It was about 10:30 a.m. the Friday morning after Thanksgiving at the new Mary Wee Pub — about 30 minutes after it opened — and there were already a half dozen people sitting at the new pub’s long bar, enjoying an early pint or just enjoying friendship.
That’s how excited everyone is about the news that the Mary Wee is finally open at 2 West Main Street in the Village of Webster.
For the last few weeks, owner Mark Petzing (of the Shamrock Jack’s family) has been hosting “soft openings,” which basically meant that if the door was unlocked, you were welcome to wander in. So the word’s been spreading quickly that there’s a great new place in town to get a pint of Guinness.
But those soft openings end on Monday Dec. 2 when Petzing invites the community to the Mary Wee’s official grand opening.
This day has been a long time coming. Petzing has been working since the middle of the summer renovating, updating and beautifying the former Barry’s Old School Irish Pub. The “final touches” seemed to drag on forever over the last few months, as anxious community members peered through the windows every day to see how close it was to completion.
Petzing has put his own twist on the interior design of his new pub, which is obvious the moment you step in the door. Those who knew the old Barry’s would hardly recognize the place.
For starters, the wall separating the bar from the former bakery area has been removed, opening up enough space for a much longer bar, which now wraps from the restrooms to the west wall. The two restrooms have been completely renovated and updated, and now stand side-by-side, one whimsically decorated to look like an Irish telephone box. There’s a digital jukebox, and three TVs streaming sports all the time. And the ceiling has been raised, which together with the new French doors and windows gives the entire pub a much more open, airy feel. Even though Petzing was working with the same square footage, somehow he’s managed to make the new pub feel so much bigger than the old.
Probably the most exciting new feature is the indoor/outdoor seating along the big, north-facing front window. That window’s been replaced with a garage door, which on nice days can be raised to accommodate patrons sitting inside and outside across from each other.
True to its name, Petzing characterizes his pub’s offerings as a “wee bit of everything.” The menu won’t be huge, but substantial, featuring appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and some Irish-inspired entrees. His nine taps include Guinness, Smithwicks, Harp, a few IPAs, Genny and Stella. A selection of bourbons, vodkas, gins and rums complement an expansive choice of Irish whiskeys. There will even be a wee bit of live music.
Petzing is very uncomfortable comparing his new pub to Barry’s Old School Irish, which closed in September of 2023. He knows as well as anyone the special place Barry’s held in the hearts of the local community, and still does. But there was no way he was going to avoid the obvious questions.
“People would say, ‘Is it going to be like Barry’s? Is it going to be like Shamrock Jacks?'” he said. “I say no, maybe a little of both, but it’s going to be the Wee. It’s going to be our place.”
“I loved Barry’s,” he added. “My wife and I always loved Barry’s. But it’s definitely different.”
Given the response he’s already seen, people have embraced the difference.
“The Webster community has been amazing,” Petzing said. “We’ve been welcomed with open arms; everybody’s been fantastic. The coolest thing for me right now is I’m meeting all sorts of people I never met before. … During this past week I’ve had a blast. It’s everything I wanted and more.”
Check out the new Mary Wee Pub for yourself during the grand opening, Monday Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Live music will be provided by Matthew Stephens from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.. Regular hours will continue to be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day (and perhaps later on the weekends).
Here are some photos from the pub:
I’ve posted this story before, but if you’re wondering how the unusual name “Mary Wee” came about, here’s the story, straight from Mark Petzing himself:
My grandmother Mary, I loved her. My grandmother was older and she liked whiskeys and bourbons. They would water down her whiskeys, and put a little around the rim. She’d always smile, the sweet little thing, she’d say “Oh, thank you.” And when my mom and my aunts weren’t looking, she’d say, “Mark, give me a wee bit more.”
So people ask why is it not “Wee Mary’s?” Because I want you to think about it. And it means nothing at all, but it means a ton to me. Come in and have a whiskey and I’ll tell you the story and we’ll laugh.
Make sure to look for the photos of Mary hanging at the end of the bar.
* * *
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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
The Village of Webster posted their latest bi-weekly newsletter on Monday, and once again it’s packed with great features about local businesses and upcoming events.
a look at the Village’s newest restaurant, Annette’s
info about this year’s Festival of Trees at the Webster Museum
a preview of the Winter Wonderland holiday festival
a list of upcoming Village meetings
And that’s just THIS week!
Since the newsletter was introduced in August, View From Main Street has become a valuable source of local news and information, and seems to continue getting better each time. So make sure to check it out.
