created. This earned Rochester the nickname “ the Flour City.” It was later changed to the flower city. More on that later.

Kate Gleason

In 1918, Kate Gleason became the first woman to become a member of the American Society of Engineers. Not to be outdone, she was also the first female to serve as a National bank president, where she leads the first bank of Rochester fro 1917 -1919.

https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/kate-gleason

U of R

Medical center Virologists at the University of Rochester created the first vaccine to aid in the prevention of cervical cancer.

https://www.rochester.edu/

Off The Wall

Not to be outdone independent a

rtists participate in an annual event known as “wall \ therapy. Without reservation, Downtown Rochester opens its walls to large scale, sometimes controversial works of express to both local and international artists. This event has gained international acclaim over the years.  Come visit or participate. What could be more fun?

http://www.wall-therapy.com/

Fredrick Douglass

After escaping from slavery in Maryland, Fredrick Douglass became the national leader of the abolitionist movement. Known as an Author, and orator, he later became a US ambassador abroad. In 1847 Mr. Douglass founded The North star newspaper in Rochester.

https://www.biography.com/activist/frederick-douglass

George Eastman

Those over the age of 30 would be familiar with George Eastman who was the creator of flexible film. This was one of the most prolific contributions to the motion picture industry. He was also instrumental in professional photofinishing that catapulted photography to be widely accepted. Not surprisingly, his memory lives on through the many charitable contributions that he had made during his life. It is estimated that more than 100 million USD has been donated worldwide. For those that love photography, the George Eastman Museum is the world’s oldest museum dedicated to the preservation of photography and film archives and conservation.

https://www.eastman.org/

Digital Camera

Steve Sasson, a technician at Kodak – Eastman created the first digital camera in 1975. Although the prototype is not what we know it today ( his model was the size of a large external hard drive) it was the genesis of how we take photographs today.

NWHF

Founded in 1969, The national women’s hall of fame is located in historic Seneca falls- the birthplace to the American women’s rights movement. The NWHF recognizes and honours the achievements of exceptional American women. Theses distinguished women are memorialized through their inspiration, innovation and certainly there imagination.

https://www.womenofthehall.org/

Susan B Anthony

Located on Madison Street in Rochester is the home of Susan B. Anthony. She has distinguished herself as the leader of the suffrage movement, abolition, temperance and equal rights for women. Her residence entices many visitors each year.

https://www.biography.com/activist/susan-b-anthony

A push to greatness

Inducted into the national women’s hall of fame in 2005, Blanche Stuart Scott of Rochester was a pioneering aviator and became the first woman to ever fly. She is most noteworthy as the first woman to make a transcontinental drive. During this time, there were only 218 miles of paved roads outside of cities.

https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/blanche-stuart-scott/

I pledge…

Born in Mount Morris, Livingston County, Francis Bellamy wrote the “Pledge of Allegiance” for a celebration of public schools in 1892 in Boston Mass.

Mellow

Located in LeRoy in Genesee county you will find the “jell-O “gallery museum. While looking for a remedy for a cough  Pearle Wait, a local carpenter created what would become America’s favourite dessert in 1897. Come to LeRoy and find out this and other fun facts about this confection.

http://www.jellogallery.org/

 

Seth Green

Finding that the water of Caledonia creek was ideal for fish rearing, Seth Green, a farmer’s son and a student of aboriginal studies established the first fish hatchery in the United States.

John Got high

The Metropolitan formerly known as the Chase Tower and the Seattle Space Needle were both designed by prominent English born architect John Graham. Both exploit terrific views of their respective cities. You “ROC”hester

 

 

See me See me

The German immigrant John Jacob Bausch opened a small optical accessory shop in Rochester in 1853. Soon after with a financial investment from Henry Lomb the two went onto founded Bausch and Lomb. This is still one of the longest operating companies in the USA.

https://peoplepill.com/people/john-jacob-bausch/

On the Edges

Each year Rochester host a 10-day “fringe Festival”. The festival showcases visual and performing artists. Each year the festival hosts “Spiegltent” a mind-altering experience in one of the last remaining mirror tents. I have to admit that I have never seen nor heard of anything like this. But c’mon, this has to be a must-see.

