Day-1

Day 30-

                          The Cunningham Carriage and Car Company

                                                                  
      
One of my most loved discoveries is located on Canal Street in Rochester's, downtown area off Main Street. The street is home to several old factory buildings, a complex that was the business of the James Cunningham, Son & Co. Cunningham was one of Rochester's most influential carriage and vehicle manufacturers known world wide for quality vehicles of luxury.
The business was originally known for its carriages but they went on to produce hearses during the Civil War, luxury automobiles and ambulances in the early 20th century. The Cunningham factory was once an essential part of Rochester's economy employing in excess of 500 workers. Cunningham worked alongside his workers and became a father figure to many that he had mentored.  Though a workplace injury would eventually slow him down he continued to be in the factory daily until his death in 1886. The company was run by his son until it ceased operations in 1931.



                                

                                         

The VOA of Rochester was located in one of the buildings that were part of the Cunningham complex for many years. 
Take a ride down Canal Street and some of the streets in the area. It was a great location for manufacturing as it was near the railroad and the river which were used as a means of shipping and transportation at that time. 
If you look for the curved entry doorway on the buildings facing Canal Street this was the original office entrance to the Cunningham Factory. 
A few streets to the west is Madison Street where you can tour the home of Susan B. Anthony. Take note of the lovely park square that is adjacent to the Anthony museum. Though the area has declined in recent years the museum and surrounding homes seem to be well cared for. The area, because of it's historical significance could benefit from some revitalization.
                

After many years being vacant and falling into disrepair the complex was purchased by DePaul properties in 2013. The 73,000 sq ft space has since been converted into housing with 71 loft apartments that opened Dec. of 2014, now The Carriage Factory Apartments. The Apartments are located at 33 Litchfield Street. The buildings run front to back from Canal to Litchfield. The atrium houses one of the Cunningham's Carriages.

The Carriage Factory today

There is so much history in the City of Rochester, some in the most unexpected places such as Canal and Litchfield Streets. Take a drive you will be surprised at what you might just find.

Until Tomorrow- Be Safe

"People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them" -James Baldwin