2016 Summer Landmarks by The Landmark Society of Western New York

LANDMARKS SUMMER 2016: VOLUME LIV, NUMBER II

4 6 th Annual House &

Garden TOUR

East Avenue & East Boulevard area

June 4th and 5th, 2016

THE LANDMARK SOCIETY OF WESTERN NEW YORK

WWW.LANDMARKSOCIETY.ORG

CONTENTS This magazine is the official publication of The Landmark Society of Western New York, Inc. Publication is assisted with income from Marion Moore Whitbeck Fund and public funds from Monroe County and from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. The mission of The Landmark Society of Western New York, Inc. is to protect the unique architectural heritage of our region and promote preservation and planning practices that foster healthy, livable and sustainable communities. Landmarks is published quarterly by The Landmark Society of Western New York, Inc.

ADDRESS

133 South Fitzhugh Street, Rochester, New York 14608

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Feature House and Garden Tour

House and Garden Tour

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The House Tour is returning to the East Avenue area, with eight amazing properties opening their doors on the Avenue, East Boulevard, Douglas Road and more.

Projects & Places Preservation Scorecard

Geneva’s Linden Street WHERE THE #&@%™ AM I?

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Events Cuba Trip and Cape May A Visit to Ellwanger Garden

P: (585) 546-7029 F: (585) 546-4788

Walk the Walk Stone-Tolan Summer

Architecture for Lunch Cuba Tour

WEB

www.landmarksociety.org

15-19

Sunset Concerts

People

James H. Johnson – Tribute Member Profile The YUP-date Writers & Landmarks

The Landmark Society of Western New York is supported, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

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Linden Street, Geneva

PHONE / FAX

info@landmarksociety.org

Legacy Society Membership Info YUPs Heart Bombing

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Jeffrey Pollock VICE PRESIDENTS Preservation Tom Castelein

Development Mary Z. Nicosia

Education & Properties Mimi Freund Tilton

Finance & Treasurer Jim Marasco

SECRETARY Grant Holcomb AT LARGE JoAnn Beck Glenn Kellogg Delores Radney John Billone Jr. Bleu Cease Drew Costanza Jean France Sandra Frankel Andy Germanow Kate Karl Jerry Ludwig

Lee Lundback Bill Moehle Carol S. Mullin Louis P. Nau Ed Olinger Jason Roberts Richard Sarkis Marjorie Searl Jeffrey Skuse Burt Speer Bill Sullivan Beth Teall Stacey VanDenburgh

HONORARY TRUSTEES William Balderston John Bero A. Vincent Buzard Christopher Clarke John C. Clark III John W. Clarke Frank Crego Susan Crego Jean Czerkas Jim Durfee William Edwards Charlie Fitzgibbon George Gotcsik Fran Gotcsik Judie Griffin Frank S. Grosso Thomas Hargrave Art Holtzman James Knauf, Jr.

STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Wayne Goodman DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROGRAMS Cindy Boyer ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF PRESERVATION Larry Francer HORTICULTURIST Beverly Gibson COMMUNITY RELATIONS ASSOCIATE Carolyn Haygood MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATE Norma Jean Hildreth

Marianne Koller Sally McGucken Paul Nunes Andy Olenick Sherri Olenick Ann B. Parks Richard Reisem Jon Schumacher Marion Simon John Thoman Joanne VanZandt Sterling Weaver Houghton D. Wetherald Henry W. Williams Jr. Arlene Wright Vanderlinde Mr. James Yarrington Mr. Craig Zicari

ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR Cynthia Howk DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Andrew Lambrix PROPERTIES TECHNICIAN Quentin McGee PRESERVATION PLANNER Caitlin Meives EDUCATION ASSOCIATE Sharon Pratt STONE-TOLAN TOUR GUIDE Judith Trabert

From the Director The Landmark Society’s heritage travel tours visit unique communities to experience how preservation and people intersect — cultural preservation, so to speak. Recently we expanded our travel tour program to include an exciting trip to Cuba, taking an international trip for the first time in decades. This sold out trip was an incredible opportunity to see Cuba during a time of immense change. And, it was an opportunity to witness how people — their governments and their economies — interact and impact historic resources. It was a trip I’ll never forget. We take these trips not only because of what we learn about buildings, but what we learn about each other. Our tours are friendly, intimate and fun; they are not like other group tours. We share our ideas about western New York, talk about the latest projects and discuss how we can make our communities and neighborhoods better places to call home. Recent tours have taken us to Delaware’s Brandywine Valley, our state’s very own Hudson Valley, and the Pittsburgh area, where we visited Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Fallingwater. This fall we travel to New Jersey’s Cape May, America’s oldest seaside community. I encourage anyone interested in joining us to contact our office for more information. You will be glad you did. I would be remiss if I only called attention to our overnight tours in the context of cultural preservation. Our local tours are certainly worthy of mention. It is time once again for our annual House and Garden Tour. I can hardly believe the tour is in its 46th year. It is one of the oldest and largest historic home tours in existence. Every year, not only do we see historic houses, but we see historic homes – and there is a big difference. We see the impact people

