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 3 Comments
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...]
Become a Tree Sponsor for Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees
October 30, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Plans are well underway for the Fourth Annual Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees, November 17-19. The Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees is a holiday spectacular unlike any other, featuring trees, wreaths, centerpieces, tablescapes, porchscapes, and more designed and donated by the Metro Detroit community. In response to popular demand, this year it is possible to become a Tree Sponsor without even knowing how to string a strand of Christmas lights. Sponsors can select a 7’ or 4’ tree … [Read more...]
The Festival of Trees Inspirations Workshop is August 21
July 31, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Don’t Miss the Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees Inspirations Workshop Plans are well underway for the fourth Annual Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees, November 17-19. The Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees is a holiday spectacular unlike any other, featuring trees, wreaths, centerpieces, tablescapes, porchscapes and more designed and donated by the Metro Detroit community. The Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is seeking businesses, organizations, individuals and … [Read more...]
24th Annual Antique Appraisal Day
March 5, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Historical Society’s 24th Annual Antique Appraisal Day to Feature Twelve Appraisers at the Rochester Community House The Rochester-Avon Historical Society will host its 24th annual Antique Appraisal Day on Sunday, March 5 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow. There will be twelve appraisers on hand to evaluate everything from antique art and Barbie dolls to writing instruments and violins. Antique Appraisal day, sponsored by the historical society, has been one … [Read more...]
Growing Up in Rochester with Bob Milne
February 26, 2017 by Leave a Comment
“Growing Up in Rochester with Bob Milne” to be feature presentation at the Rochester-Avon Historical Society’s Brown Bag Meeting on March 7 The Rochester-Avon Historical Society will present “Growing Up in Rochester” with Ragtime pianist Bob Milne at its Brown Bag lunchtime meeting at the Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow Avenue, on Tuesday, March 7 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Milne, considered by many to be the best ragtime/boogie-woogie pianist in the world, will discuss growing up … [Read more...]
Three Checks Three Charities
December 26, 2016 by Leave a Comment
On December 20, Rochester Rotary Charities, the non-profit element of the Rochester Rotary Club, made three different donations to local causes totaling over $10,000. As part of an ongoing commitment to the Rochester Area Neighborhood House, Dr. Jay Eastman, President of Charities and former Rochester Rotary President, presented Kathy Losinski, Executive Director of Neighborhood House, with a check for $5,000. Minutes later, Dr. Eastman also presented Mary Lee Kowalczyk, Executive Director of … [Read more...]
The Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees Call for Designers
September 26, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Plans are well underway for the 3rd Annual Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees, November 18-20. The Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees is a holiday spectacular unlike any other, featuring trees, wreaths, stockings, tablescapes and more designed and donated by the Metro Detroit community. We are seeking businesses, organizations, individuals and families to donate their time and talents to this year’s event. Many designers have already committed to this year’s event selecting creative … [Read more...]
