My Roommates Closet, the cute little clothing store on East Main St. in the village, has closed up shop and moved out of town.
I first wrote about My Roommates Closet about two years ago when owner Nicole Iorio opened her boutique at 19 East Main St., next door to the Village Quilt Shoppe. It was Nicole’s first experience with opening a brick-and-mortar storefront, after finding success with her online clothing business.
I thought she was a good fit for the village. Right out of the gate Nicole was warmly welcomed into the local business community, and for a while she was quite successful, relying on a steady stream of regular customers. More recently, however, difficult business decisions needed to be made and Nicole closed her shop.
She wrote,
I enjoyed being in the village because everyone was very welcoming when I first moved in and were super supportive. I didn’t encounter any rude customers, which was amazing. I wish more people would have taken advantage of the village and walked around there more since the foot traffic wasn’t ideal for a boutique like mine. However, it is a great area and has so much potential!
Nicole has landed on her feet, however, and has moved into REVIVE, at 15 Fairfax Rd. in Rochester, which she describes as “a salon with a bunch of different people who do hair, brows and more.” She officially opened Tuesday Aug. 6. Here are a few photos of the new space:
ScreenshotScreenshotScreenshot
It’s sad to see yet another small business leave Main Street, adding yet another empty storefront to an already long list of empty storefronts. But this is a good move for Nicole and I know we wish her all the best. If you have a chance, stop down to her new shop and say hi.
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As we walk or drive through the Village of Webster, we often — well, usually — fail to notice and appreciate the history that surrounds us.
The Village of Webster’s Historic Preservation Commission has made it their goal to shine a spotlight on some of these historical treasures. One way they’re doing that is with their recognition of Historic Sites of the Month, honoring a property’s historical significance and its enduring role in our community’s evolution. In July, that distinction was awarded to The Auction House at 150 Orchard St.
Early Beginnings: From Lumberyard to Taylor Rental Center
The history of The Auction House begins over a century ago when it first operated as a lumberyard. This early incarnation laid the foundation for its later transformations, serving the local community’s needs through different eras.
In the late 1960s, Gabler’s Decorating Center operated at 150 Orchard St., becoming a popular destination for home goods. Originally selling fabric for drapes, wallpaper, and similar products, they opened a fashion department in 1970, selling dress patterns and fashion fabrics.
In November 1971, Ralph Henty opened a Taylor Rental Center at this location. Recognizing the growing trend of renting rather than owning, Henty’s center offered over 12,000 items for rent, ranging from champagne fountains to road rollers, tools, exercise equipment, and more. This became part of a network of more than 175 Taylor Rental Centers nationwide, reflecting the increasing mobility and practical needs of the modern consumer.
The New Look and Webster Tool & Die, Inc. also operated at 150 Orchard St. during the 1970s at different points during the decade.
1980s-1990s: A Hub of Business and Community Activities
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, 150 Orchard Street continued to serve as a central hub for various community and business activities. The Taylor Rental Center remained a fixture, adapting to the times by expanding its inventory and services. In 1993, Dave Bardusch of C.E. Bardusch and Son, Inc., took ownership of the center. Bardusch brought fresh energy and competitive pricing to the business, ensuring its continued relevance and success.
The property also played host to several community events and smaller businesses. It was a place where local residents could rent everything from camping gear to party supplies, making it an essential part of daily life in Webster.
2000s: The Birth of Ann & Co. Auction Gallery
On July 7, 2000, Ann Marszalek opened Ann & Co. Auction Gallery at 150 Orchard Street. This 8,000-square foot space, once a lumberyard, was transformed into a vibrant auction gallery. Marszalek, an accredited appraiser and licensed auctioneer, brought her expertise and passion for antiques and collectibles to the gallery. The venue featured regular auctions, a 1950s style café, parking for 200 cars, and storage facilities, attracting a diverse clientele and becoming a beloved local institution.
Marszalek’s involvement in high-profile events like the “Antiques Road Show” in Rochester underscored the gallery’s reputation and her professional acumen. The gallery became a place where history and commerce intertwined, offering a unique service to the community.