Wayne displays our magazine in Trinidad, Cuba, with Andy Germanow (L) and Sandy Mayer (R) have on architecture and how admiration and love are reflected in these houses by generous and caring homeowners. I invite you to join us in experiencing the power of preservation. The common thread in all that we do at The Landmark Society is that human interaction with our heritage is what makes preservation come alive. Preservation is not about preserving static monuments to the past. It is, rather, connecting with our most public form of art — architecture. We see this in the rehabilitation of our historic neighborhoods, our small villages and the revitalization of downtown Rochester. People provide the lifeblood for our historic architecture, but in return, historic architecture provides us with a sense of place and a powerful authenticity that enhances our lives. Preservation, perhaps, has the capacity to impact our lives more than any other art form, as it plays a role in so many facets of our daily collective lives. Thank you for being preservation’s main ingredient. I look forward to seeing you at our tours and programs. We strive to make them the best preservation events in the nation. As always, I thank you for representing the core of our organization. All the best,

Wayne Goodman Executive Director

LANDMARKS | SUMMER 2016

Projects & Places

PRESERVATION SCORECARD

Keeping score? We are – here’s the latest on several preservation issues around the region.

by Caitlin Meives

SAFE

TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL

12 Borden Avenue, Perry

999 Long Pond Road, Greece

Built in the 1860s as a livery stable for the Hotel Perry, this building and its attached neighbor have had a varied history—as a theater, newspaper office, a bath house, and restaurant. Today, the vacant properties are the future home of Silver Lake Brewing Project. Construction is currently underway and should be completed by this summer, with a possible opening slated for as early as September, 2016. The Silver Lake Brewing Project (www.silverlakebrewingproject.com) is a community-centric, 3-bbl craft brewery in Perry, NY and was established in September 2013.

This small farmhouse and barn sit on the site of a proposed 49,000 square foot medical office complex located at the corner of Long Pond and Mill Roads. Constructed around 1852, the property is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Current development plans call for the demolition of the farmhouse, to be replaced by a new building and parking lot.

Former Grace United Methodist Church, Rochester After completing much-needed roof repairs (the plans for which were funded in part by The Landmark Society’s Preservation Grant Fund), the congregation at Grace United Methodist Church at the corner of Lake and Driving Park Avenues in the city of Rochester, made the decision to sell the property. Negotiations are underway with a prospective new occupant and owner. After the sale, the religious building will hopefully be on its way to a bright future.

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Geneva’s Linden Street – The Little Street that Could by Larry Francer to detail made the renovation process at times grueling not to mention costly. A RestoreNY grant helped move the project toward completion and it was opened as a gallery and event space in 2013. Photo: Neil Sjoblom I imagine when C.S. Burrall & Son moved their business to Linden Street in 1870, they never would have suspected that they would still be there today, and it would be the most happening street in Geneva. The city has gone through a lot of changes in the nearly 150 years since Burrall & Sons opened their doors, and this narrow, picturesque street has become the epicenter of a remarkable transformation in the last five years. The Geneva of 2016 exhibits great energy and a preservation ethic fueled by many of the current building and business owners on Linden Street. My first visit to Linden Street was when I was invited by Sophie Paillard Elkin to see her labor of love — the Left Bank. A native of France, Sophie has lived in Geneva for decades, raised her children there, has a great love and respect for her adopted city and still has her charming French accent. Sophie purchased the Farmers and Merchants Bank building in 2002 and started renovation right away. Her impeccable taste and attention

Born in the Champagne region of France, Sophie is also very excited that the Finger Lakes region has become a leader in the wine industry. That feeling has been passed on to her son James Emory, who opened his wine bar, Microclimate, on Linden Street in 2012. More importantly, what Sophie passed on to her children is her passion for preservation and community. So it makes complete sense that Sophie and James are the trailblazers behind the revitalization of Linden Street. Through their concerted efforts with the support and involvement of many of the stalwarts of this quaint, romantic alley, all storefronts are occupied.

have returned home,” says Annemarie. “We are seeing opportunities — stunning architecture, affordable rents, downtown visibility, community support — that we could not find elsewhere.” And she credits Sophie and James Emory with influencing so many of the new business owners. “Not only did they pave the way for the rest of us, but they did so with such incredible standards. We now have a thriving and committed group of entrepreneurs, both old and new, on Linden.” She continues, “This community of people helped transform me from a teenager who couldn’t wait to leave Geneva to an adult that is lucky to be back.” What better testament could one ask for to the progress of a small western New York city and a little street called Linden. continued on page 6

Annemarie Buckley’s story is typical of many Linden Street supporters. A Geneva native who left fifteen years ago, she moved back to open Scout’s Honor Paper, in a space on Linden Street that had been vacant for twenty years. “Many of the new businesses are owned by my peers — some who also grew up here and Left Bank Geneva, photo Couple of Dudes Photography / Lawrence Braun

LANDMARKS | SUMMER 2016

WHERE THE #&@% AM I?

