Old Maps Reveal Interesting Truths You Might Not Know About Rochester

How well do you know your Rochester trivia? Old maps can be a treasure trove of information about a community’s history, and vintage maps of Rochester are no exception. A close examination of these nineteenth-century documents reveals three interesting tidbits about our area’s past. The intersection of Main Street and University Drive could logically be considered the “birthplace” of the village of Rochester. This intersection is a key location in Rochester’s history for two reasons. … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, What is the Longest Running Business in Rochester or Rochester Hills?

Dear Crabby, What is the Longest Running Business in the Rochester or Rochester Hills? Sincerely, Kathleen Novetsky   Dear Kathleen, A better question for our historical writer, Deborah J. Larsen ... but I'll have a go at. You're really asking two questions in one, and you also don't say "still operating," but I'll assume that's what you mean. For Rochester Hills, it could be a tie with many businesses. When Rochester Hills became a city, any existing businesses in Avon Township … [Read more...]

Milo Prentice Newberry House Listed on National Register

Rochester House is Listed on National Register of Historic Places Michigan’s newest listing in the prestigious National Register of Historic Places is the Milo Prentice Newberry House in Rochester. The 1863 Italianate-Victorian farmhouse on Bloomer Road was listed in the National Register on October 9, after a yearlong process of application and review by state and federal officials.  Milo Prentice Newberry was part of one of the Rochester area’s pioneer families. He was born in New York … [Read more...]

Byers Wrecker Service has Hooked-up the Rochester Area for Decades

Byers Wrecker Service Has Been Assisting Rochester Motorists for Decades By Deborah J. Larsen When Rochester area residents need a vehicle towed, they don’t say, “Call a wrecker.” They say, “Call Byers.” For 66 years, the familiar red tow trucks have responded to local residents needing assistance. Harry E. “Gene” Byers started out in auto transport work after serving in the army. But in 1951, he decided to start his own towing business. At first, his “office” was in the restroom of a … [Read more...]

Why the Rochester Elevator is NOT a Barn

Op-Ed: Why the Rochester Elevator is NOT a Barn During their August 8 meeting, members of the Rochester City Council discussed the pending development of the Rochester Elevator property. Council members were brought up to date on the negotiations and advised about the various options for preservation of the elevator structure. It is early days in the process, so no firm decisions have been made at this point. During public comment on this issue, Sue Douglas - formerly a member of both the … [Read more...]

Proposed Development on the Rochester Elevator Site

From Rumor to Conception At the August 1, 2016 Meeting of the Rochester Planning Commission, conceptual discussions were held regarding the redevelopment of the Rochester Elevator site at 303 E. University Drive. The redevelopment proposal includes 42 condominium units and the relocation of the Elevator building. The topic will be discussed further at the Rochester City Council Meeting on Monday, August 8, 2016, 7:00 pm at the Rochester Municipal Building. It should be noted that the … [Read more...]

Condos to Replace Rochester Elevator Location

Historic Landmark Location May Soon Be History Rumors have been going up and down the streets of town that the Rochester Elevator has been sold and will soon be replaced with condominiums. For 136 continuous years, the big red historic landmark has served the public in Downtown Rochester. The former Mayor of Rochester said he wanted to see condos go in at that location and to see the building moved across the street. Rochester Media could not clarify what "across the street" meant - … [Read more...]

A Year in Review for Rochester Media 2015

Twenty-fifteen was filled with many highlights in the Rochester area.  We had elections, added parking garages, had lots of road construction, and many other news highlights that people saw here on Rochester Media and The Community Edge - Please enjoy a look back with some of these fan favorites. Remembering Rochester: 543 North Main Street May 6, 2015 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 … [Read more...]

What Will Happen to the Rochester Elevator?

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...]