A bit of Webster history: the town’s first “telephone”

4 Aug

You never know what fascinating nugget of Webster history you’ll discover when you visit the Webster Museum. 

For example, just inside the front door hangs one of Webster’s very first “telephones,” which was used from 1887 to 1901. It hung in what was most recently the Music Store on East Main St. in the village, when the old post office was located there. A second one was installed in the railroad station on North Ave. 

The two instruments were connected by two wires strung across poles and roofs of houses along North Ave. They operated in much the same way as the old tin-can telephones we used to use when we were kids. Remember them? Stretch a string between two tin cans and you could talk back and forth just by keeping the string taut.

When the postmaster wanted to know when to expect the mail trains, he would knock vigorously on the center of the disc. This would cause the wires to vibrate and ring the bell on the telephone at the other end. To communicate, you would talk and listen through the center of the disc.  

This particular telephone has been in the Webster Museum’s collection since the museum opened in 1976. It was donated by Peter and Jay Smith, whose father was the postmaster (although the bell is not original).

Learn more about this and other interesting bits of local history at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Visit the website at webstermuseum.org to learn more.    

If you like these little bits of Webster history, make sure to check out the link above (or in the right-hand column) labeled “Webster History Bits” to see all of the ones I’ve posted in the past year.

* * *

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/4/2023)

Tags: , , ,

More music and family fun in the village

3 Aug

There’s so much summer fun happening in the village these days, I’m having a hard time keeping on top of it all. So here’s a quick reminder about a few things coming up. (P.S. more information about these events can be found on the Webster BID website.)

This Friday Aug. 4, the Friday Night concert series at the gazebo continues with a performance by singer/songwriter Sarah De Vallière. She describes her music as “Randy Newman meets Joni Mtchell in a bar.” Not sure what that means, but I have seen Sarah play and she is very talented and very entertaining.

The concert will be at Village Memorial Gazebo park on North Ave., and begin at 7 p.m. There’s no cost, and you’re welcome to bring your chairs, blankets and a cooler with food and refreshments.

Next Friday, grab the family and come back to Gazebo Park for the next Family Games Night.

From 6 to 9 p.m. you’ll enjoy giant Jenga, giant Connect Four, corn hole, sidewalk chalking, beer and wine from The Coach and takeout from West Main Street restaurants.

Looking ahead, you definitely don’t want to forget about the Webster Jazz Festival, which is returning Friday and Saturday Aug. 18 and 19.

On Friday, enjoy Jazz in the Pubs at six local pubs and restaurants, then on Saturday the jazz takes to the street when four outstanding jazz bands perform beginning at 4 p.m. on the big West Main Street stage. Click here to see details about who’s playing and when.

ALSO… don’t forget to register for the Village Bed Race on Saturday Sept. 16.

This is going to be tons of fun, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what kind of creative contraptions the bed race competitors will come up with. Teams will be separated into two age groups, 14 to 19 and 20 and up. The course will include one challenge stop, there’ll be two heats and one final elimination race.

Complete rules, bed design specifications and registration links can be found on the Webster BID website, but here are a few highlights:

  • Wheels must be NO larger than 8 inches
  • There are five participants for each bed, four pushers and one sleeper
  • Sleeper must wear some type of sleepwear during the race

Gentlemen and ladies, start your beds!!!

* * *

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/3/2023)

Tags: , , , , ,

News from the Arboretum

2 Aug

Last week, when I attended the most recent Music in the Park concert at the Webster Arboretum at Kent Park, I not only enjoyed the performance by Doctor’s Orders, but was also reminded of how peaceful and picturesque the park is. It is truly an under-appreciated jewel in our town’s park system.

When I was there, I picked up some information I wanted to pass along.

As part of their ongoing fundraising efforts, the Webster Arboretum is selling custom-inscribed bricks to be placed along the remembrance walkway leading from the Curry building to the gazebo. Each brick can accommodate up to three lines of text, 16 characters per line. The inscription might commemorate a special occasion, remember a loved one or beloved pet, be an inspirational message, or simply be your family’s name.

Each brick costs $75 and can be purchased online here. Even better, you can pick up a brochure at the next Music in the Park concert on Wed., August 16, which features Sarah De Valliere. The brochure includes a form which you can mail in with a check. Donations are all tax-deductible.

The Webster Arboretum at Kent Park is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd. Find out more about this beautiful park on the Arboretum’s website and Facebook page.

* * *

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/2/2023)

Tags: , , ,

A fun (and educational) family hike from the Friends of Webster Trails

31 Jul

The Friends of Webster Trails have come up with a fun new theme for their regular family hikes.

It’s called the “Trees Along the Trail Challenge,” being held at Four Mile Creek Preserve from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday August 5.