Click here to see the newsletter, then check the Village of Webster websiteevery few weeks to see the latest edition. Just click on the “news” link and it will bring you there.
* * *
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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
I’ve been hearing from some friends that they’ve seen people inside the new Annette’s Restaurant and are wondering if it’s open yet.
Well, sorry, I found out that it isn’t officially open QUITE yet. They’re inviting some friends and family members in on Friday night to give their staff some practice and iron out some kinks. But the restaurant won’t be open for everyone else until this Saturday, Nov. 9.
Owner Nan Kent told me that beginning Saturday, Annette’s will be open for lunch and dinner. You can check out the menu here, but Nan was particularly excited to tell me about a few of the desserts, an apple/pear tart and a flourless chocolate cake. The rest of the menu looks pretty delicious, too.
I don’t need to tell you more about Annette’s here; just stop on in and check it out for yourself. The restaurant’s hours will be Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 to 9:30, and closed Sunday and Monday. They’re already taking reservations (call 585-645-6002).
Annette’s is located at 27 West Main St. in Webster (the former Mozzeroni’s). Visit the website here for more information.
* * *
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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
Abby, Omar and Fabricio with their mascots, Eva and Bruno
There’s a new Mexican restaurant in town, opening up any day now near BayTowne Plaza. And if the words “Mexican restaurant” aren’t enough to get you over there to check it out, perhaps these words will:
Tequila flights.
Tequila flights will be just one of the brand new drink menu items featured when the new Mecate Mexican Restaurant opens at 1998 Empire Blvd., in the former Fire Crust Pizza location along the Brandt Point Dr. entrance road to BayTowne Plaza.
This is the third Mecate location for co-owners Omar Garcia, Abby Ramirez and Fabricio Palma. They opened their first location in Henrietta in October of 2022, and their second in Macedon only three months later. Soon after that they decided they wanted to expand again, and jumped on the chance to come to Webster/Penfield when the old Fire Crust Pizza location became available.
Transforming the space from a pizza joint to a full-service restaurant hasn’t been too difficult.
“It was a good thing it was an existing restaurant,” Omar said. “We had to do some mostly non-structural finishes, and put in a lot of our touches to make it look a little classy,” like moving in their signature furniture, painting, and adding some distinctly Mexican features like tile work and Aztec calendars. The heaviest lift was expanding the seating area at the back of the restaurant into what used to be a big office, and building a bar. The restaurant is now spacious enough to comfortably seat 150 patrons at the tables, booths, bar and the seasonal outdoor patio.
If you’re already familiar with either of the two other Mecate locations, you’ll be pleased to know you’ll find all of your Mexican meal favorites here as well — fajitas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, desserts and more. But opening a new location has provided an opportunity to try some new things, especially on the drink menu.
Like the tequila flights. And mezcal flights. And a new spicy Margarita made with ghost tequila and rimmed with black salt. “It’s got a little bit of a kick to it,” Omar said, “but at the same time it’s got the kick where you want more.”
And what exactly does “Mecate” mean? It’s a question asked so often, they printed the answer right on the front of their menu: “Mecate is a rope made of hair or maguey fibre commonly used for tying horses.” They chose it in a brainstorming session one night before opening their first location, landing on it because it’s pretty simple and easy to say. Even if no one knows what it means.
Omar, Abby and Fabricio all live in the Canandaigua/Macedon area, where they’ve become well known in their communities. And even though this is their third location in just over two years, “We don’t consider ourselves a chain,” Omar said. “We run our own locations, we’re still involved.” And as they continue to grow, they hope to become more involved in the Webster/Penfield community as well, supporting fundraisers and local businesses.
Because they know what it’s like to start from scratch.
“We came from nothing,” Omar said. “We’re immigrants that came to this country with nothing and are just building our way.”
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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
I received a couple of emails in the last few weeks with good news about two recent fundraising events.
The first was from Kevin Finn, who every year organizes the Beer Walk for the Village of Webster. This year’s walk was held on Saturday Oct. 19, and Kevin reports that the weather was perfect.
The event completely sold out its 200 available tickets. Participants strolled through the village, stopping at six businesses:
The Coach Sports Bar (where walkers picked up their wrist bands and glasses)
Jojo Bistro and Wine Bar
Finn’s Automotive (where Mayer’s Cider Mill sampled their hard ciders)
Roc Style Chicken and Burger
BC’s Chicken Coop
Lattimore Physical Therapy, where Rising Storm offered their locally-brewed beer
The event raised $3,300 for future Webster Business Improvement District events. A portion was also donated to the Harmony House to help fund their renovations.
