Entertainment for Everyone: The Rochester City Bus Tour
People always tend to know a bit about where they live, but does any one actually know all the rich historical information that your city or town holds? For example, did you know that Rochester was the last stop in the U.S. for Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad? Did you know that this is the second consecutive year that the George Eastman School of Music has been deemed number one in the U.S., making Julliard number two? Everyone knows George Eastman around here, but did anyone know that he committed suicide in his bedroom by putting two pillows over his chest before shooting himself in the heart, just so his he could be certain no one would need to clean up the splatter?
Elaine Montrose, of Personal Tours of Rochester, guided the Rochester City Bus Tour driven by Dave Downey. Montrose was avid explaining the transition Rochester made from "Flour City" to "Flower City." She gave many more interesting facts, including some of the history behind Mt. Hope Cemetery, located across from the University of Rochester campus. “People are just dying to get in there,” joked Montrose. The cemetery is known for the historic people buried there, such as Susan B. Anthony, a prominent American Civil Rights leader who played a large part in womens' suffrage, as well as making college education co-ed. It is also the resting place to Fredrick Douglass, an American abolitionist and reformer, who believed, like many others, in the equality of all people.
Montrose knew the history of the city like the back of her hand and never hesitated to present even the smallest facts, like how actor Humphrey Bogart spent many of his childhood summers here because his maternal grandparents were from Rochester. Also, Casablanca co-star to Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, spent time living in Rochester while her husband was completing medical school at the University of Rochester.
RIT parent, Esther Cesarano of Mullica Hill, New Jersey, said, “Even though my son is a sixth year student, this is my first time coming up for Brick City Weekend, and I’m glad I did.” She also looks forward to attending other events like the Kaleidoscope Concert on Saturday. “I never realized how beautiful Rochester was,” said Cesarano while overlooking the High Falls.
Rochester has so much to offer. There is something, somewhere, for everyone here. Whenever you get a chance, go to a show at The Richard Pine Theatre, or have dinner at Dinosaur Bar B Que, which Montrose pointed out as a “must” in Rochester. Take a break from studying and remember what it feels like to be a child again at the Strong Museum of Play. “The wealthy are called eccentric but the poor are called crazy,” Montrose laughed while reminiscing Margaret Woodbury Strong.
Whatever your interest tends to be, go out explore Rochester. It’s definitely worth it!
Photo credit: Sabrina Wegele
Photo credit: Sabrina Wegele
Photo credit: Sabrina Wegele
Photo credit: Sabrina Wegele