The Avon Park dam formed a popular swimming hole. The dam and bridge were dismantled in the 1980s. (From the Archives of the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm) Eighty-five years ago this summer, Rochester residents dedicated a new recreation spot on Paint Creek. Built on the site of a bankrupt dairy farm and a long-abandoned millrace, Avon Park—now Rochester Municipal Park—quickly became a favorite place for area residents to swim, picnic, and play. The property on which Rochester … [Read more...]
Festival of Trees Seeks Non-Profits for Partnership Program
August 23, 2019 by Leave a Comment
The 6th Annual Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees, will be November 22-24 at the Rochester Community House. The Festival of Trees kicks off with the Cocktail Preview on Friday, November 22, 7:00-10:00 p.m. at the Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow. Tickets are $50 per person/$85 per couple. The event will be open to the public November 23 & 24. Admission is free. Santa will be on hand both Saturday & Sunday from 12 noon-5:00 p.m. Proceeds benefit the continuation of The Big, Bright … [Read more...]
New Community Crowdfunding Event in Downtown Rochester
June 26, 2019 by Leave a Comment
The Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is proud to announce the debut of its new program, Mics & Mac. Mics & Mac is a crowdfunding event designed to empower local kids (ages 10-18) and enrich the Rochester community with their creative ideas. From art, events, placemaking and more, all ideas are welcome and encouraged. Kids can submit ideas online through Monday, July 8. Ten will be selected and invited to give a 5-minute pitch presentation at the Mics & Mac Event … [Read more...]
Find Holiday Spirit at the Rochester Festival of Trees
November 16, 2018 by Leave a Comment
The Fifth Annual Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees is just around the corner. The Festival kicks off with the Cocktail Preview Party on Friday, November 16 at the Rochester Community House and continues Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18. This year’s festival promises to be the biggest and brightest yet, with over 70 trees, wreaths, centerpieces, tablescapes and more. All items will be auctioned, with proceeds benefiting The Big, Bright Light Show and Rochester-area non-profit … [Read more...]
Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees Cocktail Preview
October 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Tickets are on sale now for the Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees Cocktail Preview on Friday, November 16, 7:00-10:00 p.m. at the Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow. Tickets are $50 per person/$85 per couple. This is the first chance for people to get a preview this holiday spectacular featuring trees, wreaths, tablescapes, centerpieces and more … and it's an opportunity to bid on these items to take home for the holidays. The event will include a strolling dinner featuring … [Read more...]
Election Day Road Detour in Rochester for Ludlow Construction
August 4, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Electors in Precincts 01 and 03 will need to follow a detour in order to access the Community House via Woodward Ave. west of Main Street. A map is available online or at City Hall. To all electors in Precincts 01 and 03 voting at the Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow Avenue: Due to road construction, Ludlow Avenue is closed at West University Drive. Access to the Rochester Community House is available via Woodward Avenue west of Main Street. You can view a map of the detour by … [Read more...]
How Wilcox Street Was Named
May 22, 2018 by 2 Comments
Do you know the story behind the name of Rochester’s Wilcox Street? Early Avon Township settler Lyman J. Willcox and his son Elliot R. Willcox owned part of the land through which Wilcox Street now runs. According to an 1883 account in the Pontiac Gazette, Lyman Willcox left New York City with nothing but a rifle and a pack on his back and walked westward, traversing Ontario, and finally coming to Michigan. He stopped first in Troy Township and then settled in Avon Township in 1824, where … [Read more...]
Rochester Rotary Spring Wine & Beer Tasting Features Top Wine & Craft Beer Selections
March 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Now in its 6th year, The Rochester Rotary Wine & Beer Tasting has become one of Rochester’s biggest Spring Events “We had people calling and emailing us in February, asking when tickets are going on sale,” said event leader John Gaber. “The enthusiasm is beyond anything we considered when we started this a few years back. But with the efforts of our club members, the generous support of Bordine’s and dozens of other local businesses, it’s become quite a sensation.” The 2018 event … [Read more...]
Water-Powered Mills of the Rochester Area
January 30, 2018 by 1 Comment
Mill Town Heritage of Rochester and Avon Township The real estate professional’s mantra that “location is everything” was as true in Rochester’s pioneer days as it is today. Long before the James Graham party led white settlers to today’s Oakland County, its hospitable lakes and streams and the excellent fishing they offered drew native people to the area. Water also attracted the Grahams and those who followed them. It was an essential element to sustain life, and it would power the new … [Read more...]
Cocktail Preview the Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees is on November 17
November 14, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Tickets are on sale now for the Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees Cocktail Preview on Friday, November 17, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow. Tickets are $50 per person/$85 per couple. This is the first chance to get a preview this holiday spectacular featuring trees, wreaths, stockings, tablescapes, centerpieces and more. In addition, it’s an opportunity to bid to take these items home for the holidays. The event will include a strolling dinner from … [Read more...]