The next day, I got this great news from the Webster Public Library’s annual Fall Book Sale, held Oct. 16 through 19: just through sales of $1 hardcover books and 50 cent paperbacks (plus $5 bags at the bag sale), the event managed to raise more than $6,000. The Kittelberger flower cards which were also being offered for sale were also a big hit; 200 of them were sold.
On a side note, I’ve also been told that a very good friend of the library — whom I only know as “Ted” — took it upon himself after the sale to rearrange the book sale area. He managed to more than double the available shelf space for both books and digital materials.
So next time you’re at the library, check out the newly organized space, which is just to the left as you come in the front door. Remember, even though the big Fall Book Sale is over, the book sale area is open all the time, and the prices are great.
* * *
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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
Lots of great events happening in November, so grab your calendar, because you’re gonna want to make some notes.
The next Family Scavenger Hunt is scheduled for this Saturday Nov. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve.
Participants will explore the park on a well-marked trail, completing a fun scavenger hunt along the way. Three different skill levels will be available for kids aged 2 to 12, so children of all ages can participate. Everyone who completes the hike can choose an autumn-themed prize.
Cost is $5 per child, and please preregister at the Webster Recreation Center website (look for program 301205-A). You can pay when you get to the hike. Sign in anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The hunt will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather.
A large variety of one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, lovingly made by local crafters, will be for sale at the Webster Arts and Crafts Sale on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr.
Everything for sale is designed and handmade by the roughly 30 talented artisans who are taking part in the event, which this year will be held in the recreation center’s gym. There’s always something unique and special to find at the sale for people of all ages. Parking and entry are free.
The sale is a fundraiser for WSPS, the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters, a non-profit organization made up of 65 drivers who volunteer their time to get Webster seniors and the disabled to their appointments, including the doctor, dentist, hair stylist and the bank. By sponsoring events like the Webster Arts and Crafts Sale, WSPS is able to provide the low-cost rides and fund its dispatchers and office expenses. WSPS is a lifeline for many people who no longer drive and would not be able to afford other forms of transportation.
Walk/Bike Webster event scheduled
If you’re a fan of getting around Webster on two feet or two wheels, or are interested in helping brainstorm ideas to improve walking and biking opportunities in Webster, then this next event is for you.
On Monday Nov. 4, from 6 to 7:45 p.m. there will be a Walk and Bike Webster event held in the Community Room at the Webster Public Library.
The purpose of the event is to start a conversation about getting around town without a car. The hope is to gather like-minded folks who want to work together to advocate for better walking, biking, and/or bus riding conditions within Webster.
The meeting will begin with a quick meet and greet at 6 p.m., followed by the film “Why We Bike,” created by Reconnect Rochester. Webster Town Council member Ginny Nguyen and Matthew Isles from Walk/Bike Irondequoit will then lead a panel discussion. Nguyen will talk about how the Town of Webster is promoting safe walking and biking, and Isles will talk about what Walk/Bike Irondequoit is doing.
There will also be a survey available for attendees to fill out, relaying their concerns to town officials. If you can’t make the meeting but would like to take the survey, click here.
As usual, the Webster Public Library has a whole schedule of entertaining activities coming up next month, designed for the whole family.
I pulled out this first one for special attention because it sounds very interesting. It’s called “Rethinking Thanksgiving — A Native American Perspective on an American Holiday.”
The library writes,
this lively, content-based presentation will give an overview of the history of this very misunderstood holiday. Participants will learn accurate and culturally appropriate information about the English settlers at Plymouth and the Wampanoag, the Native people who inhabited that area. We will discuss the actual events of 1621 in Plymouth, the relationship between the English settlers and the Wampanoag, and how this story became the holiday we know today. Participants will learn how Native People, particularly the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), view the concept of “Thanksgiving.”
The program will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. Registration is required. Click here to do so.
Here’s a quick look at some of the other programs coming up this month. For more information, check out the event section of the Webster Public Library website.
The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s annual hat sale is going on now. Adult hats start at $8, children’s hats at $4.
A Vintage Book Sale will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prices start at $8.
This month’s community collections are cookbooks and recipes, and the Keeping our Promise donation station.
For adults:
Bluegrass music presented by Group Therapy, Tuesday Nov. 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required.