Participants will pick up a clue packet at the sign-in table, and the challenge is to explore the trails and find the trees indicated in the clues. When you’re done, return the answer sheet and check your score. The first 50 families to complete the challenge will receive a free tree.

The self-guided hike will take place rain or shine, so mane sure you dress for the weather. There’s no charge, but registration is requested. Visit the Friends of Webster Trails website to register.

Four Mile Creek Preserve is located on Phillips Rd. at the corner of Lake Rd. It’s probably my favorite natural area in Webster, so if you haven’t been there yet, I highly recommend it.

* * *

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 7/31/2023)

Tags: , ,

Jazz Festival details: who’s playing and when

30 Jul

Get ready to dance in the streets in a few weeks, when the Webster Jazz Festival returns.

The event will stretch over two days Friday and Saturday Aug. 18 and 19, kicking off with “Jazz in the Pubs” Friday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. Six different bands are scheduled to perform at six different village pubs and restaurants, with staggered start times, so you can visit visit several (or all) of the venues for a drink and a bite to eat, and enjoy as many bands as you like. The musicians represent some of the best from the Rochester music scene, including some returning favorites and some new faces.

The music continues Saturday night when jazz takes to the street.

Beginning at 4 p.m., an outstanding lineup of musical entertainment will perform from the big West Main Street stage, featuring musicians from around Rochester and Upstate. There will be some tables and chairs set up, but they go pretty fast, so plan to bring your own, set them up in the middle of the street and enjoy music all evening long.

This year’s Webster Jazz Festival brings back some familiar faces and some new ones. Nicholas Brust, a Webster Schroeder HS grad, returns to his hometown for his first appearance at the festival. Deepak Thettu, another Schroeder grad, will play both Friday and Saturday evenings. Paradigm Shift and Marco Amadio return and newcomers Sarah DeValliere and Tyler Scott Owens will knock your socks off. Simple Pleasures with Grammy-nominated Jimmie Highsmith, Jr. and vocalist Julie Delario keep the party going on Saturday night.

Here’s the schedule (click on the name to get more information about each band):

Friday Aug. 18:

  • 6:30 p.m.: Jazz Generation at JoJo’s Wine Bar, 42 E. Main St. An instrumental acoustic guitar duo presenting a mix of popular world jazz music.
  • 6:30 p.m. Joe Chiappone and Vince Ercolamento at Barry’s Old School Irish, 2 West Main St., jazz guitar and saxophone.
  • 6:45 p.m.: Sarah De Vallière at Cobblestone on Main, 109 W. Main St. An award-winning composer, classically-trained pianist and outstanding singer-songwriter, performing “cinematic folk rock with nuances of jazz and pop.”
  • 7:00 p.m.: Marco Amadio on the piano at Brimont Bistro, 24 W. Main St.
  • 7:15 p.m.: Paradigm Shift at Ploty’s Hometown Tavern, 27 W. Main St., performing “organic, funky grooves with street-level ambiance.”
  • 8:00 p.m.: Guitarist Deepak Thettu and Friends at The Coach Sports Bar, 17 W. Main St. Another graduate of Webster Schroeder High School.

Saturday Aug. 19:

  • 4:00 p.m.: Nicholas Brust, bandleader, composer, a premier saxophonist of his generation, and graduate of Webster Schroeder High School
  • 5:45 p.m.: Tyler Scott Owens, Rochester-based vocalist and songwriter
  • 7:00 p.m.: Smooth jazz sounds from Judah Sealy, a graduate of School of the Arts and Roberts Wesleyan College
  • 9:00 p.m.: Simple Pleasures, a high-energy group led by Grammy-nominated saxophonist Jimmie Highsmith, Jr.

This is always a huge event, so you’ll really want to be a part of it.

To find out more about the 2023 Webster Jazz Festival, visit the Webster BID website.

* * *

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 7/30/2023)

Tags: , , ,

More thoughts about Barry’s Old School Irish

29 Jul

The word “close” is not in our vocabulary.

That was perhaps the most important, and most encouraging, part of the message Danny and Jessica Barry posted to Facebook and Instagram Wednesday morning as the news began to sink in that Barry’s Old School Irish in the Village of Webster will be closing in September. And it was a comforting statement, to say the least.

The message was clear: Yes, Barry’s is closing, but only temporarily. Plans are in the works to bring it back even bigger and better than before.

If you’re not on Facebook or Instagram, and didn’t see the recent article in the Democrat and Chronicle, here’s the gist:

Opening and running a very successful Irish pub was their original dream. Having done that (in spades), now they want to focus full-time on the next stage of their dream, producing and packaging their very own Barry’s Irish Cream Liqueur. To do that, they need a bigger space where they can house both their production facility and the pub.

