The Original William Hincher (1741-1817) Tombstone
The 194-year-old stone is now on display, along with information about the Hincher family.
Many lighthouse events for 2009 will feature this remarkable testament to Charlotte ’s legacy. Hincher served in the Revolution and came to Genesee country from Massachusetts. He purchased the lighthouse property in 1792. After his death in 1817 a portion was sold to the US government for the erection of the lighthouse. It was truly a fitting return “home” for Charlotte’s founder, especially as we commemorate the 175th birthday of the City of Rochester! *************************************************************************
History of Ontario Beach Park / Once referred to as "The Coney Island of the West"
Mike May, Curator of the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, is available to give presentation about Ontario Beach park as in was in the late 1800's and 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 above are from the collection of Mike May.
Did you know that in the early 1900's you could not play baseball in the City of Rochester on Sunday? Well, it was true but there was a way around that. The people build 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.
**************************************************************************
"ANNEXATION"
by Jack Kemp
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. 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.
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.