The period from 1884 to 1926 was the heyday of the trolley lines, the height of steam travel, and the peak of interest in the back to nature movement. It was a time for spiritual renewal, when society was encouraged to enjoy family activities in the fresh air. Resorts served as an escape from summers oppressive heat and offered a world of fun, fantasy, and fishinga world far removed from the toils of the shop, the chores of the farm, or the everyday drudgery demanded by a labor intensive, pre-electric society. Rochesters Lakeside Resorts and Amusement Parks documents in over 200 photographs the development, dates, locations, and attractions that were a unique part of the rich history of each resort. Offering a window into yesterday, this book reveals many unusual facts about the area and features the fascinating characters who owned and operated the impressive hotels, boats, trolley lines, and amusement concessions.

This comprehensive guide profiles 16 major amusement parks in the Empire State and offers information on smaller parks as well. Offers complete information on rides and attractions, a history of each park, and best times to go. Features vintage photographs and postcards scenes.

Rochester: Labor and Leisure is a visual celebration of the industrial strengths and the commercial successes of an earlier time. Located on the Genesee River, the city used the waterway to full advantage. Industries lined the riverbank, and the town thrived with enterprise and initiative. Rochester's vibrant and productive residents knew not only how to work hard but also how to enjoy life. With more than two hundred stunning photographs, Rochester: Labor and Leisure highlights the progress of the city's entrepreneurs, such as tobacco king William Kimball, oil tycoon Hiram Bond Everest, and museum operator Rattlesnake Pete. It reveals nightlife in the Gay Nineties and Front Street as it once was. It echoes the city's unforgettable one-hundredth birthday party and the acclaim received for building an aqueduct.

A city's rich transportation history comes alive in Rochester's Transportation Heritage. Here, the evolution of transportation in Rochester is documented in vintage images from the 1890s through the 1950s. Included are photographs of Charles Lindbergh's visit to Rochester; images of the earliest locomotives and grand railroad stations; a picture of a trotting mare racing a lady bicyclist at the old Driving Park racetrack; views of boats on the Erie Canal; and shots of the city's first airplanes. Rochester's Transportation Heritage revives the horse-drawn trolley car days and the lost subway era. Rare images of the Regas auto and the cars that were destroyed by Rochester's 1932 tornado complete the story.

Downtown Rochester is defined by Main Street, State Street, and the major crossroads of those streets. It is the core of one of New York State's most important cities. Rochester's Downtown recaptures the golden era when downtown bloomed as a mecca for daytime workers and shoppers and for an evening's entertainment at vibrant social centers. Rochester's Downtown celebrates the people of this great city as they progress from their early beginnings to create a dynamic business center. This excellent collection of images regenerates the excitement of riding the trolley, of watching a movie at the Palace or the Capitol, of window-shopping at the Duffy-Powers Store, and of tasting frosted malteds at Sibley's or warm doughnuts from the Mayflower Donut Shop or spoonfuls of roasted peanuts from Mr. Peanut Man. The narrative recalls Scrantom's as the place to buy books, Neisner's having the latest 78-rpm records, McCurdy's and Edward's with their special holiday displays, Eddie's Chop House for memorable dinners, and the Century Sweet Shop for after-theater sundaes.

Webster, located in south central Massachusetts, is home to the glacially created Webster Lake. The lake, famously known as Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, was responsible for sustaining a significant Native American population. Its waterpower potential attracted Samuel Slater, "the father of American manufacturers," to locate his textile mills here, and in 1832, at Slater's behest, the towns of Oxford and Dudley reluctantly granted the land for Webster's formation. Many immigrants were attracted to the town because of mill employment and the pleasant living conditions near the lake. Through vintage photographs, Webster highlights this town's mill life and the lake's impact on its development.

Rochester has long been known for its leadership in optics, copying and photography. However, there were also more than 20 shoe manufacturers at one time; plus, the city was a major men’s clothing center and the country’s leading manufacturer of buttons. Many other national and international products also got their start in Rochester. Over the decades, author and historian Donovan Shilling has amassed a vast collection of these products, company photos and advertising material. He selected more than 165 Rochester born companies to feature in this “scrapbook.” You may remember some and you may have just heard of others. One thing’s for sure, though, you won’t want to lay this book down until you read all the way from A. H. Shipman (machinery) to Zweigles (sausage products).