A monthly look at preserving Brockport/Sweden's heritage

June 2002

I had a recent encounter with an interesting man from Rochester, who, one might say, was instrumental in rescuing an early building in Brockport way back in the early seventies. His name is Hugh Anderson and he is an architect. Thirty years ago, the historic preservation movement in the United States was in its infancy. More tearing down was going on than preservation of anything, especially what is known as a "vernacular" building. Anderson was driving north on Route 19/Main Street when a sad, neglected but proud little stone Federal on the west side of the road caught his eye. According to Town Historian Kathy Goetz, this was known as the Johnson house and, also, by some accounts was one of a number of houses built by Hiel Brockway.

It seems the little house called out to him for rescue. He went home and called Billie Harrington of The Landmark Society and Thomas Hawkes of Rochester Savings Bank. The bank was looking for a site for a new branch and the decision was ultimately made to save the little house and a substantial sandstone wing in the back. Anderson loaned the writer of this column a set of "before and after" slides. They have been copied for the Historian's records.

There is a 'For Sale' sign in front of the building again at this time. Keep your fingers crossed that a new owner will honor the integrity of this early building.

Scott Zarnstorff, Village of Brockport building inspector, was a guest at this month's Historic Preservation meeting. He described how he and his assistant are working closely with the Village Historic Preservation Board to develop a set of criteria to present to persons seeking to upgrade or change a property designated as a village landmark. A significant difficulty arises from the fact that building owners so often do not live in the area. Criteria are also being developed to insure that exterior signage in the business district meets all the specifications in terms of design and color established by the Historic Preservation Board. A public meeting about the setting of criteria will be announced soon.

Another task occupying a lot of the Building Inspector's time is property inspection. A brochure has been developed describing all the requirements for passing an inspection. These inspections are not only concerned with the aesthetics of a building but also safety regulations. Adherence to these regulations can protect the occupants from danger to life and limb.

Coming this fall

Planning is taking place for an Agricultural Heritage Festival to take place on Saturday, October 26 in the village center. Our area has been important for growing food products for more than one hundred and fifty years. Farm machinery was also built in Brockport. The October festival will celebrate that heritage and the fruits of the earth of the season. Local growers are encouraged to participate. Also, a Farmer's Market is being organized for the last Saturday mornings of July, August and September. It is hoped that local growers will want to participate. For information, call: Kathy Goetz, 637-5546 or Deborah Talley, 637-4034 for more information.