™

by Larry Francer The YUPs have been working hard to add new historic bars and pubs to our WHERE THE #&@% AM I? coaster program. And we’ve decided to highlight them by neighborhood, starting with the South Wedge. So mark your calendars for Saturday afternoon, May 21st. Everyone will gather at Tap & Mallet, 381 Gregory Street, at 2:00 PM. Then we’ll head out to explore the Wedge’s cool venues, including stops at Beale Street, Butapub, Harry G’s and LUX, to name a few. For those of you who aren’t familiar with WHERE THE #&@% AM I?, it is a network of bars and pubs in historic buildings. They all have a great coaster we created with a QR code

that brings you to our site with fun factoids about where the #&@% you are! Check out the site at: where.landmarksociety.org. Better yet, join us for the pub crawl!

WHERE’s THE #&@%ing Pub Crawl – SOUTH WEDGE! SATURDAY, MAY 21ST Starting at 2 p.m. “Where the #&@% Am I” coasters were sighted in the José Martí airport in Cuba — come and see where they show up in the South Wedge!

Linden Street

, continued from page 5

To experience Linden Street at its best, plan on attending the Third Annual ROSÉ SOIRÉE on Saturday, June 4th, from 5–9 p.m. Rosé Soirée, photo Neil Sjoblom

The success of Linden Street cannot be attributed only to those I’ve been able to highlight in this article. Here are the Linden Street businesses and the year they opened on the street. Please find out more about them at their websites and Facebook pages. C.S. Burrall and Sons, Inc., Est. 1829, moved to Linden 1870, burrallinsurancegeneva.com; Photography by Neil Sjoblom, 1975, neilsjoblom.com; The Printing Center, 1981, komaraprinting.com; Michael’s Upholstery, Est. 1978, moved to Linden 1987; Left Bank, 2002, leftbankgeneva.com; Finger Lakes Gifts and Lounge, 2011; Microclimate, 2012, facebook.com/MicroclimateWineBar/; Cebo, 2015, cebofare.com; Van Kirk Law Office, PLLC, 2013, vklawoffice.com; Scout’s Honor Paper, Est. 2011 in Burlington, VT, moved to Linden 2015, scoutshonorpaper.com; Simple Sweets Bakery, 2015, mysimplesweetsbakery.com; Aflac, 2016; Finger Lakes Sausage and Beer, 2016, flsausage.com; Kashong Creek, 2016, kashongcreek.com; FLX Table, (coming soon) 2016, flxtable.com; The Linden Social Club, (coming soon) 2016, instagram.com/thelindensocialclub/

The Landmark Society of Western New York | landmarksociety.org

Events

Cuba Trip: So successful we are going back! Landmark Society guests and staff traveled to Cuba for a week last March. We experienced the architecture, history, and the warmth of the Cuban people. By popular demand, we are scheduling a return tour for March 2017. Time is of the essence — Cuba hotels are booking quickly a year in advance! Think you might join us? Please contact us before the end of May for more information at (585) 546-7029 x11.

Cuba — March 2017

Join us on our next trip!

Cape May September 12-16, 2016

As we go to press with this magazine, there is still room on our next study tour: Cape May, from September 12-16. Visit landmarksociety.org for information or call (585) 546-7029 x11 to inquire about the tour. Cape May — a Victoriana wonderland!

LANDMARKS | SUMMER 2016

Events

A Visit to Ellwanger Garden 2016 by Beverly Gibson

Ellwanger Garden

featured in the Spring 2016 issue of the national magazine Country Gardens ! Spring is the best time to visit Ellwanger Garden and this year will be no exception. The garden is colorful in May with tulips, daffodils, early perennials, flowering shrubs and fruit trees. The understory of blue forget-me-nots softens the brighter colors of many of the perennials like bright yellow basket-ofgold and globeflowers. Then in June when summer is just a week away, the peonies, roses and irises are in

full bloom and full fragrance delighting all who sample the many differences among their scents. This is the time when color can be found in every quarter of the garden. This year the garden is open for two weekends in May around the Lilac Festival, Saturday, May 7th–Sunday, May 8th, 2016 and Saturday May 14th–Sunday, May 15th from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. In June the garden will be open for Peony Weekend, June 11th–12th from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Ellwanger Garden is also open year round by appointment for groups and on Tuesday evenings from May through September from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Walk the Walk “I never knew I could go to college!” Just one of many revelations from students who participated in the 2016 “Walk the Walk: Encounters with Rochester’s African-American Ancestors.” Ancestor Bessie Hamm shared her story of working to ensure African-American children in the 1950’s had the opportunity for higher education — and it still resonates with our 21st century children. We had “standing room only” as we reached more 4th, 5th and 6th graders from the Rochester City School District than ever before — over 1,400 students plus at least 150 teachers, chaperones and parents. They experienced the life, lessons — and liveliness — of six of Rochester’s Ancestors in the 20th year of the program.

