A Visit to Rochester, NY (1989)

[kalasam5201]

I live here! It looks soooo different!

[Lovingirl80]

Yes it has changed and not for the better in some ways. Alot of black people moved to Rochester, NY causing wars and violence. The City is no longer safe. Downtown no longer has Midtown Plaza. It has been torn down for a new building for Paetec that never took place. So now we have a big pile of rubble just rotting. I NEVER go into the city too much violence. I moved her six years ago. And honestly I love the summertime, spring time and being in Henrietta or Brighton.

[Xxkatiev65]

i live here !

[williamherbert]

Beautiful tribute and a great time capsule of my childhood home.

[mypasswordisred]

Is it just me or is the audio disabled?

[hondolespaul]

@mypasswordisred It's not just you. Sadly, KKD1247 passed away about a year ago.

[TheJrgriffin]

Rochester sucks. I got way away from there. No jobs, bad schools and the murder rate is 4.5 times the national average. Rochester was the only city besides NYC in New York that had its own mob boss. on columbus day in 1970 they bombed the monroe county office building the u.s. couthouse and the federal building. a few weeks later they set off 6 more bombs. Not a good place to live.

[williamherbert]

@TheJrgriffin Dude, that was 40 years ago.

[blackpowerkid87]

Thanks for posting this. Im 22 and Ive lived in Rochester all my life. Needless to say, it looks completely different....some for the worst....but definitely some for the better. Its real cool to see what it looked like when I was a little kid

[uservemewell]

I like your video. Your tone at some points expresses a lot of disbelief and surprise at the changes, some not for the better, like the disappearance of the drug store/soda shop or a highway being built right next to the apartments you used to live in. I bet if you visited it again today you would be yet again shocked at the rust belt decay. RIT however has some really nice facilities nowadays and looks much different from how it did in 1989, though the core buildings are still there.

[fumetti]

I have lived in Rochester for 15 years and I still don't get it. The people are rude, sarcastic, nasty, and unfriendly, there is little to do, the attractions are lame, and the main entertainment is bars and white trashy clubs. No worst women then Rochester women...they go for bad boy trash, they are 10 years behind fashion trends, and they act like they are better than anyone else. They are white trash.

[AthiestU2uber2]

@fumetti No, they're not. If you want to talk white trash, I suggest you go take a day trip to Syracuse. I can't believe how ungrateful people are in Rochester! I guarantee if you moved down south to NC or FL you would be back in 5 years. Thats just the way things are. When you live here you hate it, when you leave you miss it, well at least for some people. I love Rochester and will defend it to my grave.

[chaumont20]

@fumetti " No worst women then Rochester women...they go for bad boy trash". That epidemic is the same everywhere. I'm shocked when I see a girl in a dress now.Shocked ! In Florida 90% of women dress like men.

[fumetti]

I have lived in Rochester for 15 years and I still don't get it. The people are rude, sarcastic, nasty, and unfriendly, there is little to do, the attractions are lame, and the main entertainment is bars and white trashy clubs. No worst women then Rochester women...they go for bad boy trash, they are 10 years behind fashion trends, and they act like they are better than anyone else. They are white trash.

[aimuser3111]

The colleges are so much nicer since this

[Colortiniz]

Not bad for 420 lines of resolution :-)

[killer0in0training]

hell yah the years of mr arthur j shawcross

[Bricknet]

Very interesting. I was 3 years old in Rochester when this was made and it's amazing how much has changed since then. I hardly recognize the things in this video.

[ldsman10]

i was two years old at this point

[gymbag123]

To date, probably the best in it's genre on YouTube. Rochester...The Ultimate Frontier...

[xvoy2002]

Interesting video. I visited Rochester in 1985 as part of a college class trip. We visited the kodak plant and the Eastman house.

I dont' remember the city being so large. Maybe we just didn' get ot the downtown area. Very well done.

[elasticxplastic]

Lol the song on the radio.

[phillipk]

cool. I graduated RIT in 1989... I don't see my in any clip. I've been back a few times in recent years. In some ways it's no different--but in many ways it's totally different. The comment "a few buildings" were added!? wha? a TON of building has occurred.

[kickthepiano]

this is pretty good, but you should have paid more attention to the punk scene (BUG JAR!!!!)