For the family:
Family Fun Night: STEAM, building creative structures. Monday Nov. 25, 6 to 7 p.m. No registration required.
Drop-In Board Game & Puzzle Day, Tuesday Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. No registration required.
The November luncheon meeting of the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd. This month’s speaker will be Evan Schutt from Schutt’s Apple Mill and Country Store.
Schutt’s has been a part of the local community since it first opened its doors in 1918 by Paul “Great Grandpa” Schutt. For more than 100 years, each generation has loved bringing us its delicious apples, sweet cider, and fried cakes. Evan will talk about his history of farming, tradition, family, and the mill.
The luncheon begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., brief meeting at 12:00 noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m. followed by Evan’s presentation. Cost for the luncheon is $22, with a choice of turkey melt, corned beef Reuben or apple salad. All choices include fresh fruit.
Send a check made out to WCW by November 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Late registrations cannot be accepted this month. If you have questions or you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.
* * *
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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
If you happened to be in the Village of Webster during Saturday’s Trick or Treat Trail, then perhaps you were one of the lucky ones to get a not-so-sneak-peek at the new Mary Wee Pub opening at 2 West Main in the old Barry’s Old School Irish space.
Owner Mark Petzing was there with some family and friends handing out candy and giving tours of the almost completed pub. I’ve posted a few blogs in the last few months chronicling Mark’s progress, but I haven’t been in there in more than three weeks, so I made sure to stop in and see where things stand.
I was blown away by how much has been accomplished in those last three weeks.
Granted, the floor still needs to be finished and the kitchen is still in disarray. But the indoor bar is looking beautiful, the spacious indoor/outdoor bar is ready for pints, the jukebox has been installed, and there are a few special touches that people are really going to love, like how the restroom door looks like an Irish telephone booth and the ceiling is emblazoned with the symbols from Ireland’s four provinces.
Best of all, Mark says all the final touches should be completed within a few weeks. So watch for news of a grand opening, hopefully sometime before the end of November.
Here are a few more photos:
* * *
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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
What a spectacular autumn day we had Saturday for the Village of Webster’s annual Trick or Treat Trail. The gorgeous sunshine and not-too-hot, not-too-cold temperatures brought thousands of adults and children to the streets of the village. I think our small business owners enjoyed the day as much as the kids, although some of the first-time participants were a bit unprepared for the number of trick or treaters that would come by.
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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
At its September Breakfast Before Business meeting, held Friday Sept. 27, the Webster Chamber of Commerce recognized 18 local businesses who have not only been successful, but have withstood countless challenges and the test of time to remain strong and viable for decades.
The Chamber presents these awards annually, recognizing businesses which have been operating for 25 years or more. They’re awarded in five-year increments, and this year included one business — Webster Union Cemetery — which has just celebrated its 200th anniversary.
Here’s a quick look at all of the honorees. A longer write-up about each can be found at this link. The photos show the honorees receiving their plaque from Past Board Chair Carolyn Montanaro.
This family-owned business was established in 1999 by brothers Kevin and Keith Burrows. They’ve established themselves as a highly respected utility contractor specializing in underground services.
Burrows Bros Inc. is also very involved in our community, contributing to various causes, including St. Rita’s Church and School, Webster Union Cemetery, Wreaths Across America, Webster Cyclones Hockey, and numerous animal rescue organizations.
Christopher’s Challenge is a not-for-profit named in honor of Christopher Costello, a young man from Webster who was suffering from leukemia and in need of a bone marrow transplant. It was established to increase the number of people in the Bone Marrow Registry and find suitable bone marrow donors.
Over the past 25 years, Christopher’s Challenge has paid for the typing of over 7,000 people and at least 30 have become donors. They have also raised over $80,000 to support patients and their families going through bone marrow transplants that could include their rent, a utility bill or a recliner.
John Hayes worked at Taylor Rental in Webster through high school and college as a mechanic, and graduated with a four-year degree in mechanical engineering. But he couldn’t find a job in that field, so he continued to work at Taylor Rental.
In 1999, John started John’s Sensible Lawn Mower Repair as a side gig. In 2001 he quit working at Taylor and began working full-time in the repair business. In 2014 a windstorm toppled a tree and totally destroyed the shop. But he came back strong, rebuilding the shop to make it bigger and better. In the past two years his business has doubled in volume.