Photo: David Boyer

The program was made possible by significant support from the Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation, The Guido and Ellen Palma Foundation, Bergmann Associates, and The Links, Rochester NY Chapter. We especially appreciate our partnership with the Hochstein School

The Landmark Society of Western New York | landmarksociety.org

of Music and Dance, who donate the use of their performance hall for the two morning programs. A special thank you to Landmark Society members — your membership dollars and gifts of support has enabled us to continue this important work.

Stone-Tolan Summer by Cindy Boyer We will have the “lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer” at the Stone-Tolan House historic site this year. There will be regular tour hours, “pop-up” mini events and one really big evening. The regular hours: Come and visit us for a lazy — well at least relaxed — stroll through the beautiful grounds, featuring only native plants that would have been familiar to the Stone family over 200 years ago. Admire the orchard with its 19th century apple varieties. View the summer kitchen, cultivated and cared for by a great volunteer team led by Nancy Rosenberg. Then tour the house, stepping on the very boards that have felt the imprint of thousands of steps over two centuries. The house and grounds are open every Friday and Saturday afternoon from noon to 3 p.m. — or you can make a group reservation for other times by calling (585) 546-7029 x 15. The “pop-up” mini events. Watch our website for these last minute activities. Better yet, sign up for our eNewsletter to make sure you don’t miss one! The event descriptions are a bit hazy right now — there might be a cider tasting, an evening of games, or just a chance to see what’s being harvested in the garden. The really big evening: This event was crazy popular last summer. Good Luck Restaurant will again host a dinner on the grounds. A family style meal will be presented for this event, each dish a collaborative effort from local Chefs. Keep a close eye on Good Luck’s website, restaurantgoodluck.com, to know when ticket sales start. If you’d like to be notified when the tickets go on sale please email: events@ restaurantgoodluck.com. Mention that you are interested in learning more about the event, as well as being notified when ticket sales start.

Photo: Mary Burden

LANDMARKS | SUMMER 2016

Events

46th Annual

House and Garden Tour East Avenue & East Boulevard area Saturday and Sunday, June 4th and 5th by Cindy Boyer

Magnificent Mansions, Elegant Edifices and Surprising Structures “When is the House Tour going to return to East Avenue?” Every year tour goers ask this question — and 2016 is the year! The 46th Annual House and Garden Tour will treat us to magnificent mansions lining Rochester’s most prestigious boulevard — and so much more. Yes, there will be East Avenue magnificent mansions on the tour. You can expect to see palatial staircases, grand rooms designed to impress, soaring ceilings and over the top architectural details, all on a scale significantly larger than your typical Rochester home. They stand as testament to late 19th century opulence as experienced by industry leaders and business owners. We’ll venture off the Avenue to see elegant edifices on East Boulevard and Douglas Road. These sophisticated architect-designed homes may be on a more “modest” scale than the magnificent mansions, but there is nothing modest about them. Rich detail, thoughtful design and sumptuous materials showcase the early 20th century lavish lifestyle enjoyed by professionals and business leaders. There will be a few “surprise structures” on the tour as well. The oldest house in Rochester will celebrate its 200th birthday by opening for the tour. Its Federal-style architectural design, with monochromatic white clapboard and classical detailing might lead you to believe that the interior will be similar in tone. But the owners have transformed the rooms into jewel boxes Photo: Bernadette Catalana

The Landmark Society of Western New York | landmarksociety.org

Photo: Bernadette Catalana

of color that celebrate the important architectural details with warmth and a sense of adventure. One room in particular pays homage to a very popular jewelry box color scheme. Other surprise structures include a few houses with rather unassuming exteriors, hiding amazing décor and a wealth of designed detail. Then — there is the house that might have you doing a double take. Is it a 19th century home — or 21st century? Only your close inspection and visit to the interior will reveal the truth. If you’ve never participated in the June tour, you’ll want to know that you can go at your own pace. Your ticket booklet provides a map, descriptions of the house and admission to each home for one visit. You may go in any order – you can even choose to visit some houses on Saturday and others on Sunday. We provide shoe covers to wear inside the private homes. Tickets will be available the second week in May. You will want to get advance tickets, to insure you get one and to save on your purchase. Advance tickets for Landmark Society members are $20, available only from The Landmark Society on our website at www.landmarksociety.org or by calling (585) 546-7029 x11. The nonmember advance price is $28, and may be purchased from us or at Parkleigh, corner of Park Avenue and Goodman Street. On the days of the tour, if we are not sold out, tickets will be available at our tour headquarters for $33. We’re pleased to partner with The Academy of Medicine, located at 1441 East Avenue, as our tour headquarters.

Save the Date! Pre-Tour Talk on the neighborhood history Thursday June 2nd at 7 p.m., Academy of Medicine, 1441 East Ave. Free for ticket holders.