[rizaaroni]

Went to college at RIT and only finished up a year ago or so. Seems the placed hasn't changed, except for the addition of some buildings.

[zebrafetish2000]

yeah, except that there is a huge 2 story Barnes and Noble with a Starbucks, a Thai food restaurant, an entirely new mini mall, more public parking, and a bar...basically exactly the same.

[DrivingRangedude88]

I'm from Toronto. There used to be a ferry service that linked Toronto and Rochester via Lake Ontario. I'd be happy to make my way down to Rochester anytime there is a golf tournament at Oak Hill. The 2013 PGA Championship is at Oak Hill. Hope to be in Rochester then!

[73fagiolo]

my aunt lives in Rochester! I live in Italy but I`d really like to visit to Rochester and the U.S.A.!

[TwoTrueFreaks]

I was a DJ in 1989! Kathy the dj is still around, only with loooong hair!

[italianman1992]

My mom worked at Kodak tower in 1981 to about 1987 when my older sister was born, and my grandmother owned a deli across from Charlotte Beach. Rochester isn't that bad, I wish people would realize violence isn't the answer. My grandparents used to live in the city years ago but thank goodness they moved because that neighborhood got really violent. I do miss their house though. This really is a great video. Place still looks the same even over 20 years later!

[italianman1992]

I want to know about the Bells fire because in 1982 my great grandfather had a fatal heart attack there and I think it's very ironic that that same store burned down a few years later. Anyway my grandmother used to drive me through downtown and tell me all about the history and 14 years ago I got to see Midtown Plaza and ride the monorail. Shame that it closed now. And who could forget Irondequoit Mall? When this video was shot they were still building it. The Hyatt opened in 1992

[italianman1992]

Wow, this was shot when I was 3 months old. I go to MCC, but I had to venture to RIT to do a project one day this fall. Felt real awkward being on a different college campus. Remember the old grocery store called Bells that was around in the 60s to about mid 90s? I know that the one in the Downtown/Main street area burned down in the mid 80s but I want to know the exact year and month and for the life of me can't find any rochester online newspaper archive that dates back to 1980.

[richardyingren]

the music is irritating....

[AthiestU2uber2]

I would like to make a video response to this showing Rochester in 2009, however I do not have to time to do so these days :(

[DanteUmbra]

1989 was a great year! In many ways it was the last year of my childhood. Rochester looked so much more prosperous back then. Nowadays it's a skeleton of it's former self. I wonder what the 10 year old version of myself was doing right then...

Heh, they still used vinyls at the radio stations. I love it!

[xMakeupmassacrex]

home sweet home

[ronisolomon]

Thanks for posting this fantastic video! I spent the first 22 years of my life living in Rochester, and graduated from RIT in 2008. Rochester is quite an enigmatic city, you either get it or you don't. I currently live in New York City, in an area which is densely populated by my friends from RIT. All of us miss Rochester dearly and reminisce about our days at school and in the city.

[KKD1247]

Me too.

[FuckMUFCGOLFC]

My family has roots from this City and Monroe County on my mom's side,I also live here in NYC like yourself.

[TheBadassRA]

Holy crap, they were just building the Hyatt!? I was 8 months old when this was shot!!!

[rooster5500]

Wow, great video. I'm a Rochester native and the building (with the circle top) used to be called The Changing Scenes restaurant back then. My mom was a Jazz pianist who played there right around 1988-89. I think it's just an office building now.

[friscocali7]

yeah, if theres still any offices left in it. Unfortunately, downtown Rochester is pretty much empty these days. I don't know when the restaurant closed exactly, but I wasn't open when I moved there around 2000.

[jdbmusiclover]

agreed. there really arent any good places to go downtown....

[corky1864]

Hi,

I sent you a message 11 months ago. Have you thought any more about visiting again? I own those mansions at 7:09 of your video. If you decide to visit again let me know, I could show you around.

[KKD1247]

I would like to go back to Rochester again someday. I once lived in those mansions when I was in school. I know a few people who still live there. When? I really don't know but will keep you in mind, my friend.

[paleo99]

I grew up in Rochester and will say the suburbs are nice and affordable if your able to obtain a decent paying job. I wouldn't waste much time in the city for obvious reasons though. It was and always has been an area most people avoid unless you want to risk getting shot.

