A Visit to Rochester, NY (1989)

Nearly 20 years ago, I made a trip back to the city I called home during my college years - Rochester, NY. I left there to move South around 1971 and this was my first time back since then. Despite the extra cold Winters, I always loved Rochester. The area is home to a number of international businesses, including Fortune 1000 companies Eastman Kodak, Constellation Brands, and Paychex, as well as several national and regional companies. Because of the high prevalence of imaging and optical science among the industry and the universities, Rochester is known as the world capital of imaging. The Rochester Institute of Technology has one of the best imaging science departments in the country. In 2005, the University of Rochester became the largest employer in the Rochester area, surpassing Kodak.
Here, we'll take a look at some the highlights including my alma mater, RIT and it's radio station where I got my start, WITR. Also seen is Kodak's Headquarters, Xerox Bldg, Genesee Beer Co, downtown, Cobb's Hill with TV transmitters, the George Eastman House, a couple of places where I lived in the 1960s, and more. It's a quick trip thru the city. There were a lot of changes I saw in those 20 years. Perhaps it has changed again in the 20 years since I shot this tape.
BTW, the original was shot on S-VHS with a Panasonic AG camera. Even though it's analog, S-VHS was a nice, sharp format. The narration was on-the-spot back then. I re-edited it and added the music for YouTube.
I hope you enjoy my look at a fine city.
UPDATE: This video (& Kerry's Kitchen) can also be seen on Time-Warner Cable in Rochester, NY on Ch. 111.
Recorded: August 29, 1989

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Kerry
• Decker
• Rochester
• NY
• RIT
• WITR
• George
• Eastman
• Xerox
• S-VHS
• Genesee
• Cobbs
• Hill
• 1989

[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.

[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.

[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.

[geejus]

haha just go to the genesee river

[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.

[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]

@TheJrgriffin Dude, that was 40 years ago.

[williamherbert]

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

[hondolespaul]

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

[mypasswordisred]

Is it just me or is the audio disabled?

[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.

[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.