In their Facebook message, they wrote,

We’re blessed to have this opportunity to launch Barry’s Irish Cream, which is literally the bottling of all the love and warmth this Barry’s Irish Pub Family has created together. … We can’t wait for the day to bring these two dreams under one roof, that is going to be one heck of a story and one heck of a party. Barry’s will be built for the long haul! read the entire message on their Facebook page.)

The Barrys really want to keep their new operation in Webster, which is great news for our town and all of us who have come to consider Danny and Jess extended family. And until they open again, they’re making plans for several events throughout the year to “keep our pub family/community together, to keep the hugs and handshakes flowing.”

The first will be the 4th annual Barry’s Irish Festival on September 16. Tickets for that will available soon online and at the pub, and I’ll be posting more details in a future blog.

We’re all saddened to the core that Danny and Jessica’s friendly pub will no longer be anchoring our village’s four corners. But we’re gladdened to know that we have not seen the last of them, and I think speak for us all when I say we’re excited for them as they embark on this new adventure.

Danny and Jessica concluded their message on Wednesday with this:

Cheers to our Pub Family, and let’s rock this thing!

Rest assured, my friends, we — your pub family — are ready, willing and excited to take this ride with you.

Danny and Jessica have set a closing date for Saturday Sept. 9. Stay tuned for details about special events leading up to that final day, and the big celebration that will inevitably happen that day.

* * *

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 7/29/2023)

Tags: , , , ,

The Visionaries low-vision support group to meet at library

28 Jul

Community members who struggle with vision issues — macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye, or others — are invited to attend the August meeting of The Visionaries, being hosted next month at the Webster Public Library.

The Visionaries is a support group for adults with low-to-no vision. Members of this support group share their interests and opportunities with others, encouraging those with visual impairment to get the most out of their lives.

The group will meet on Wednesday, August 2 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Webster Public Library Community Room, 980 Ridge Road. Senior Services Librarian Jennifer Lenio will give a presentation on the services available at the library and through the library system, and local author Jane Hopkins will also give a short talk about her recent book, Cemetery Reflections, and how she continues to photograph despite having macular degeneration.    

There’s no need to register, just come by to join the meeting!. For more information on The Visionaries, contact Ed Wilkonski at (585) 265-4167 or email wingstwofly@rochester.rr.com

* * *

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 7/27/2023)

Tags: , , ,

Webster community mailbag

27 Jul

There’s more music in the village this week, when 8 Days a Week returns to Gazebo Park this Friday July 28 for the next Friday night concert.

8 Days a Week is Upstate New York’s premier Beatles tribute band, and guaranteed they’ll have everyone dancing and along to songs we all know so well.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Gazebo Park on North Ave. Bring your chairs and blankets, and a cooler if you’d like with food and beverages. It’s all free and family-friendly.

Speaking of music, a few more opportunities to enjoy some live music are coming up in the next few weeks.

This coming Wednesday Aug. 2, John Dady and John Ryan will be performing at the United Church of Christ for their weekly Caring Community Concert series.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations. There’s no admission, but each week the church collects a free-will offering benefiting that week’s chosen non-profit organization. The Dady and Ryan concert will benefit Webster Comfort Care Home.  

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.) On Wednesday August 9, 8 Days a Week will take the stage. (So if you liked them at the gazebo, check them out here!)

The Summer Concert Series at Cherry Ridge is in full swing. The next concert is scheduled for Tuesday August 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., featuring the Gateswingers Big Band. The concerts are held outside, and the grounds open up at 5 p.m. with food available for purchase. So bring your lawn chair and enjoy some beautiful music.

Cherry Ridge is located at 900 Cherry Ridge Blvd., across from Webster Schroeder High School. Registration is requested. Click here to do so.

Good food is in store at St. Martin Lutheran Church when they host their next Pulled Pork Drive-Thru beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 5.

The take-out dinner includes pulled pork sandwich, salt potatoes, cole slaw and cookie for just $12. Proceeds will support the church’s annual Christmas Stocking Project reaching over 500 children and teens in Monroe and Wayne counties.

Pull into the parking lot, place your order using exact payment, and the dinner will be delivered to you as you drive up in your car.

St. Martin Lutheran Church is located at 813 Bay Rd.

There’s always TONS of fun stuff happening at the Webster Public Library, too much for me to tell you about them all here. But I do want to shine a spotlight on a few of them.

The first is the return of the very popular life-sized Candyland game.

This year’s game is “lighter” than the one they’ve had in the past, but no less fun. Bring your family and friends and become part of the game we’ve all enjoyed playing for decades. Check out the flyer for times.