[hondolespaul]

The suburbs are affordable because they are getting like Rochester! Nice? I wouldn´t live in Gates again if you bought my house back and offered me free room and board! There is so much gang activity off of Long Pond Rd., it´s not even funny. Gates-Greece Townline Rd. is becoming another Canal Ponds. I saw so many new faces and graffiti while moving my things out, it was like I had been away from Gates for years.

[jbct61]

I do not know much about Northern Cities in the US. I've been to Rochester many times and you have the best buffalo wings I've ever tasted. I guess the place is The Dinosaure. On Alexander Street there's a place called the Old Toe or something an Irish pub. Excellent draft beer.

[fayeteville]

thanks for the video,

I suppose spring and summer must be nice there-

[KKD1247]

It was sure a welcome change from the brutal Winter.

[grabitup]

not

[coldhandshake]

This is a really cool video. I should do a video like this some day for my hometown, Greene, NY.

[alloowishus]

i grew up in Ottawa, Canada. Our American affiliate TV was in Rochester, so I grew up knowing all the names of places and businesses in Rochester, Wegmans, Great House of Guitars, Cookie the cookiepuss etc. In 2000 I made the pilgrimage down there and boy what a hole! Sorry, of course Ottawa aint much better, but the downtown is cooler. Also, the potato salad at Wegmans sucks. :)

[jkatich]

classic! never saw on youtube in 1989!

[KKD1247]

Oh yes, I had a few Garbage Plate's in my time. I'm not sure if I'm up to the extra onions and hot sauce these days.

[NuLEVEL19ELITE]

How could you not talk about Tahou's!!!? lol im just messin with ya

[senatorpjt]

Rochester in 2008 makes Rochester in 1988 look like Rochester in 1968. It's steadily going to zero.

[addictedtocharmed101]

I`ve been in Rochester all my life (only 15 years) and I get sick of the weather but i still love it!

[Jameliasecret]

all th people say Rochester sucks, I say it doesn't! I am an international student and I do plenty of traveling, NYC, DC, Chicago, LA, SF, Miami, Boston and on on on. I am also thinking about visiting Europe, Turkey and finally Asutralia. But since I go to RIT and I feel like Rochester is my home. There has been no place so calling for me. Wherever I go, I already want to come back, and see this silent city. Its just warming.

[grabitup]

Try living here your whole life...then tell us how you really feel.

[and26rip]

i was 7 year old when he made this video

lts still the same

[slingblade65]

They just brought back Genesee Bock beer in all it's 1970's glory. Green can with goat frolicking thru the yellow flowers !

[Bullettube]

Rochester is typical of a mid-size, northeastern city. It has winter, it gets cold and it snows. Big deal! I've been all over this country, I've seen what happens when hurricanes, tornadoes, mudslides, floods and fires devastate a city. The crime isn't as bad as other cities, and downtown is no different then Cleveland or St.Lois. I raised my kids here and we did all right.

[RoXorKakaa]

I travel 3-4 times a month and live in Charlotte Beach in Greece, Rochester, NY. Born here, moved to Orange County, California for 8 years, then came back home to Rochester. I love lots of things about Rochester, but cant help but hating it all the same. Its very typical, and incredibly podunk. Have been all over the world and Rochester is at the bottom of my list of cities I love. The only reason I stay is for my family, that all lives in this city.

[hondolespaul]

A lot of people only live in Rochester for their family or work. My mother wanted me to live in Gates until she died. I couldn´t do that. After living in the country for over a month, I could never go back to Rochester. It is like 1955 out here. Everyone is kind, honest, and willing to help each other. Some folks don´t even lock their doors.

[freespangler]

Cool Video from '89- Rottenchester hasnt changed much....More crime, more murders, No Kodak, 3M or jobs for that matter....Just moved FAR away from Rottenchester. Couldnt have been a better decision for me-

[hondolespaul]

There was a shooting in Greece that occurred three miles away from my old house. This happened two nights ago. Now I know my decision to move away was a good one. I will not miss the suburbs or Rochester. All of my cherished memories are long gone. In a lot of ways, this city has changed drastically since 1989.

