A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ECCENTRIC

Lake Bluff Road and Fort Des Sables- Once near the site of Fort Des Sables, Lake bluff Road has one of the nicest lake views in Irondequoit.   Established in 1717 as a stockaded French fur trading post for trade with the Seneca Indians, one of the five Iroquois Indian Nations. It was located on the Lake Ontario Shore at the entrance to Irondequoit Bay. The post was built by a Frenchman, Louis Thomas Joncaire, who was an interpreter and negotiator. Joncaire had been captured by the Seneca at age 17 and had lived among them until 1694 when he was released. His understanding of the Iroquois language, culture and customs proved to be a great help in reestablishing the French fur trade after the disastrous wars between 1680 and 1700.  Located on Culver Road east of Lake Bluff Road the site was destroyed by construction of Route 590 Expressway.                                                    Lake Bluff Road's elevated view of the lake is just spectacular. The road itself has a

Camp Wacona Camp Wacona (meaning Bright Star in Seneca language) was located in Irondequoit, NY and was in operation from 1912 thru 1931, until it was sold. It operated as a YWCA camp for girls. In the early 1900's programs for girls became a part of the mission at the YWCA. Their programs offered teens a place to gather, participate in classes and provided opportunities for community service. The camp also provided outdoor vacations and outings for both girls and women. Girl Reserves was the official name of the YWCA unit for girls ages 12-20. I haven't been able to find a lot written about the camp but there are many photos. After some searching with a friend we believe that camp may have been located in the elevated area of  Durand Eastman Park on the lake side in what now is called The Highlands. Unfortunately the camp was torn down many years ago.  Wacona Ave off Culver Rd in Seabreeze is named after the Camp as a reminder of it's place in the history of Seabre

Glen Haven Amusement Park- Irondequoit is so rich in history and because of it's location had several amusement parks and attractions around the lake and bay area. Glen Haven Park was on the shores of Irondequoit Bay. At one point it had a roller coaster, Merry-go-round and other amusements. Sadly because of financial issues it was abandoned in the 1920s.    Glen Haven Amusement Park, was located on the West shore of Irondequoit Bay,  Immediately south of the current Bay Village Condominiums. The land is owned by the County of Monroe.                                                 From  Patricia Wayne, Irondequoit’s Town Historian 2011:  "The Glen Haven Amusement Park was part of Glen Haven Resort, also called Glen Haven Village. The Glen Haven Hotel was built in 1899, on ground made by leveling a large hill and using the soil to fill in an adjacent swamp. The hotel was one of the largest in the area. Its dining rooms and veranda's could accommodate about 400

Day 41- Supporting local commerce during this pandemic- For many reasons we all love the towns we live in. We frequent retail in our area because it's close and convenient. What if we no longer had those things available?  It's so important, now more than ever that we support all of the them as much as we can. With many of us not working or having our work hours cut it can be difficult, but still possible and affordable. Many restaurants in the area are running specials to draw in business and many of them cost less than stopping at the grocery store for the ingredients to make a meal. Do your homework first and everyone will win.                                                                           I am proud to say that we have been supporting all of our local restaurants at least 5 out of 7 nights a week. Hopefully they will still be in business when all of this is over.....eat local, everyone of them are struggling right now.  Studies  show that when you buy

Day 40- Inspiration- It is so important to have a hobby and to be inspired by something, something that encourages you to be creative. Some of us have one thing that we like to do like painting or putting together a puzzle, but for me it's a little bit of everything. I tend to get bored easily and I like to switch from project to project.                                I am very interested in history. I like to discover new buildings, forests and objects and places. These are the things that inspire other things in me, like painting, writing and gardening.  I buy and collect things that inspire me to do other things, if that makes sense. I have many old books with beautiful illustrations from times past that motivate me to write. I have flowers in my garden that inspire me to paint. There are many things that have inspired me, to be a better me, to be creative and to enjoy life no matter what it throws at me...                                                      

Day 39- Vintage Wicker Bags- It takes a great vintage bag to make a great summer outfit and there is nothing better than a vintage wicker purse. These are the handbags that my mother carried in the spring and summer and they were her celebration of the passing winter season. They could be purchased just about anywhere in the 50's and 60's, made from wicker, rattan, and sea grass, they were such beautiful bags. Some with leather trim and fabric or vinyl lining. They are plentiful today on apps such as Ebay & Etsy and many thrift and antique stores. They are fun to shop for and there are many interesting versions and styles. The best ones are the mid century designs. They can be found at a great price, from the $20-75 dollar range (and many even less) in all shapes and sizes.                                                  The 1950’s were real breakout years for the straw bag. Ladies who embraced fashion, wanted a hand bag that was fun and could carry their cosm