We are grateful to the major House and Garden Tour Sponsors: Platinum Sponsors:

Silver Sponsor:

Ticket Sales Sponsor:

Photo: Bernadette Catalana

Look for our advertising sponsors in the House Tour Ticket booklet. LANDMARKS | SUMMER 2016

Events

ARCHITECTURE FOR LUNCH — 2016 Popular lunchtime walks return this June Timed to fit in with busy schedules and week-day lunch breaks, these 20-minute presentations feature information about the history and architecture of downtown Rochester. Cynthia Howk, Landmark Society staff member and local history expert, will guide interested tour-goers from 12:10 to 12:35 p.m. Architecture for Lunch tours are free and open to the public, held rain or shine, for the most interesting lunch break you’ve ever taken. Meet Cynthia at 12:10 p.m. on the following dates: NEW! HIGH FALLS/BROWN’S RACE: Friday, June 10 Meet at the Pont-des-Rennes pedestrian bridge, Platt St. (corner of Brown’s Race). Discover Rochester’s oldest industrial district, established during our “Flour City” era, with dramatic views of the Genesee River, High Falls, and the adjacent 19thcentury buildings now converted for office, residential and recreational use.

ST. PAUL STREET GARMENT DISTRICT: Friday, June 17 Meet in front of the H.H. Warner Building, 80 St. Paul Street. Explore the city’s historic garment district, where clothing, shoes, and ties were manufactured for decades. Today trendy restaurants, loft apartments, and artist studios have been created in these distinctive 19th-century buildings, many of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. NEW! EAST END/CHESTNUT STREET/EASTMAN THEATRE: Friday, June 24 Meet in front of Christ Church, 141 East Avenue, on the corner of Broadway. Tour the exciting East End Cultural District that includes elegant 20th-century commercial architecture, the Eastman School campus, and the up-and-coming Chestnut/Lawn Street area.

Nominations Sought for 2016 Landmark Society Awards The Landmark Society’s Awards Committee is seeking nominations for this year’s 2016 awards, which will be presented in November. Established in 1985, the Awards Program honors rehabilitation projects, organizations, individuals, municipalities and preservation initiatives in our nine-county area. In 2015, award recipients included commercial buildings, a historic landscape, a talented craftsman, a rehabilitated 1920s home, three neighborhood organizations and several preservation activists whose outstanding advocacy work has enhanced their communities. For more information about the Awards Program and submitting nominees for consideration, please contact Cynthia Howk at chowk@landmarksociety.org

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NEW Dates for 2016! Friday September 30 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday October 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Watch for details in the next issue of Landmarks, or be the first to know and subscribe to our eNewsletter at www.landmarksociety.org 12

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Rochester Architect James H. Johnson – A Tribute by Christopher Brandt

Noted Rochester architect James Johnson passed away this winter. Christopher Brandt, an Intern Architect with Bero Architecture, PLLC, as well as long time Landmark Society member and volunteer, delivered this tribute at the funeral service, held in the Johnson-designed masterpiece, Temple Sinai.

t is fitting, that we are gathered today to pay tribute to a humble man and distinguished architect in one of his many notable buildings. A structure steeped in metaphor, a great tent of ten tablets seeming to grow from the forest floor reaching for the heavens in one simple, but masterful gesture. I first met Jim just over five years ago as an intrepid and fledgling student of architecture. From a young age I had developed an appreciation of, and later an all-consuming obsession with, our local architectural heritage. Up until that fateful summer in 2010 I only knew of a handful of our region’s great architects — Claude Bragdon, J. Foster Warner, Leander McCord Jr, and Thomas Boyde; many of whom had long since left their mark on our region. As a intern at Bero Architecture and the Landmark Society that summer I was tasked with compiling research on architects who had designed buildings in our region during the middle to late twentieth century. It was then, nearly half way through the summer, that I pulled the file on James H. Johnson. Like many a Rochesterian I knew of his majestic Mushroom House delicately perched between the treetops near Powder Mills Park, but was unprepared for what I soon discovered. The great, light-filled airplane-like structure of St. John the Evangelist, the curving cables and glinting stainless steel of the Liberty Pole, and the organic supple forms of Temple Sinai had all been conceived by the same man. In addition to these, there were countless homes, other houses of worship, and even a library

each with its own dynamic geometry that defied typical stylistic conventions. A quick query revealed, to my delight, that Jim was still actively practicing. After making contact, he encouraged me to stop by his office and later allowed me to conduct a lengthy interview with him about his life and career. The depth and diversity of his body of work was astonishing. James Johnson, photo by Sarah Johnson With the help of professors and Despite his considerable talents, Jim classmates at the University at Buffalo, always emphasized that his buildings I was able to organize having Jim as a were collaborative achievements brought featured lecture at the architectural school about by supportive clients, the boundless in 2011. I can still vividly remember the problem solving skills of his life-long looks of amazement on professors’ and structural engineer and friend Ray students’ faces in the standing-roomDipasquale, and the many artists whom he only lecture hall as Jim showed project gave creative voice to including Wendell after project and construction footage Castle, Marguerite Antel, Pepsy Kettavong, of the great slabs of Temple Sinai being the Secrest brothers, and Albert Paley tipped into place, a factory on wheels among others. He was unwavering in his creating homes in a single monolithic support and celebration of the work of his concrete pour, and the pods of the collaborators, in lieu of more ego-centric Mushroom House being lifted from their pursuits. Jim was, as his wife Sarah would dirt molds and delicately placed upon say, “content to quietly design his wild their stems. They struggled to believe buildings, never seeking recognition.” that all of this had been quietly going on in their backyard, without much notice for decades. continued on page 15