[EloelleLOL]

It's still the same, but it's different

[hondolespaul]

Twenty years ago, Rochester was not too bad. At least downtown had a fighting chance. Now, forget it. The way I see it, our city has no future unless something changes soon. Mayor Duffy´s plans for Midtown Plaza will not work in this economy. Everybody seems to think that one nine story building can make a difference. There are 50,000 people who work downtown. Another 1,200 will not even make a dent. Let´s utilize Midtown for the greater good of this community.

[EloelleLOL]

that's a decent comment. A lot of these are. I wish the D&C could link to Youtube video conversations.

[hondolespaul]

Thank you. If the Democrat & Chronicle were to use my content in their newspaper, I would ask for money. A man from WXXI asked if he could use my pictures and video clips of Midtown Plaza for that Memories of Midtown documentary. He also asked me for an interview. I told him I wanted recognition for my work and a cut of WXXI´s DVD profits. This guy said no. I would have done the interview for free, but he must have been upset. Continued...

[hondolespaul]

After all, I spent about a year going to Midtown shooting video clips and taking various photos. What pissed me off was that creating a documentary about Midtown Plaza was my idea. WXXI must have found out about it. I started advertising my documentary in December of 2007. WXXI started in June or July of 2008. I hate it when people plagiarize. What really threw me off was the fact that I was shown in this Memories of Midtown documentary anyway. I´m not mad, but not happy either. Cont...

[hondolespaul]

Fabio Puello knew who I was because we looked at each other at the Midtown auction. This time, he was shooting video clips of Arlene from Arlene´s Costumes who bought Santa´s chair. Channel 13 also put my face in their Midtown Memories DVD and I had to shell out $18.79 for it! They also used my face in order to sell this DVD. When my mother and I were at Midtown Plaza, we were unaware that 13 WHAM was coming out with a DVD.

[RoXorKakaa]

50,000?? Where are you getting your statistics from? There are well over a million people that work in the downtown Rochester area a day. And well over 5 million populate the surrounding burbs and the downtown combined. Rochester is huge.

[hondolespaul]

I spent a lot of time downtown until Midtown Plaza closed. If well over one million people worked downtown, it would not be so small of an area. Rochester is a mid size city. The surrounding suburbs are not a part of Rochester. However, some of them are becoming just as bad. Thank God I left.

[ClueStone]

im from Rochester!!! and i must admit, it do suck!!! so so fuckin hard!! but hey, we cant choose where we are born. so ima pick my shit up and bounce. NYC here i come!!

[geejus]

i hate rochester.

i have no clue how any of you guys who used to live here liked it, this place is a dump.

[hondolespaul]

Geejus, this is why I am moving to a rural area far away from Rochester. Hate is a strong word. This city could be better if we had halfway decent politicians and a Police Chief who isn´t scared. Cameras with blue lights will not prevent crime from taking place. Rochester also needs to have a better grasp on who they select as Welfare recipients. This will ultimately help Monroe County get out of debt. Too many unwed mothers, drunks, and drug addicts are abusing the system.

[geejus]

yes, very good points all around. the city isn't the problem, it's the insane people who live here.

[hondolespaul]

Thank you, geejus. After 23 years of living in Rochester, it will be nice to actually see what the country has to offer. Every time I drove out there, my experiences were pleasant. In 2005, a gas station attendant gave me a free coffee in Brockport! Never had that happen to me in Rochester. Certain places and things I will miss about this city are already gone. Midtown Plaza, Silver Stadium, etc.

[megacide84]

Hey ain't this the city where Arthur Shawcross killed all those hookers in the late 80s?Why don't they capitilize on that?Give guided tours of the places he worked and where he dumped the bodies.I bet they would make a killing!!!

lol

[geejus]

haha just go to the genesee river

[megacide84]

Man that guy was really messed up.How bout the part when he admitted to eating parts of dead bodys? Gee Arthur I know you like to eat pussy but this is ridiculous HA!!!

[DatGurlBree585]

The weather is soo crazy here

[everlast002]

Dinasaur Barbeque?? Hellooo.

[Yellaboi567]

rochester is a real but burger with cheese now... did u know that they closed dwn midtown and r going 2 b tearing it down then making a paychex skyscraper which will b ther main offices jaaaaaack

[ljunkie]

It's Paetec, not Paychex! You are so well informed.