Present and Future: A Dynamic Business Hub
Today, The Auction House continues to be a dynamic business hub, housing a variety of enterprises. The historic building is owned by Ryan Ricketts and Kim Cimino, operators of A Cleaner Image, which offers a wide-range of residential and commercial cleaning services. Sorella Salon Suites, owned by Dana and Nikki Sorella also operates on the first floor. The historical significance of the space and adaptive reuse have made it a model of preservation and innovation. Future plans include the development of lofts and additional office space, ensuring that the property will continue to evolve and serve the community in new and exciting ways.
A Unique Story of Community and Commerce
The story of The Auction House at 150 Orchard Street is a testament to Webster’s resilience and adaptability. From its early days as a lumberyard to its current status as a thriving business hub, the property has continually evolved to meet the community’s needs. Each transformation has added a new layer to its rich history, making it an important landmark in Webster.
Click here to find out more about the Village of Webster Historic Preservation Commission.
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At long last, the Village of Webster has begun to publish a beautiful new online newsletter.
I say “at long last” because I’ve been waiting for this day ever since Karen Buck joined the Village of Webster administration team last November as Deputy Clerk. She had previously worked at the Town of Webster, where one of her responsibilities was to create a weekly newsletter.
Even I (whom everyone thinks is on top or EVERYTHING all the time) was able to pull a lot of great news and event items from that newsletter. So when Karen started working at the Village offices, I started looking forward to having her use her magic to do a similar publication for the Village.
And now we have it. The first Village of Webster newsletter, called View From Main Street, was published earlier this week. As expected, it’s packed with an incredible amount of useful information, including:
tips about the Village’s brush pick-up services
Village department updates
highlights from the ongoing Reimagine Webster project
the latest news from the Historic Preservation Commission
the Webster Jazz Festival schedule
passport processing tips
an upcoming pharmaceutical collection event
You can check out the whole newsletter here and check back at the Village of Webster website every two weeks for the latest edition.
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email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
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It’s always exciting when the new school year is just around the corner, and it’s time to stock up on school supplies and new school clothes. But for many Webster families, it’s always a stressful time of year, too, because they really don’t have the money to spend on new backpacks and notebooks, let alone new clothes.
That’s why every August, Webster NY Hope holds a Back to School Night, when families in need can stop by and go home with a backpack filled with brand new school supplies. Right now, they’re collecting those supplies.
Here’s how you can help: Check out the attached flyer, which has a list of all the supplies they’re looking for. The list has been compiled from WCSD teacher lists.
You can drop off your donations at Webster Hope (1450 Ridge Rd.) or the Webster Public Library (980 Ridge Rd.) during their normal open hours. Those details are also on the flyer.
Webster Hope’s Back to School Night will be held on August 20. Families in need can sign up by Aug. 15 to participate. Call (585) 265-6694.
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Vendors needed for Jazz in the Pubs festival
A few days ago I posted a blog with details about the annual Webster Jazz Festival, which takes place on August 9 and 10.
What I did NOT mention in that post is that along with the Jazz in the Pubs on Friday Aug. 9, the village will be hosting a street festival with music and — hopefully — lots of business and vendor booths.
Rochester’s Early Adventurers with Matt Rogers, Thursday Aug. 15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
A journey through time, showcasing the explorers and adventurers who came to this land and either lived alongside it, harnessed its power for industry or worked the soil and created communities., leading to the city and county we know today. The presentation will include a historical survey starting with the ancient Algonkin nation, to the Senecas, to early colonizers, to our modern day city. Registration is required.
Classical Guitar with Reiner Eschbach, Thursday Aug. 22, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Reiner Eschbach plays original creations on his acoustic guitar in a coffee house-like setting. Registration is required.
For teens and tweens:
T(w)een Olympics!, Friday Aug. 2, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Tweens and Teens are invited for an afternoon of Olympic-style minute-to-win-it challenges! You’ll also be decorating your own Olympic medals. Grades 4-12 welcome, and registration is requested.
