VILLAGE HISTORY
History of Ontario
Beach Park / Once referred to as "The Coney Island of the West" Mike
May, Curator of the Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse, presented a talk and
slide presentation at the Holy Cross Church Community Center. He
showed many of the post card photos he has of Ontario
Beach Park as it was in the early 1900's. If you would like to have
him do a presentation before your group contact the Lighthouse at (585)
621-6179 for further information.
Post Card Photos taken by Mike May
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Did you know that you could not play baseball
in the City of Rochester on Sunday? Well it was true but there was a way
around that and that was to building a stadium in the Village of Charlotte!
See photo below.
Looking west towards Abbott's Ice Cream store on Lake Ave. The Stadium is on
the left, carousel is behind the big round-topped building on north side, but
you can't see it. Photo donated by Craig Cappon to the Charlotte Genesee
Lighthouse. Date: Some time in the 1890's.
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"ANNEXATION"
by Jack Kemp
August 2006
On January 1st 1916, the village of Charlotte became a part of the city
of Rochester through what is called annexation. It became the city’s 23rd
Ward. But just what was required to accomplish this momentous effect?
Surprisingly little. Only three people could accomplish it and none of them had
to be from Charlotte. They were Mayor Edgerton, Governor Whitman and one Senator
or Assemblyman to introduce a bill to that effect.
Photo Credits: New Combination
truck with new firehouse in background.Photo taken by Albert Stone and part of
the Lighthouse’s Village History Collection, courtesy of the RMSC
Roland B. Woodward, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, summarized the
steps necessary. The Constitution of the State of New York required that the
legislature provide for a public notice and opportunity for a public hearing in
every city to which it relates before action thereon. A bill is then introduced
by a Senator or Assemblyman or both. If the bill is passed by both houses, it is
immediately sent to the mayor for his approval. The mayor may sign it and return
it for the Governor's approval. If he signs it, it becomes law.
Why would the people of Charlotte accept annexation, knowing that it would
mean an increase in their taxes? There were many reasons but high on the list
was the promise of better fire fighting equipment. Charlotte had been operating
with a volunteer fire department that was lacking modern equipment and
infrastructure. There were at least three cisterns for water supply around the
town that sometimes dried up in hot summers or froze in winter. Fires were
frequent and constant in Charlotte.
After the annexation of Charlotte, the city immediately built a new brick
firehouse on Stutson Street and provided a new truck. Later, water lines were
extended.
Copyright
2006 Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society, Inc.
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