[hondolespaul]

A nine story building is a skyscraper, Yellaboi567? PAETEC might as well move into Midtown Tower. Nowadays, the future does not look bright for Arunas Chesonis, CEO of PAETEC. Their stock is at $1.33 a share!

[catgumart]

isnt it amazing how time elapses, and things change. 15 years ago I was 17 and I remember it perfectly, well I remember a lot of things very well, and I remember experiencing life and being me in 1994, Now Im 32, But I know time is going to go on just like it has and in 15 more of theses quick passing years Ill already be 47,,,nearly 50! It just amazes me time..especially when Im in a waiting room and time goes so slowly.

[catgumart]

make another video of all theses places in 2009 upload it to youtube and lets see how things have changed since 89!

[corky1864]

You need to back in 09. The Corn Hill area is better. Main Street is worse. The dorm on main is now gone.

[KKD1247]

Yes, so I've heard. I have an old girlfriend still up there...I may go back sometime & look her up.

[studderin]

what a dump

[EdHardyKid15]

man im only 16 years old and i lived in rochester since birth it look mad funny lol

[subnoize11]

rochester is gay i lived there for 8 years and its so gay im gald i live in az again

[shannon75]

I want to live in AZ too. I'm starting to hate Rochester :(

[Beatlemark21287]

man, has this city changed dramatically...

[swborderer]

Some things certainly have changed in the last 20 years...the "dorm" building you show around 4:00 (formerly a swank hotel back around the turn of the 20th century) - has since been demolished. Many of the "new" buildings you point out - the Holiday Inn, the First Federal Plaza...even the Convention Center...all have new names now and seem old by comparison.

Next to the Kodak office building is now the new AAA ballpark, opened in 1996.

[swborderer]

Hmmm...interesting. I've lived here all my 42 years now and I thought this video would be a trip down memory lane, as the saying goes. Well...yes, and not so much.

Overall, the French have a phrase for this phenomenon - "the more things change, the more they stay the same."

[sptfgpn]

He should bring this up to date. I'd like to see what it looks like in 2008.

[KKD1247]

I might go back in Summer 2009. Maybe.

[civiclivin]

I live in PA now. I grew up in Rochester too. As a matter of fact I lved on Crosman Terrace.

[jeantasia]

Wow - I attended RIT from 1961 to 1963, so this really takes me back. I lived in Nathaniel Rochester hall the first year, and an apartment on Eagle St the second. I went back in the late 90s and it was sad to see how much of the campus is now an Interstate. Great video!

[KKD1247]

Hi. I lived in NRH my Freshman year. I was also near Troup St and the Student Union Bldg / WITR campus radio. Its changed a lot since I was there.

[Cybertronnews]

I live in Rochester. Its not that great of a place... xd

[xscapefan]

I live in rochester too and I have to agree with Cybertronnews rochester ain't nothing special...!

[uniekeda1ne]

rochester sucks

[hondolespaul]

Nothing exciting here anymore, unless you have money or enjoy the nightlife. Almost everything of historical significance is either abandoned and rotting or gets demolished for corporate greed. Some Rochesterians are negative minded and completely nuts! Our workforce is less than impressive and I can see why college students are leaving in mass amounts. And the winters, don´t get me started...

[hondolespaul]

I forgot to mention celebrating the holidays and shopping downtown. We can´t do that anymore either, unless we want to freeze our butts off! I have Mayor Duffy´s speech on here when he paid tribute to Midtown Plaza in December of 2007. Bob stated that ¨this is the downtown of the future.¨ Magic Mountain is God knows where, our Monorail is in storage, and Santa´s chair sold for $3,200! Tell me Bob, what kind of a future do you call that!?

[subnoize11]

i agree

[lily29anne]

I'm planning on going to. RIT this next fall for photojournalism! I'm excited. Coming all the way from alabama.

What would you say about RIT to an up an coming student? Or any advice!

-thanks

[KKD1247]

RIT is a wonderful, exciting school - just as it was when I attended there. Explore several of the clubs and activities the school offers. It is a great way to make friends and perhaps do good in the community. Balance your schooling - your activities - and your free time and you will gain much from the experience.

[winerrs]

What about Lechmere? Wheres Lechmere?  It can be located outside the mall at greece.