Webster Interiors Home Furnishings & Design, located in the Village of Webster, offers home furnishings, lighting, accessories, flooring and design services. Over the years, Webster Interiors has sold more than 10,000 window treatments, worked on many interior design projects, and completed four Homearama projects and numerous commercial projects, both large and small.
Drabik Orthodontics opened its doors June 1994 with one doctor – Stan Drabik – one patient and big dreams. It was several years later when Dr. Drabik and his wife created their brand: designing not just a dental office, but a “lodge,” complete with a fireplace and pine walls. The idea was to convey warmth, a welcoming atmosphere, and patient-centered care. They now have two lodges, their first one one in Crosspointe Lane, and a second in Gates.
Dick Astifan acquired Lincoln Quickprint in January 1989 after a 20+ year career at Xerox and established a rapidly-growing business. After 9/11, however, the downtown picture began to change and Dick decided to downsize, leave downtown, and relocate closer to home in Webster.
When Covid hit, Dick went from full-time to an ‘appointment only’ operation, which Dick now characterizes as “part time.”
John Gabriele Jr. and Tony Gabriele Jr.Jerry ChristopherGary Evarts
Marina Auto Group is a family-owned multi generation business, which began in 1989 as Weller Motors in West Irondequoit. When the State of New York acquired the building for the construction of the O’Rourke Bridge in May, 2001, they relocated to Webster and acquired Timothy Dodge. They’ve since expanded their offerings, adding the Mitsubishi line in 2006 and Chrysler Jeep in 2009. They actively participate in various community events and organizations.
Jerry Christopher operates a State Farm Insurance agency located on Empire Blvd and has been helping Webster residents with their insurance needs since 1984. The agency offers every type of insurance including auto, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, homeowners and renters’ insurance, business insurance, and life insurance.
Jerry is deeply involved in community service. He belongs to the Penfield Rotary, sits on on boards, serves food at community events, puts on work gloves during the Day of Caring and sings at various events.
Kuk Sool Won traditional martial arts that has been active in teaching all ages and genders for 45 years. The business currently operates at three locations, in Ontario, Williamson and Wolcott. The Webster/Ontario location was built a few years ago specifically for Kuk Sool and is one of the largest in the Rochester area.
Each location actively supports the community, also offering women’s self-defense classes and senior citizen classes emphasizing safety and awareness.
Webster Pediatric Dentistry was founded in 1974 by Dr. William Salminen in a 500-square-foot suite in the basement of the former Webster Health Center on Barrett Drive. In 1982, the office relocated to the Village of Webster at 39 West Main Street where it operated until 2023 when the current owner, Dr. Lisa DeLucia, undertook a massive relocation project to open an office in the Crosspointe business park. The current office operates with 11 employees, two pediatric dentists and one orthodontist, and a state-of-the-art, family-centered, kid-friendly space that cares for thousands of children, adolescents, and young adults annually.
Fifty years ago, Family First opened for business in the home of Penfield school teacher Dick Denison. Known then as the Penfield Central Federal Credit Union, it was chartered to serve those who worked at the Penfield Central School District.
A merger with BOCES Federal Credit Union in 1984 changed the name to Penfield Federal Credit Union. By 1995 its membership included 150 schools, social service agencies, small businesses and community groups. To better serve these groups the credit union established its current headquarters at 2520 Browncroft Boulevard. Ultimately its membership stretched far beyond Penfield, leading to another name change, to Family First Credit Union.
Since then, they have opened branches in Webster, Henrietta, East Rochester, and most recently in Greece to serve members on the west side of Rochester.
Herman’s Farm Market has been a cornerstone of the Webster community since 1969, when it was founded by Gary’s mother, Judy Herman. Known throughout Rochester for farm-fresh peaches, cider, and a wide variety of fruits and produce, the market has grown into a beloved destination for locals seeking high-quality, homegrown goods.
It’s a legacy rooted in over a century of farming tradition, beginning in the mid 1800s, when Gary’ great-great-grandfather, Adam Herman, first settled in Webster. Adam’s son, Joseph Herman, became the first official farmer in the family, a tradition that would be passed down through five generations (so far).
Mike Lingle, Melissa SchmittJhn LeFroisAdam Traub, Ginny Nguyen
The mission of the Webster PTSA is to provide a powerful voice for all children, to be a relevant resource for families and the community, and to provide strong advocacy for the education and well-being of every child. The PTSA also serves as a liaison between families and the Webster Central School District, advocating for the best interests of families and students, and bringing discussion points forward to help bring about positive change.