LANDMARKS | SUMMER 2016

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Rochester Architect James H. Johnson — A Tribute continued from page 13

St John the Evangelist church in Greece, N.Y.

The uniquely organic forms of his many buildings, whether of concrete, wood, metal, or stone, emphasize not only the dexterity by which he manipulated these materials and the design inspiration he drew from nature, but they also create dramatic and moving spaces that transcend simple shelter in favor of something intangible and greater than ourselves. These heightened experiences of his conception, from the cave-like primal embrace of the mushroom house pods to the dramatic trust skyward of AME Zion church are further enhanced by how Jim captured and manipulated light. The nearly heavenly aura of light falling from the great concrete cylinder over the altar of St. John the Evangelist; the seemingly impossible construction of St. Januarius of Naples with concrete and stained glass panels reaching from floor to ceiling set ablaze by the morning sun; and the converging monolithic concrete of Temple Sinai appearing to be held apart by nothing more but sky. Considering all of this and more, I believe that Jim did more than create mere buildings…in the apt words of Jean France…Jim designed miracles.

He lived life with a ceaseless energy; a life filled with diverse experiences around the globe. He was a humble man, who loved and cared for his family deeply. He was a friend and mentor to me like no other. He was, I believe, a peerless architect whose legacy here and beyond, while yet undetermined, will surely find no equal. Thank you Jim.

Learn more about Mr. Johnson’s work at a free lecture Historic Brighton presents “Sacred Space by James H. Johnson” Guest Speaker Christopher Brandt Presented by Historic Brighton Sunday, June 19th 2 p.m. Temple Sinai

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LANDMARKS | SUMMER 2016

People

Member Profile Lee Gratwick by Cynthia Howk Landmark Society member Lee Gratwick isn’t just a casual supporter of preservation. She’s an active preservation advocate whose commitment to her family’s Linwood Gardens estate in York, Livingston County, has help preserve one of the region’s most important historic landscapes. I first met Lee in the early 1990s, when several of our staff had the unforgettable experience of touring this enchanting property with her, as we discussed preservation strategies that might be useful in sustaining Linwood into the future. Created between 1901 and 1910 by Boston architect Thomas Fox for William H. Gratwick II, a prominent Buffalo industrialist, this unique property is an outstanding example of the rural, summer retreats established between the 1880s and 1920s, during the “Country Place Era,” when wealthy Americans sought relief from the unhealthy conditions of urban life. In the 1930s, the Gratwicks moved here from their Buffalo residence and Linwood became their year ‘round home. Listed in the National and State Registers of Historic Places, this 350-acre oasis with unspoiled views of the Genesee Valley is renowned for its designed gardens, whimsical architecture and the oldest collection of tree peonies in the country. The centerpiece of the property is its eight acres of designed gardens, reminiscent of the classic children’s book, The Secret Garden and replete with statuesque trees, Romantic follies, a diminutive chapel, an Italian water garden and the renowned tree peonies that were first cultivated in the 1930s by Lee’s father, William H. Gratwick III. After raising her family, Lee returned to live at Linwood in the 1980s and became the steward of this remarkable property. The challenges of maintaining such a large and complex landscape – designed in an era of wealth, cheap labor and no income taxes – was a tall order. Growing up at Linwood, Lee had known this acreage, with its woodlands, cultivated fields and

designed gardens, since childhood, but did not then realize it would become her life’s work. Upon returning, Lee had the opportunity to work with her father during his final years and become reacquainted with Linwood’s historic landscape before deciding on a plan of action. Gradually, she revamped the overgrown property and added her own vision to its evolving design. “My focus was on preservation, “she explained, “but also on sharing. I wanted to overlay (on the existing design), not to erase.” She also inaugurated the annual Tree Peony Festival, opening the gardens to the public several weekends each spring during the height of peony bloom. With assistance from friends, family members and neighbors, who staff this major event, the festival is now celebrating its 20th anniversary and attracts hundreds of visitors from throughout central and western New York. In recent years, Linwood has also hosted a variety of educational activities, including retreats, art classes, horticulture workshops and special events during the spring and summer. All of which were to achieve Lee’s goal of visitors experiencing Linwood’s beauty, peace and sense of design. Over the past three decades, Lee has also consulted with preservationists, landscape architects and garden historians, including staff from The Landmark Society, the Preservation League of New York State and the New York State Office of Historic Preservation, to access the most current advice on preserving and sustaining this historic landscape. Faculty and students from the landscape architecture program of Syracuse University’s School of Environmental Science and Forestry have provided assistance with both management techniques and preservation planning. Linwood’s nomination for listing in the National Register of Historic Places was completed as part of a Master’s