[hondolespaul]

Lechmere has been gone for over a decade in Greece.

[dentalfoto]

One of my old RIT photo pals sent me the link to this video. From the beginning I could detect that the narrator had a radio type voice. Watched then entire thing. I used to work as a security guard at the Eastman House. Now live in SF.

[binoyrakesh]

I'll be going to RIT this fall. Im travelling from India. Nice to meet a senior :)

[KKD1247]

You're welcome. RIT is a wonderful school. I have great memories from there & of Rochester. However, pack your warmest clothes - the area has deep, freezing Winters that goes on & on & on & on.....

[binoyrakesh]

Thanks for the caution Sir:) Im out shopping already:) Transition from a warm tropical city (Chennai, India) to a place like Rochester will not be easy :) But Im prepared:)

[abenjam2]

this is my hometown!!! i'm representin town of gates!

[hondolespaul]

Kerry, are you coming back to Rochester? I would not recommend the Cadillac Hotel.

[ishaaq24]

haha good recomendation

[mattrockZ13]

GO ROCHESTER!!!!

btw (Hochstein is not "just a music school")

[mattrockZ13]

GO ROCHESTER!!!!!!!!

(ya I know. we are relly ghetto)

[JewballM]

Thanks for uploading! I'm at UofR now - some things have changed, others haven't.

[dawkk]

ohh dont stay there, just kidding about that place. That place is very very bad!!!

I have stayed at the Riverside and hyatt. Those are ok but I would stay on the outskirts in Greece or Gates. They are a bit better.

[KKD1247]

Haha...I knew what you were getting at.

[dawkk]

If you need a place to stay there is a place called the cadalac hotel that is real awesome.

[KKD1247]

Sorry, not familiar with that place. I'll try & stay at my old girlfriend's place.

[swisshoho]

I love Rochester. Under-appreciated city.

[kapchis]

I was just listening a little closer to your trip to the hotel where your parents stayed and your apartment... I think my parents lived on Troupe Street in the late 60's before they purchased their first house on Adams Street in Corn Hill. I'm sending this to my dad right now!

[kapchis]

Thanks so much for this trip to my hometown! I was about 18 when you recorded this. I never thought I'd leave that town, and I'm glad I did, but I miss it!

[RocketMichael1892M]

I wanted to share with you...

RIT is completely converting to digital. Yes... no more film!!!! They are taking down the red rooms and all that. It's pretty crazy.

[KKD1247]

Thanks. I'm not really surprised. RIT always looked to the furure - not the past. I haven't shot any film in over 5 years. But I did spend many an hour in those darkrooms & its sad to see them go.

[RocketMichael1892M]

I've only been alive for a year when this video was shot =) lol

[oyisjustyobackwards]

still livin it up here

[jpowell180]

You should not show this video with criticism.

That may show yourself as a terrorist, ie, a malcontent with the progress America has made.

[TheFoobers]

My cousins live in Rochester, I've had good memories their!

[vegaton585]

moved 2 florida a year ago, i miss rochester.much better off here.

[lilblonde2365]

im from rochester.

but i moved to oklahoma a year ago.

i miss rochester ]:

[RocketMichael1892M]

I hear Okie is Fabulous

[abenjam2]

back in this time was when rochester was a greater city than it is now. I am a resident of the roc and i hate it now!

[29282928]

i hate rochester lol

[shrizulu]

give me thats vinyl

[Ogma01]

Fun video... Born (1969) and raised in Rochester and while you were shooting this video, I was in my second year of college at SUNY Brockport (other side of town)! I've since moved away to Los Angeles (1992) and I have to say, I don't miss very much about Rochester... ;-)

[eescorse]

well I don't remember Rochester toomuch in '89. I was two... but I bet a lot has changed. I know a lot has changed in certain parts of town in just the las five or six years sooo...

[RetroRika]

omg! the dj featured is now married to my cousin. can't wait to tell her. ps. she looks better now!

[ellwanger1]

ellwanger here, please to see buffo bill sleeps next to the name. ellwanger, hanged in the bowl next door in the 70's got to work with doc holiaday in avon colorado as a form carpenter . liveed on the fintray place. off park ave.montana's home ,two finger pissy finger.