Webster’s PTSA is very active, supported by dedicated volunteer committees who plan activities and events including Community Arts Day, a concert apparel donation drive, college scholarships to students and teacher recognition awards.
Russell P. LeFrois Builder Inc. is a third-generation company, well known in the Webster community for their long history of construction projects. They’ve included the expansion of Hedge’s Nine Mile Point Restaurant, and the original construction of the Webster Golf Club. Current projects include the Cobblestone on Main Restaurant and Town of Webster Highway Garage.
As stated in Esther Dunn’s Webster…Through the Years, the Webster community has long been, “library conscious.” The town’s very first library was established in 1881 and located in the librarian’s home. For several years, between 1895 and 1927, no library existed at all. When it started up again, it was first housed in the high school, then moved around several places before landing in the Town Hall campus, then its current location in Webster Plaza.
These days, the Webster Public Library welcomes an average of 15,000 visitors a month, and is on track to break 200,000 visitors this year. Its very dedicated volunteer arm, the Friends of the Webster Public Library, has also grown in its memberships and donations to benefit library programs.
Originally opened in 1924, Avard Whelpley and John Paul launched their first location in Seneca Arcade in downtown Rochester. For the first 65 years, Whelpley and Paul worked in partnership with most of the ophthalmology practices in Rochester, which would refer patients to them to fill their prescriptions. Up until the 1990’s, most ophthalmology offices did not have an optical boutique to provide eyewear; this is where the Whelpley & Paul offices thrived.
At their peak, there were seven offices serving Monroe and Ontario Counties. In the 1990’s Whelpley and Paul added optometrists to their staff, further expanding their patient offerings.
Whelpley & Paul currently operate four offices in the Rochester area, in Webster, Brighton, Greece and Fairport.
Harter Secrest & Emery is a full-service business law firm founded in 1894 with attorneys throughout New York representing clients ranging from individuals and family-owned businesses to Fortune 100 companies and major regional institutions.
The firm has offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Corning, and New York City, with more than 125 lawyers, and their attorneys are consistently recognized by the industry’s leading law firm and attorney ranking programs, including Chambers and Partners, Best Law Firms®, and The Best Lawyers in America®.
Webster Union Cemetery is one of the richest historical sites in our town. The first burial on the grounds was Benjamin Woodhull in 1820. Since then, it has been the burial place of Webster’s first settler, Abram Foster, and many prominent Webster family members are laid to rest in the Webster Union Cemetery, including the Burnetts, the Curtices, the Fosters, the Pelletts, the Woodhulls, the Whitings, and the Wrights. Veterans from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, War of 1812, World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War are also buried there.
The cemetery was established as an official burial ground in 1824. On September 6, 1851, a meeting was held to organize a society called the Union Cemetery of Webster, New York. But since this name caused frequent confusion between the Union Hill Cemetery, an official name change took place in April of 1954, to become the present “Webster Union Cemetery.”
Webster Union Cemetery held its 200th anniversary celebration in August.
* * *
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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
The Village of Webster’s ever-popular Trick-or-Treat Trail returns to downtown streets on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
I can’t believe that there’s anyone reading my blog who hasn’t heard about this great event. But just in case …
Basically, for three hours on what is usually a beautiful autumn Saturday afternoon, children and their adults can wander the village, popping in and out of businesses, trick-or-treating. Full costumes are expected of course, and not just for the children! It’s always fun to see entire families dressed up, often as a common theme. I love taking photos of cool parents who get into the spirit.
The costume contest this year will begin at the same time as the trail, right at 11 a.m. But have no fear; it will only take a few minutes to file through the Community Meeting Room and have your photo taken for the judging. Then you can head out for trick-or-treating!
So grab your kids, get everyone into costumes (including you, too, Mom and Dad), then stroll through the village, visiting friendly merchants who will be handing out candy. This is a great chance to check out some of the newer businesses in town, or even some older businesses you’ve never been in before.
And make sure you stop by the Webster Volunteer Fire Dept., because they’ll be holding their annual open house, complete with demonstrations, free fire hats, and candy of course. And turn the corner on Lapham Park to take the short walk to the Webster Museum. The volunteers there always have some sort of scavenger hunt planned.
Keep an eye out for me and my camera; I’ll be wandering the streets, too, taking photos of as many kids and families in costume as I can. Then I’ll post a really big follow-up photo gallery. (Click here for my gallery from last 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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
webster on the web 