Make It Monday: Map Ornaments, Monday Aug. 12, 6 to 7 p.m.
At the monthly craft night, participants will be making map ornaments. Teens (grades 4 and up) and adults are welcome to join us. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required.
For kids and families:
Toadstool Tales, Friday Aug. 9, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Kids and kids at heart are invited for a concert with Rochester-based flutist and composer Jaclyn Breeze. The half-hour concert will feature three newly commissioned pieces to accompany classic fairy tales. All ages welcome. No registration is required.
Bug Storytime & Drop-In Crafts, Saturday Aug. 17, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. (storytime), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (crafts)
Celebrate all things creepy crawly with a bug storytime! We will read stories, sing songs, and have some simple crafts to follow. All ages welcome. Crafts will be left out until 4:00 pm. No registration is required.
Finally, after all of this fun, join the library for their End of Summer Celebration, Friday Aug. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. There’ll be crafts, activities and treats, and everyone is welcome. No registration is required.
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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. 9 and 10, kicking off with “Jazz in the Pubs” Friday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. Five different bands are scheduled to perform at five 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.
Here’s the music lineup for both days:
Friday Aug. 9
6:30 p.m.: Andy Calabrese and Peter Chwazik at Cobblestone on Main, 109 W. Main St. Calabrese is a pianist, educator and music producer and Rochester-based Chwazik is a bassist and guitarist.
6:45 p.m.: Sarah De Vallière at JoJo’s Webster, 42 E. 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.: Marvin Dolly & Mel Henderson at ROC Style, 5 W. Main St., performing “organic, funky grooves with street-level ambiance.”
7:15 p.m. Joe Chiappone & Vince Ercolamentoat Ploty’s Tavern, 27 West Main St., jazz guitar and saxophone.
8:15 p.m.:Bill Tiberio Band at the Coach Sports Bar, 19 W. Main St., original contemporary jazz in a multitude of styles.
Saturday Aug. 10
4:00 p.m.: CMD, re-imagining old rock and pop hits on piano, bass and drums
6:45 p.m.: Smooth jazz sounds from Judah Sealy, a graduate of School of the Arts and Roberts Wesleyan College
8:30 p.m.:Prime Time Funk, 10-piece powerhouse of passionate musicians who write, arrange, and perform a world-class combination of funk, jazz and R&B
The Webster Jazz Festival is an outstanding event that really brings out the best the Village of Webster has to offer. The streets are packed with people, the hanging baskets and planters are in full bloom, and after dark the street is lined with twinkly lights. There’s dancing and drinking and eating, and so much fun for friends and family. Plus there’s no admission.
To find out more about the 2024 Webster Jazz Festival, and read more about the featured bands, visit the Webster BID website.
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It’s been a long time, but the former Music Store at 18 East Main Street in the Village of Webster will soon have a new tenant: Caraglio’s Pizza.
Owner Tony Caraglio opened his first pizzeria 20 years ago, and now has seven locations in Fairport, Ontario, Gates, Greece, Hilton, and on Empire Blvd. in Webster. As a Webster resident, Tony says he’s been trying to find a location on the east side of town for about five years, and is excited about moving into the old, long-vacant Music Store.
It’s still early in the planning stages, but Tony expects to devote most of the building’s 3000-sq. ft. floor space to the kitchen and serving counter, while leaving plenty of room for restrooms and indoor seating. And he loves the “three huge windows” in front to entice people who walk along Main St.
“Being in the Webster village is very cool,” he said.
Turning the former Music Store into a pizzeria is taking longer and requiring a lot more work than expected, however.
“We were originally shooting (to open in) November, but that may not be doable,” Tony said. “When we take one step, when we try to look at something, sometimes we find something else we have to address first.”
Many of the challenges can be attributed to the fact the building is 130 years old. But that’s also made for some rather interesting discoveries. Like a newspaper from Nov. 15, 1892, which was stuffed into the wall for insulation.
