The Town of Ogden held a dedication ceremony on Friday, October 30, to unveil a new historical marker on Coolidge Avenue in Spencerport, commemorating the site of a World War II-era aircraft watchtower staffed by local civilian volunteers.
During World War II, civilian volunteers staffed the watchtower around the clock, monitoring the skies for potential enemy aircraft as part of the nation’s war effort. Located on the high elevation of Coolidge Avenue, the watchtower was part of a regional network established to help protect communities and important manufacturing centers, including Rochester-area companies such as Kodak and Bausch & Lomb.
The dedication ceremony brought together Town of Ogden Supervisor Mike Zale, Town Historian Jesse Diehl, Town Clerk Noelle Burley, Village of Spencerport Mayor Gary Penders, Spencerport Historian Ginny Parker, local veterans, and community members. Among those in attendance was World War II veteran Jim Riley, whose presence made the occasion especially meaningful and served as a powerful reminder of his generation’s service and sacrifices.
“Ogden and Spencerport have such a rich and fascinating history, and this historical marker highlights a unique chapter of our past that many residents may not have known about,” said Zale.
“I’m grateful to Town Historian Jesse Diehl for his hard work and dedication in making this marker a reality and helping preserve this important piece of our community’s history for future generations. I also want to extend a special thank you to Jim Riley for joining us for this dedication, as well as the other veterans who attended. We are incredibly grateful for their service and sacrifices, and their presence made this occasion even more meaningful.”
The new marker, located between 105 and 111 Coolidge Avenue, serves as a lasting reminder of the contributions made by local residents during World War II and the community’s role in supporting the nation’s war effort.
For additional information about the historical marker or the history of the Town of Ogden, contact the Town of Ogden Historian’s Office at 585-617-6124.
Provided information and photos.
Group photo: Pictured from left are Town Clerk Noelle Burley, Spencerport Mayor Gary Penders, Village of Spencerport Historian Ginny Parker, World War II veteran Jim Riley, Ferris Goodridge Post 330 Adjutant Don Sisson, Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale, and Town Historian Jesse Diehl.
