Genealogy in Bloom Book Auction

Discover the story of a small village with a big history! Step into the archives at the East Rochester Department of Local History, where the people, industries, and traditions that shaped this unique railroad town come vividly to life.

Originally known as Despatch, East Rochester, New York grew as a planned industrial community centered around rail car manufacturing and piano production—stories that are preserved through the department’s remarkable collections.

Highlights include:

• Thousands of historic photographs documenting village life and industry
• Local newspapers, obituaries, and vital records useful for family research
• School yearbooks and sports history celebrating generations of East Rochester students
• Files on businesses, churches, organizations, and neighborhood development
• A small museum display of artifacts from East Rochester’s past

Researchers will also find valuable materials related to early industries such as the Merchants Despatch Transportation Company and the Aeolian piano works—key employers that helped shape the village’s identity.

Dedicated volunteers and the Village Historian are often on hand to help visitors explore the archives, identify photographs, and uncover local family connections.

Whether you're tracing East Rochester ancestors, researching a historic home, or simply curious about the industries and people that built this tight-knit community, this stop offers a fascinating window into village history.

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