https://rochesterfringe.com

 

Wegmans

Beginning as the Rochester Fruit and Vegetable company in 1916, Wegmans food markets have grown to beyond 90 stores and employing 47 00 people. According to Forbes magazine, it is consistently rated as one of the top “100 companies in the country to work with”.

https://www.wegmans.com

The little grand canyon

The Genesee river passes through Letchworth State Park. The gorge is known as the “grand canyon of the east”. The river passes over three major waterfalls and is surrounded by incredible forests. A perfect place to reacquaint yourself with the bigger picture.

The Erie Canal

Designated as a national historic landmark the Erie Canal remains in service bringing vessels from the Atlantic ocean to the great lakes. The Canal way trail is an ideal location for hiking, cycling, kayaking and running. You “ROC”hester

 

National Toy Museum

What was once the toy chest of Margaret Woodbury Strong is now the home of the National toy museum. Located in Downtown Rochester is an immersive environment for children from 4 -66. Come bring out the child in all of us.

R.I.T

The Rochester Institute of technology is nationally known for its Institute of the deaf and hard of hearing students.  RIT excels in career and experiential education.

https://www.rit.edu/

S.U.N.Y

Located at Geneseo, The state university is home to the only pelletron particle accelerator in western New York. This technology is instrumental in the advent of scientific research in the area. SUNY also offers more than 54 undergraduate majors. GO State!

https://www.geneseo.edu

The Wright Angles

Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture is featured prominently in Rochester. These include the Broad Street Aqueduct (1842) , Boynton House (1908), and the Mushroom house (1970). You may remember the Mushroom house during the” offbeat home” series featured on HGTV.

 

And Action

If it looked familiar on the silver screen, well it may have been shot in Rochester. Such well-recognized features include: “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”, “The Natural” and “SpiderMan 2” These are just to name a few. Be on the lookout for more memorable locations.

 

A.H.L, A.A.A. N.L.L.

Sports play a prominent role in Rochester. Some of the more notable are the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL) The Rochester Red Wings of (AAA) minor league baseball a Minnesota Twins affiliate. The Rochester KnightHawks of the National Lacrosse League. As part of (NLL), the nighthawks have secures 5 championships. As you can see the City of Rochester has a sporting team for all tastes or does it?

 

N.B.A

The Rochester Royal of the NBA defeated the New York Knickerbocker ( Knicks) to win the 1951 NBA championship. Sadly the Royal have moved to Sacramento and are now known as the Sacramento Kings. This may make them the only major league championship team in western New York…

 

The Little Prince

The Little theatre located in the Downtowns historic east end, commonly known as “The Little”, is a modest non-profit film house specializing in art films locally and internationally. Add this to their terrific cafe, you have a cinema winner. Admittedly, the popcorn “rocks.” or is that “ROC” hester?

https://thelittle.org/

Thirsty

Anyone for a cold “Genny”, right about now I could…The Genesee brewing company was created in Rochester in 1878 and it is still one of the longest continually operating breweries in the United States. Although Genesee and Genesee Light is there most popular products, new sampling is available at your local distributor. Aww, I could have had a “Genny!”

www.geneseebeer.com

 

 

Independence

Livingston County, located about 15 miles (27 K.M.) south of Rochester, is the heart of this agriculture and manufacturing area. The area is named after Robert R. Livingston, he was a member of the committee that drafted the declaration of independence.

Am American Legacy

Neatly surrounded by nine counties the City of Rochester is uniquely placed as the economic and cultural hub of the area. With a high standard of living and an ever-evolving technological economy.  Rochester is in an ideal place to have a thriving economy well into the future.

As you have hopefully realized that Rochester and vicinity are unique and well worth visiting. Spend a day or week, you will be impressed by the Small town values mixed with the Big city amenities.

 

If you have been to this region and would like to add anything please let us know.

It is Your Vacation, Your Escape.

 

VTE