“As we find stuff, we’re holding on to it,” Tony said, “and will be donating artifacts to the museum.” Those artifacts will help the museum track the history of what Tony affectionately calls “this old goat of a building.”
Work on the building is continuing apace, but it’s going to take a while longer. Because, Tony said, “I want to do it right the first time.”
Stay tuned for more updates about the new Caraglio’s Pizza coming to 18 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.
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The 51st annual Waterfront Art Festival returns to Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds) this weekend, Saturday and Sunday July 27 and 28, with lots of great art, entertainment and food.
The Waterfront Art Festival quickly became a highlight of the Webster summer event scene when it moved here from Canandaigua almost ten years ago. For anyone who appreciates fine art and quality crafts, this is a must-see event. 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. You can even bring your own cooler and your own chairs into the festival.
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 only $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.
Music and games in the Village of Webster
The Village of Webster has cooked up some great family-friendly events this weekend as well.
The Red Hot and Blue Band brings Americana to the Gazebo Park on Friday, July 26 at 7 p.m. The band plays Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Elvis, and much more. Bring your chairs, blankets and refreshments and sing along with some favorite tunes. Admission is free.
By the way, next Friday Aug. 2, Escape Terrain takes the gazebo stage, described on the Webster BID website as “an inventive, uniquely versatile jazz fusion band, featuring jazz guitarist Ryan Johnson.”
The village’s next Family Games Night & Beer Garden is this Saturday July 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. on West Main Street in the Village.
There’ll be tons for kids (and adults) to do, including sidewalk chalk art, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four and Cornhole. DJ Chad Cassano will provide music for the evening.
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I got an email from my friends Vanetta and Monique at the Village Quilt Shoppe the other day. It was just an update on their community volunteer projects which they send out regularly to their email subscription list. They most definitely did NOT send it out to toot their own horn about the great things their little shop is doing under the radar.
So I’m going to do that.
Most of the ladies’ email had to do with their One Common Thread project. I wrote about this great initiative a while ago, where I explained:
On the third Tuesday of every month, Vanetta Parshall and Monique Liberti, owners of the Village Quilt Shoppe, host a “charity day.” For four hours, a handful of crafters sit around the tables at the back of the shop, carefully cutting and sorting hundreds of small fabric squares. The squares are then assembled into individual quilting kits, which are packaged up and shipped to Honduras.
Their destination is an foundation called One Common Thread, whose mission is to help Honduran women make quilts, which they can then sell to support their families.
Here is thew follow-up (with a call for donations) which Vanetta and Monique sent recently:
Thank you so much for your continued support of One Common Thread! Last month, thanks to the incredible efforts of our many volunteers, we were able to mail out three boxes of kits. Your dedication and hard work make a significant difference in the lives of those we aim to help.
We are currently running low on 3″ fabric squares. Specifically, we have an abundance of dark colors, but we desperately need lighter and brighter shades such as yellow, orange, teal, and blues. Additionally, we can always use more black, grey, and white squares. We gladly accept both 3″ squares and fabric donations. Any contributions of these colors and materials would be greatly appreciated and will help us continue empowering other women!
Our July charity day will take place on Tuesday, July 23rd. We hope to see many of you there as we come together to support this wonderful cause.
The Quilting Divas are once again making period bags and are accepting donations of tampons, panty liners, and period pads. These items need to be individually wrapped. In addition to these products, the Divas will also accept monetary donations. Donations can be dropped off at our shoppe.
For those who may not be familiar, period bags are bags that the Divas make and fill with feminine hygiene products for the homeless. These bags provide essential items to those in need, helping to ensure dignity and health for all women.
Thank you, Village Quilt Shoppe quilters, and Vanetta and Monique, for all the good you’re doing! And if there’s anyone out there who can help with donations of fabric or period supplies, please contact the Shoppe.
The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. To learn more, check out their website here or call (585) 626-6916.
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Our Webster Volunteer Fire Department must have some sort of lucky charm which they can rub every year at parade time. I can’t remember (at least in recent memory) having a nicer evening for the annual parade. Especially since it was still raining in the morning.