Day 38- Seabreeze, more than just the park- As Rochesterians we know and understand the historical significance of Seabreeze Amusement Park. It is the the 4th oldest amusement park in the United States which makes it pretty special, but do we understand the significance of the Seabreeze area itself? When we think of Seabreeze we usually think only of the park not the things that surround it.                                             Throughout the years we have seen some changes in the Seabreeze area such as the expected bridge improvements, improvements to the waterfront, the parking area, Bill Gray's and improvements at Marge's and a few other's. But is it enough? Are we really paying tribute to the value of the area? Are we really paying tribute to the amusement park that really started it all for the Seabreeze area? Could we do better? I think we can. People can do better and that's all it will take. I'm not talking about spending exorbitant amounts

Day 37- Case Garden Center-                                                            Time worn, gritty and unpretentious are a few words I use to describe Case Garden Center. It sits at 2501 Norton Street, just before Pardee Rd as it has for more than 70 years. As a small roadside farm stand in the 1950's, Case has stood the test of time, growing and changing throughout the years.  Starting it's history as a local grower in the area as early as 1890, they supplied vegetables to Wegman's in those early years. Case is yet another Irondequoit hidden gem in an unexpected location. Owned by Gerry and Betty Case, Gerry had lived and farmed at this location his whole life. Sadly he passed in 2017. His legacy and hard work live on in the Case Garden Center. I find the staff here to be helpful and always courteous. They know their plants that's for sure. If you have something specific in mind just ask, they may have it or may be able to suggest and alternative for you.

Day 36- Our Sunday Drive through I-Town There is nothing like the beauty of a great neighborhood on a sunny warm Sunday afternoon. The trees are all in bloom with some of the most beautiful flowering trees I have ever seen, the magnolia, apple blossom, crab apple, and stunning white flowers of the pin cherry. Spring in Rochester can't be beat and Irondequoit has some of the best mature trees on the most beautiful streets.                                                   Today we took a drive through one of the most unusual and extraordinary neighborhoods in I-town, Winona Woods. Made up of just under 600 homes off St Paul Blvd, each tree lined and home to some of the most architecturally diverse houses. Many of the homes have stone, brick or field stone on the facade which I find to be quite unique to this area, each one a bit different from the next. These aren't all big houses, they are homes that are livable, warm and inviting and cozy. Homes for everyone.     

Day 35- For the love of Handbags- Some of my favorite handbags are vintage. Not the ones that you purchase at the department store or online boutique, not Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Celine or even Hermes. I like the ones that you have to hunt for, at thrift stores, estate sales or antique shops. I love handbags that have history and a story to be told. The ones that were carried by a grandmother to church on Sunday or to the beach on a lazy afternoon. The kind that carried an old fashioned compact with a mirror, or a lipstick in the color red or a book of matches and even a scarf for a windy day.                   I have loved handbags ever since I can remember. My mother gave me an old one of hers when I was around 9 years old and I still have it. It is an olive green leather clutch that she purchased at B. Forman Co. at Ridgemont Plaza in the 1960's, I remember, I was with her as I was very Saturday when she went to have her hair done. I could never forget that bouffant h

Day 34- Favorite Recipes- We all have favorite recipes that have been passed down to us from generation to generation, family to family and neighbor to neighbor. One of my favorites is Red Beans & Rice. I honestly can't remember where this recipe came from I just know that my grandmother made it and so did my mother. In our house it was made for special occasions to go with a main dish. Mom mostly served it with ham, usually with our Easter dinner.                                 I read that Monday was wash day in the old Creole and Cajun households. The lengthy chore of boiling and scrubbing left little time for preparing a meal, so a huge pot of beans were put on the fire to simmer until all of the laundry was dry and folded. Even today families in New Orleans still sit down for a dinner of red beans and rice on Monday night, just as their ancestors did. I would love to share the recipe with you, I think you will really enjoy it. Maybe you can start a new tradition

Day 33- Our Sweet Kitty- As every cat owner knows, adopting a new furry friend is a special and unforgettable experience. Is there anything sweeter than a kitten to cuddle with?  Just over a year ago our family gave our hearts to a beautiful rescue Kitty that we named Jacob. Jacob started his life on the city streets and was living in less than desirable conditions for the first 6 weeks of his life.        He was rescued by a kind person who heard him under their porch, alone, cold and afraid. He called for him and he ran from under the porch into his arms, happy to touch a human for the first time. This kind individual him took him to the vet and the wonderful tech took him home. He had a warm and loving foster home. Jacob was fostered by the daughter of a girl I worked with and she was looking for a home for him. I couldn't say no. Sight unseen we took him in and he has brought us nothing but joy and happiness since. He's the most photographed kitty in the world