Riddle Me Rochester: Navigating Local Fun Facts- August 28th
This week’s quiz focuses on Rochester’s early industries. Our waterways played a critical role in
attracting settlers in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. The power of the Genesee River, and later
the ease of shipping on the Erie Canal contributed to Rochester becoming a thriving city by the
1830’s. Author Nathaniel Hawthorne passed through Rochester on his way to Niagara Falls in
1834 and wrote:
“The whole street – sidewalks and centre – was crowded with pedestrians,
horsemen, stage-coaches, gigs, light wagons, and heavy ox-teams, all hurrying,
trotting, rattling and rumbling, in a throng that passed continually but never
passed away.”
Where were all those people going? What did they do for work? See how much you know
about Rochester’s earliest employers.
1. What occupation is NOT listed in the 1827 Village Directory?
a. Teacher
b. Coachmaker
c. Bookbinder
d. Goldsmith
2. How many shoemakers are listed in the 1827 Village Directory?
a. 3
b. 28
c. 56
d. 124
3. Which of these factories is NOT listed in the 1827 Village Directory?
a. Soap & Candles e. Clockworks i. Woolen Mill
b. Paper Mill f. Coppersmith j. Brewery
c. Cabinet Maker g. Printing k. Comb-maker
d. Hatter h. Looking-glass Maker l. Cooper
4. In the 1820’s and 30’s, the Genesee River powered which of these manufacturing
operations?
a. Sewing Machines
b. Lumber Production
c. Cider Pressing
d. Brick-making
5. From 1823-1826, canal exports of which product increased from 52,903 to 135,000
barrels per year?
a. Oil
b. Cornmeal
c. Whiskey
d. Pork
6. By the late 1830’s, Rochester was the largest miller in the nation of what product?
a. Furniture
b. Iron
c. Glass
d. Flour
Connect with Rochester’s historic waterways on a Sam Patch or Riverie Cruise! Click here for
schedules and booking.
Answers:
1. a
2. d
3. e
4. b
5. c
6. d
Reference: Rosenberg-Naparsteck, R. (1989). Two Centuries of Industry and Trade in
Rochester. Rochester History, LI (4), 1-24.
Access to “Two Centuries of Industry and Trade in Rochester” can be found by clicking on the link below thanks to free access through the Monroe County Library system:
https://www.libraryweb.org/~rochhist/v51_1989/v51i4.pdf