With 99 units and lasting a good two hours, this year’s parade did not disappoint, especially for kids who love trucks and love candy. And thanks to the good weather, the crowds were pretty thick.
If you were in the parade, chances are very good you’ll be in one of the280 photos inthis gallery … and I take that many of them because I hear from you all how much you like to see them, especially if you couldn’t be there to watch.
So grab a coffee, sit back and enjoy the photos. And if you took any of your family gathered for the parade, send them along and I can add them to the gallery.
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If you’ve seen this week’s edition of the Webster Herald, you’ve already seen this month’s History Bit, which you’ll see in its entirety below.
To research that article, I drew heavily from the Webster Volunteer Fire Department’s 1906-2006 100th anniversary volume, and historical editions of the Herald. I discovered all sorts of interesting facts about the carnival, but had to leave many of them out in the interest of newspaper space. Since I have no space concern in a blog, I’ve posted much of that additional information here, following the original Bit.
Some Webster Fireman’s Carnival history
With the return of the Webster Fireman’s Carnival this week, it seems an appropriate time to take a look back at the history of this very popular and long-running summer event.
According to the Webster Volunteer Fire Department’s 100th anniversary history book, the Fireman’s Carnival turns 87 years old this year. The first carnival was held July 23 and 24, 1937 on Ridge Rd. just west of Corning Park, where Pierce St. is now. The first chairman, Russell B. Mason, reported a net profit of $514.63.
Not much is known about that first year, but we do know that the carnival was held at the same location the following year. The July 15, 1938 edition of the Webster Herald reported that carnival-goers would enjoy four thrilling rides, plus free dancing and entertainment. They could also enter to win cash door prizes, a radio from Hawley’s Hardware and a refrigerator from Netzman’s Appliances.
The 1938 carnival was even more successful than the first, netting about $1100 despite some challenges. It rained buckets Friday night, and on Saturday the Ferris wheel broke down. Fortunately, though, carnival-goers had other entertainment options, including a hoop-rolling contest and a “Dutch bowlers” (cricket) demonstration game, which attracted an audience of 700.
Even before the 1938 carnival, the Webster Fire Department was well into the planning stages of purchasing its own property for use as carnival grounds. That September, they finalized the sale of a 24-acre tract of land owned by William Partridge near their current festival location west of Corning Park, purchased for $2500. The firemen have held their carnival on that property, now known as Fireman’s Field, every year since.
Now, here are some other interesting things I read:
In 1939, just two years after the first carnival, stands were built on the new property and a water line installed.
In 1940, wooden toilets were installed.
Several improvements were made between 1946 and 1950, including constructing two bridges across the stream, and building a storehouse and a building with flush toilets.
In the early 1950s there was talk of building a community pool, with an awning, on the site. But those plans never got off the ground.
In 1956 the Webster School Board asked for a right-of-way across the Fireman’s Field to Ridgecrest School. At the time, the board was granted permission to allow children to walk across the field to school, In June of 1957, a road was built across the field from Ebner Rd. (which at the time ended at the village line) to the Ridgecrest property line.
The “clubhouse,” now known better as the Firemen’s Exempt building, was erected in 1960.
In the early 1970s, restrooms were enlarged and remodeled, hot water and sinks were added to the food booths, and several stands were rebuilt after suffering damage in a windstorm.
Carnival organizers applied for their first Game of Chance license in 1982.
In 1983, McDonald’s inquired about purchasing a parcel of the property along Ridge Rd. The motion was voted down. Three more offers were made in 1986 for “the front piece of the carnival grounds” for $100,000, $200,000 and $270,000, which were all turned down. (It appears that the decision to sell the property was finally made in late 1987.)
In 1985 (and for several years in the late 80s and early 90s) the carnival was opened up Friday night to local homes for the handicapped so they could enjoy the festivities without the crowds.
In 1986, 2.765 acres adjacent to the carnival field were purchased from the school district for parking.
The beer stand ticket booth was built in 1988.
In 1999, a few buildings were removed to make room for more rides.
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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
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