Main Street in Downtown Rochester has gone through quite a few changes over the years. Did you know that 543 North Main Street was once the home of the Dillman & Upton lumber yard? The company dates back to 1910 and the location was an ideal spot for a lumber business in the days when the Michigan Central Railroad tracks ran along the northern edge of the property. Read the full story on Rochester Avon History … [Read more...]
Remembering Rochester: The Rochester Symphony Orchestra
May 6, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Back in 2011, May was a 'golden' month in Rochester history as the Rochester Symphony Orchestra (RSO) marked a musical milestone by celebrating its 50th anniversary. On May 11, 1961, the Rochester Clarion announced to its readers that the organizational meeting of the new Rochester Civic Orchestra had taken place. The fledgling orchestra, 38 members strong, offered its first public concert at Rochester High School on May 18 of that year, under the baton of Frederic Johnson. Read the full … [Read more...]
What Will Happen to the Rochester Elevator?
April 30, 2015 by 7 Comments
Will the Rochester Elevator be Sold? Rumors continue to circulate around town that the historic Rochester Elevator will be sold. If that happens, more than likely the building would come down, or be moved. Rochester Media visited the bright red landmark this week. The helpful staff said "an offer is always on the table" when it comes to selling. However, "we"re not going anywhere anytime soon," said the gentleman working the counter. One-Hundred and Thirty-five Years The Rochester … [Read more...]
This Month in Rochester History
March 15, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Not to jinx us, but this month's post is about a weather event. Fifty years ago this month, Rochester residents were busy digging out from the Blizzard of 1965. A foot of snow was dropped on the area, carried by 50-mile-an-hour winds. According to the Rochester Clarion's report, schools, factories and most downtown businesses were closed for two days. The snow removal cost the village of Rochester $4455 and 742 man hours. This story originally appeared on … [Read more...]
Remembering a Bad Day at Home Bakery
February 6, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Monday, January 18, 1965 was supposed to be a big day at the Home Bakery. The store was set to re-open after having been closed two weeks for interior renovations, but events didn't unfold quite the way the owners had planned. It was a zero-degree day in Rochester, and a patron of Bebout's Restaurant, up the street, decided to leave his Thunderbird at the curb with the engine running while he popped into Bebout's for some breakfast. A short time later, witnesses saw the T-bird rolling down … [Read more...]
