The Summer Resorts
For many Rochesterians, a summer trip to Lake Ontario has been an annual tradition for more than 150 years. Most of the lake visitors make their way to Ontario Beach Park to swim, sunbathe, dine out, or just wander the sands. Of the numerous beaches and parks along the lakeshore, Ontario Beach Park was one of the most popular.
Today it is a unique site but how and why the park became a special place has to do with more than its location or history. The contemporary Ontario Beach Park that Rochesterians know and love exists because people have associated it with joyful moments of life: walking the boardwalk, eating at Abbott’s Ice Cream1, and riding the Dentzel Menagerie Carousel2.
[1. Arthur Abbott created Abbott’s ice cream in 1902 and traveled to carnivals along the eastern seaboard until 1926, when he settled in Rochester. He opened a shop at the corner of Lake and Beach Avenues, across the street from Ontario Beach Park.
2. The historic Dentzel Menagerie Carousel in Ontario Beach Park has been the site of fond memories for more than 120 years. Built by the G.A. Dentzel Company of Philadelphia, it was installed at its present site in 1905. It has 52 hand-carved animals and two chariots. The fun-filled menagerie includes horses, mules, ostriches, a tiger and even a giraffe.]
Another lakeshore resort that was very popular with the Rochesterians was Sea Breeze. It was especially popular with those who liked fireworks.
In 1877, the local proponents of the Rochester and Lake Ontario Railroad founded a rival resort along the Irondequoit Bay and named it Sea Breeze. Summer cottages soon sprang up on the rail line along the bay, and special Sunday and holiday excursion trains were added to deal with the large influx of visitors. These resorts and many others were connected by electric railways with the Village of Charlotte rather than directly to the city, making the village the focal point for travel.
Tuck and Sons certainly recognized Rochester as a tourist destination and added a set of 18 Raphotype cards to their catalog around 1907.
The Streets of the City
Main Street has always been the center of Rochester’s business district. The street is divided one-block west of the Genesee River by Exchange Boulevard. West Main street leads to several residential neighborhoods while East Main Street takes you to numerous business and office complexes. Together the West and East ends were “bricked” in the 1870s, and “paved” in the 1940s (sources vary). The Main Street Bridge, which spans the Genesee River, has changed multiple times over the years; there have been five on that site since 1820. Over time, Main Street evolved, reflecting Rochester’s growth from a milling town to a hub of industry.
Main Street runs mostly east and west, but its directional cousin is Lake Avenue, which is primarily a north and south thoroughfare. Lake Avenue, at the north end, is mostly residential and literally dead ends at Lake Ontario.
A Natural Wonder
The Lower Falls of the Genesee River is a stunning natural landmark were the river drops 110 feet, creating a dramatic cascade that has long inspired tourists and artists alike. Located within the scenic Maplewood Park, the area once played a vital role in local industry. Today, it’s a favorite spot for photographers, hikers, and those who enjoy quiet except for the roar of falling water.
Rochester’s Parks: Arnold, Kodak, and Highland
Arnold Park is a charming residential area located in the historic East Avenue district. Established around 1870 by William Arnold, it features stately homes and vintage apartment buildings. The street is divided by a tree-lined median. Its historic character and serene atmosphere make it a sought-after neighborhood.
Kodak Park, but since 2008, Eastman Business Park, was established in 1890 to support the growing demand for Eastman Kodak’s photographic and motion picture film company. At its peak, it was the largest film production facility in the world. Kodak rebranded the park to attract new tenants. Today, it remains a hub for innovation and industry.
Highland Park is a 150-acre park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Known for its annual Lilac Festival, the park boasts of its lilac shrubs, Japanese maples, magnolias, and rhododendrons. Visitors enjoy Warner Castle and the Sunken Gardens. Its beauty makes it a favorite spot for hiking and picnicking. A true gem for nature lovers!
The three-story Children’s Pavilion seen on the Raphotype card above was a key element of Olmstead’s design plan for Highland Park. As a gift to the City of Rochester from George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry, the pavilion was dedicated on September 29, 1890, to the children of Rochester. At the dedication Mrs. C.M. Curtis, said, “The Pavilion is the crowning glory of the park. With all its natural beauty, Highland Park would not be complete without this Memorial Pavilion.” It stood on the highest point of the park, just 500 feet northeast of the reservoir fountain. It was 62 feet in diameter and at 46 feet high, the pavilion was designed to provide “scenic vistas” and as a place for children to breathe clean air.
Due to deterioration, the wooden pavilion was demolished in 1963 with the intention of having it rebuilt, but it never happened. It was there for 73 years.
Rochester’s Stunning Architecture
Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church was founded in 1827. It is an historic and active parish at 25 Westminster Road. From an historic monograph, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1827 to 1927, we learn that in June 1897 a call went out to one Rev. Dr. Murray Bartlett to be the new rector at St. Paul’s. He and his assistant began what proved to be a most fruitful period of work in the new church.
It was Dr. Bartlettt who was rector in 1907 when Tuck published this Rachotype postcard of the church.
Dr. Lee’s Hospital and the Legacy of 179 Lake Avenue
Dr. John Lee purchased the property on November 11, 1897. At the center of the property was a large three-story brick Victorian style home on the far side of Lake Avenue, just north of Jones Avenue. The west side of the property housed a two-story carriage house and an adjoining stable that accessed Dempsey Place.
Lee spent $26,000 to outfit the building as a surgical hospital. The main entrance on the first floor led into the large reception room and then to several private offices. Adjoining the reception room was a library and the operating room. The second floor held additional patient rooms and another library. The third floor offered beds for twenty-eight patients and private quarters for the resident physicians and staff.
The hospital opened with seven beds, but by December 1898, had increased to twenty-five beds. The building was expanded in 1903, increasing the bed space to fifty-one.
Dr. Lee died in January 1926. Lee’s wife, Carrie, carried on as director of the hospital after his death, but by the fall of 1927, the executors of Lee’s last will and testament decided to sell the property. It was their hope that Dr. Lee’s work would continue. It has.
Great piece of history about Rochester
The Genesse River lent its name to Genesee Beer, which was advertised constantly on Cleveland television during my youth. I can still the announcer intoning: “Our one brewery makes it best.”
This is why I love postcards so much. They capture the real history of a town. Your article contained a lot of history about Rochester, and it was great to read.