[jariandread]

Wow downtown looked a lot cleaner. Its to bad a bunch of scum bags had to ruin it. Now it looks like the ghetto.

[butter2fly007]

Was nice to see Rochester back in those days, all the old cars and downtown. I really enjoyed to sit back and watch the video. Just seem very peaceful back then in Rochester.

[titanlock]

wow the year i was born damn

[doomsafri73]

1989 i was a 16 year old secondary school student, studying at a government-run boarding school in a rural town of kuala pilah, Malaysia. January 1999 i came back from the United States to Malaysia with a bsc from rit. this video brings back a lot of memories, one of them is of rabid ralph of the witr. rock on!

[hondolespaul]

This is the main reason why my '06 Hyundai Elantra sits in the garage. The car is undercoated but that New York State salt is lethal. I was hoping that my old LeBaron would become road worthy again but the guy who bought it most likely scrapped it. If the engine was junked, only then would you see a grown man cry.

[hondolespaul]

I can believe it. I owned a 1987 Chrysler LeBaron GTS last year for four months. I paid $200 for it. Sadly, I ended up selling her for a mere $50 because the undercarriage was rotted out and the fuel pump was leaking gasoline. There was nothing wrong with the engine and that LeBaron only had 115,272 original miles when I sold it. I saw a 1988 Dodge Lancer (the LeBaron GTS's twin) recently and the man who owns it could not part with it.

[KKD1247]

My undercarriage - and my cars - nearly rotted out too with all the salt Rochester used to put on the streets in the Winter.

[hondolespaul]

What did you do with that Plymouth Reliant? I love those classic K cars! Finding one in Rochester now is impossible. I know of one that a 94 year old man owns around where I used to live in the city. It is a 1983 Dodge Aries with 60,000 original miles. It's in bad shape but oddly enough, she still runs and drives.

[KKD1247]

I loved my Plymouth Reliant! Unfortunately, it met an untimely end. A bad mechanic got a hold of it - messed with the engine - it sprung a gas leak under the hood & went up in a ball of flame. :-( True story!

[hondolespaul]

Great video! It was good to see the Rochester of yesteryear. I was actually three years old and living on the corner of North and Alphonse St. when you shot this. Nathaniel Rochester Hall as you call it was imploded on December 18, 1999. I actually have a video of that event and it will be posted on YouTube when I go through my VHS tapes. If you want, please feel free to take a look at the videos I currently have posted on YouTube. Happy Holidays!

[unapro]

You should see Rochester now. NOTES: Whoa, looks that RITs sign, there is a new spiffy one. I think the red light stopped on the kodak building. :) That was a dorm? Wait, was RIT downtown or something? Whoa, there are people walking the street! The bridges are the attempted skyway that no one uses. Inter loops used to be the inner circle? Ahhhh Crossman terr from the 80's Yeah I had fun watching this! Thanks.

[KKD1247]

Yes...to all of the above! RIT was previously located down the street from Kodak until about 1968.

[Broth2000]

Nice video, my dad went to RIT in the early 60's  I got to show him this video, cool.

[KKD1247]

Thanks! Check out my other videos and you'll see some RIT stuff, incl my radio show from late 60s.

[dceb5]

Nathaniel Rochester Hall has been demolished...

I also hung out at ITR quite a bit, around 2000. Of course all those records have been replaced by sterile, souless CD's.

Good times though.

[KKD1247]

Thanks for the update. Sorry to hear NRH is gone but it was old when I lived there. I'm sure those old LPs were really scratched up - especially the first few seconds where we cued them up over & over.

[ST4TIK]

WITR still has the second largest collection of vinyl in New York. We still get new vinyl records to this day, in addition to CDs and have several shows that only play vinyl. :)

[psatm]

Great video, takes me back. I lived in Rochester in the late 70s and early 80s.

[Rebecca263]

I love this personality driven type of video!

[Mark1976]

Spent many hours hanging out at WITR while friends were on the air. I must have walked a hundred times over the time capsule and never noticed it! Thanks for posting this.

[KKD1247]

You're welcome! Yup...the Time Capsule ar RIT has a reel-to-reel tape of my radio show in there. Good luck to the people of the future who try and play it!

[videoholic2008]

Great stuff...nice trip down Memory Lane!