And here’s a chance to check out one of our most natural areas, the Webster Arboretum.

On Tuesday Aug. 8 at 6 p.m., the library will host a guided tour through the Arboretum, especially highlighting some of the new plantings there. The tour will take about 90 minutes and will require a lot of walking, much of it off the pathways, so wear some comfortable shoes.

Registration is required for this event. Click here to sign up.

Finally, here’s a reminder that the Webster Museum is now accepting donations for their annual Barn Sale, scheduled for Sept. 14 to 16.

Donations are being collected at the barn located at 394 Phillips Rd. You can drive right down the driveway to the barn and put your donations inside (donation receipts are on the table). Although you can donate any day, museum volunteers are on site Monday mornings if you would like assistance unloading your donations.

Items they’d love to see are antiques, collections and collectibles, kitchen and household items, décor, small appliances, toys, tools, and small furniture. They cannot accept books or magazines, computers, clothing, linens, baby cribs or car seats, large furniture, snow skis or water skis, large exercise equipment, audio or video tapes (VHS tapes, music cassettes, etc), or entertainment electronics, (TVs, stereos, DVD players, etc).  

That’s about enough for today. August and September are shaping up to be very busy months, so stay tuned for more news about

  • the Webster Jazz Fest
  • the Barry’s Irish Festival
  • a blood drive at Spry Middle School sponsored by The Steam Police
  • a new family hike at Four Mile Creek from the Friends of Webster Trails
  • an electronics recycling event
  • a hazardous waste recycling event
  • the return of the Webster Garlic Fest
  • the 2023 Mud Run
  • the Oktoberfest

and more.

* * *

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 7/27/2023)

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Waterfront Art Festival returns this weekend

26 Jul

The annual Waterfront Art Festival returns to Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds) this weekend, and this year is more special than most, as the festival celebrates 50 years of great art and entertainment.

You may not be familiar with the history of this great festival. It feels like it’s a been regular Webster summer event for like, forever. But actually, Webster’s only hosted the Waterfront Art Festival since 2015, when organizers had a falling out with their original hosts at the Canandaigua City Pier. When they chose to move it to North Ponds Park in Webster, our community warmly welcomed the event, and it quickly became a summer favorite.

This coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday July 29 and 30, the Waterfront Art Festival returns for its 50th year, to the newly named Charles Sexton Memorial Park. The festival is a must-see for those who appreciate fine art and quality crafts.

Dozens of artisan booths line the park’s scenic and shaded walkways, displaying an incredible variety of hand-made items in all price ranges. What’s really nice about this particular festival is that all of the artisans’ work is juried beforehand, which is why it’s all so different and high-quality. Plus there are food trucks, live music, demonstrations, a wine, beer and cider-tasting tent, several food and drink vendors, plenty of free parking right on the grounds, and a handicapped parking area. (Click here to see a gallery of photos from two years ago.)

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Charles Sexton Memorial Park, off of Rt. 104 between Rt. 250 and Holt Road (take the Rt. 250 exit off Rt. 104). 

Admission is $5, no charge for kids 12 and under. For more information, including a list of artisans and entertainers, click here for the Waterfront Art Festival website and here for their Facebook page.

* * *

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 7/26/2023)

Tags: , , ,

Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market “Evening in the Park” a great addition to the regular Saturday market

25 Jul

Another Wednesday is upon us, which means it’s time to head out to Charles Sexton Park for the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market, especially since the weather looks like it’s going to be picture-perfect.

The “Evening in the Park” market is a relatively new improvement to the long-established Joe Obbie Market, which has been setting up at Webster Towne Center every Saturday for years now. And it’s been a very popular addition.

On top of the wide variety of food and craft vendors you’ve come to know and love at the Saturday market, the Evening in the Park also has food trucks and live music. Basically, everything you need for a nice evening out with the family, including flowers, fresh produce, meats and sauces!

I stopped by the first market last week and took these photos. The band and a lot of the vendors were still setting up shop, so the photos really don’t capture the entire fun atmosphere of the evening. Make sure to check it out for yourself this Wednesday.

The Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market Evenings in the Park will run every Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds). The poster below tells you what bands are playing each evening. Don’t forget your chairs!

Definitely don’t forget about the Saturday market, either.

You’ll find the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market in Webster Towne Center Plaza (Target/Kohl’s plaza) every Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The vendors offer baked goods, flowers, crafts, farm-raised meats and eggs, honey, jams, maple syrup and more.

Enter the plaza from Holt Rd. or Ridge Rd. and follow the signs. You’ll see the market set up in front of Old Navy.

Need more information? Check out the market’s Facebook page here.

* * *

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 7/25/2023)

Tags: , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →