Notes from Brockport and Sweden

March 2002

The Brockport and Sweden community enjoyed Cynthia Howk's informative presentation on Brockport history and architecture at the February 7 meeting at the Morgan-Manning House. Howk is the research coordinator of Rochester's Landmark Society. Her wealth of knowledge and unique lecture skills made the evening truly memorable for the large audience. Everyone came away feeling fortunate indeed to live in our truly historic Erie Canal setting.

The Canal Revitalization Committee reminds us that work on the Canal Trail is progressing on schedule. You may have seen this ongoing effort on the north side of the canal from Adams Basin westward toward Brockport. The Canal Corporation has assured the committee that the Canal Trail between Gallup Road and Albion will be completed by summer's end. As part of current planning, a new parking lot will be constructed by Brockport's Main Street near the Bridge Tower - along with an interpretive kiosk.

John DiMura of the Canal Corporation will hold a public meeting in Brockport sometime in March when Canal Trail details will be discussed. Watch for the announcement of date, place and time.

Bill Andrews and Ute Duncan - who are in charge of the "Adopt-a-Trail" program for the Town of Sweden and Brockport - are pleased to report that all segments of the trail under their jurisdiction have been adopted by a number of our active local organizations. Worth keeping in mind is that in the state of New York, Monroe County is the only county that has an energetic "Adopt-a-Trail" Program, and in Monroe County, Brockport and the Town of Sweden are the only municipalities that have covered completely their sections of the trail. In the trail section between Park and Main Streets, SUNY Brockport students already have planted 200 tulip bulbs. Plans now are in place to plant rose bushes on the south side of the canal between Park and Main streets - as Brockport's Garden Club did at the turn of the century.

The Canal Revitalization Committee would like to remind everybody that Jim Whipple, village trustee, once again will host Brockport's participation in the New York State Canal Cruise that will occur during July 9-26, 2002. This annual event will bring the boaters to Brockport on July 23-24, and offers a splendid opportunity to show off our historic village.