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degree thesis project by one of their graduate students. And this past year, The Landmark Society honored the Gratwick family with our Historic Landscape Award. In addition to Lee’s commitment to Linwood, it is especially rewarding to see that this remarkable family legacy will continue, as new generations of the Gratwick family, such as Lee’s granddaughter, Holly Watson, become involved with the care and preservation of this landmark property. Lee explained, “Years ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed I’d be doing this, but it’s nice that the gardens have been recognized and are appreciated. Our culture destroys so much before realizing its significance. Linwood has value and places like this give depth to our history. Even though the people who created them are gone, this is one way that they’re remembered. We love the gardens and are so pleased that they can be appreciated by visitors. That visitors and the preservation community recognize the importance of the gardens has given me enormous confidence that what I love has value and should be preserved.”

Located 35 miles southwest of Rochester, Linwood Gardens is at 1912 York Road in the town of York, Livingston County. This year’s “Tree Peony Festival” is scheduled for May 21–22, May 28– 29, and June 4–5. For photos, directions and more information about Linwood, go to www.linwoodgardens.org.

The YUP-date by Caitlin Meives

P U Y

In February, the YUPs held their first heart bombing event. Despite the exceptionally frigid temps, the event was a great success! We started with a brief lesson and video for neighborhood kids at the Lincoln Branch Library on Joseph Avenue in the city. YUP member and city schoolteacher, Bradley Huber, explained to the kids what historic preservation is all about, why old buildings matter and what we can do to help bring them back to life.

chill. Then the rest of us (including a few adventurous and hardy kids!) trekked a few blocks down the street to heart bomb the former synagogue in person. The former B’Nai Israel synagogue has been vacant and deteriorating for years but its future is finally looking a little brighter. The Joseph Avenue Arts and Culture Alliance plans to adapt this building to a performing arts center and has begun working on its adaptive reuse and fundraising for rehab.

In April, a YUP contingent headed to Pittsburgh for the first ever summit of The Rust Belt Coalition of Young Preservationists. The Coalition is a way for young preservationists from rust belt cities across the northeast and midwest to meet in person, share stories, exchange ideas and to create a meaningful and active preservation movement together. We met lots of great young preservationists and took home tons of inspiration!

Then the fun started. With a smorgasbord of crafting supplies, adults and kids alike got to work making valentines for the abandoned former synagogue down the street. There was an explosion of pink construction paper, doilies and stickers! The end results were fantastic and heartwarming.

Next stop on the heart bombing express was a vacant former brewery along the Genesee River gorge on Cliff St. This amazing building is slated for demolition by the City of Rochester. Us YUPs think it has great potential for an adaptive reuse project.

The past few months, we’ve also been busy expanding our network of historic bars in the WHERE THE #&@% AM I? coaster program. We’re adding a bunch of local bars in the South Wedge neighborhood of Rochester and will be celebrating their addition on Saturday, May 21st with a South Wedge Pub Crawl. Visit www.landmarksociety.org for details.

We did an indoor heart bombing while we were still at the Library to spare some of the smaller kiddos from the subzero wind www.landmarksociety.org/yup

What better way to spend your Valentine’s Day weekend than by showing some love to a few historic buildings that could really use it?

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@YoungUrbanPres

Left: Heart Bombing! Photo: Rohan Parikh Right: The YUPs in Pittsburgh at a famous local attraction in the Mexican War Streets neighborhood, known as Randyland, home of artist Randy Wilson (www.randy.land). Photo: National Trust for Historic Preservation

LANDMARKS | SUMMER 2016

People

Writers & Landmarks Living in Betty’s House by Bernadette Catalana

I knew who Elizabeth Holahan was when I first considered buying the Oliver Culver House, the oldest home in Rochester (built in 1816). All I had to do was Google her name and saw that this was a formidable woman. In one image, she was receiving a national preservation award from Barbara Bush! But I did not really feel the weight of her legacy until we arrived on June 13, 2009. From the moment the movers pulled into the driveway, neighbors, curiosity seekers and local history buffs began to drop by. The late Betsy Morse, a Rochester legend in her own right, was perhaps the most enthusiastic. She didn’t exit her car but called out of the open driver’s side window: “This is wonderful! Betty would be thrilled to have people living in her house....” At that moment it hit me, to those who were really paying attention, we were moving into Betty’s house, and that was a tall order, indeed!

ensure historical accuracy. What would she think of apple green kitchen cabinets and hot pink walls in what used to be her bedroom? Betty had auction-worthy artwork and furnishings, collected over a lifetime. I shopped at Arhaus and garage sales, with a little bit of Target and Marshall’s mixed in for good measure. As I scrubbed and painted each day for months (the house had been empty for almost a decade), I would sometimes “talk” to Betty and let her know what I was doing next. “The dining room is going to be the color of monarch butterfly wings.” Or, “What do you think of Tiffany blue for the ballroom (which became my bedroom)?” She never actually answered or sent a signal she disapproved, so I continued forward. But to make sure I had her buy-in, I kept a “touch of Betty” in every room. For example, the wooden valances in the kitchen remained exactly where Betty put them, just painted bright red, to match the nearby fireplace.

Yes, I have loved living in Betty’s house for the past seven years and, I dare say, she has probably enjoyed living in mine, too!

Bernadette Catalana is a Rochester-based attorney and blogger at http://www. daughterlessons.com. The Oliver Culver house is prominently featured in many of her blog posts.

As the house began to shape up, I began to realize that the décor was simply a

Almost immediately, I was told of her decorating prowess and exacting standards. Dissatisfied with store-bought paint, she mixed her own custom colors to

detail. What really mattered was that someone was taking care of the house, if not in the same style, with the same pride that Betty had. And we brought something new to 70 East Blvd — young people! Betty had lived in the house largely by herself, save a maid or two, for more than 50 years. I brought with me two teenage daughters, an adorable puppy and our collective gaggle of friends and family. Quickly, we filled the house with music and dancing, laughter and fun.

The Landmark Society of Western New York | landmarksociety.org

Illustration by Mark Payton

Editor’s note: The Oliver Culver House is a classic Federal style home on East Boulevard. Built 200 years ago by Brighton’s first town supervisor, both the house and the city line have moved since 1816 — it is now within the City of Rochester boundaries. We’ve always felt close to this house — previous owner and restoration expert Elizabeth Holahan served as president of both the Rochester Historical Society and The Landmark Society. We will celebrate the home’s bicentennial this year by featuring it on the House and Garden Tour. We are grateful to the Catalana family for their loving care of a significant Monroe County property.

The Landmark Legacy Society Planning Ahead The Landmark Legacy Society recognizes those thoughtful individuals who have included us in their estate plans in the past, as well as those who are committing to do so today. Planned gifts take many different forms. A gift may be a monetary bequest, stocks or bonds, personal property or real estate. What they have in common is “planning.” Making advance arrangements for your future gift has several benefits. Your financial planner or tax professional can let you know if there are any current or future tax benefits for advance gift planning. Your thoughtful actions today ease future decision making for your benefactors. They provide clear instructions on how you would like your gifts managed. Finally, your estate planning can give you peace of mind, knowing that your legacy will continue to benefit our preservation and restoration work today and tomorrow. Our staff would very much appreciate knowing about your intentions in advance so that we can better prepare to receive such a bequest. Your intention can be kept anonymous if you wish. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Landmark Legacy Society, we only ask that you send us your intention in writing and include your current contact information. We would be pleased to list your name among our

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

Photo: Mary-Ellen Bertram

Landmark Legacy Society members, if you desire, and invite you to an annual social gathering solely for members of this select group. If you would like more information, please contact us to receive our planned giving brochure at (585) 546-7029, extension 10. Thank you, in advance, for your thoughtful contribution and your support of our important work for future generations.

Did you know membership dollars are a significant part of our operating budget?

Please encourage friends and colleagues to join you in supporting the work we’re doing.

Join on our website at landmarksociety.org/giving or give us a call at (585)546-7029 x 16 and we’ll be glad to send you membership forms or sign you up on the spot.

Consider a Gift Membership Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, weddings and graduations. It is the gift-giving season! Consider a Landmark Society gift membership— it’s the gift that gives twice. Your recipient gets great member benefits, and your gift supports community preservation. Plus, it’s a gift that doesn’t require storing, dusting, or getting the right size or color! Contact our membership department at (585) 546-7029 extension 16 or visit our website for more information.

LANDMARKS | SUMMER 2016

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STAY ENGAGED

SUNSET CONCERTS A LANDMARK MINI-SERIES

A partnership between The Landmark Society of Western New York and The Sunset Concert Musicians. Enjoy al fresco chamber music concerts at The Landmark Society’s signature historic properties. All concerts start at 7 p.m. There is no admission charge, donations gratefully accepted. Light snacks and drinks available for purchase.

Wednesday, July 13th ST. JOSEPH’S PARK

108 Franklin Street, Rochester Please bring your own chairs. Rain date: Thursday, July 14th

Friday, July 15th ELLWANGER GARDEN

625 Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester Please bring blankets for lawn seating, follow signs for adjacent parking area. Rain date: Saturday, July 16th

Sunday, July 17th STONE-TOLAN HISTORIC SITE

2370 East Avenue, Brighton Rain or shine – inside the barn if there is rain. Please bring blankets or camp chairs, some bench seating will be supplied.