Charlotte in Rochester in Monroe County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Resort Area
Hotels along River Street catered to the river and boat trade, but many people preferred to stay at the lakeshore. Hotels sprang up where the river met the lake, from Marty McIntyre's 1850's driftwood establishment to the more ornate Spencer House, built in the 1870's by Captain John Burns.
When the railroad extended its tracks to the present beach in the 1880's, a loop went right into Ontario Beach Park and visitors could stay at the luxurious Hotel Ontario or the Bartholomay Hotel and cottages. Charlotte villagers could purchase a ticket that cost 2 cents, including the entrance fee to the grounds, but if they went in electric cars or walked, the admission ticket cost 10 cents.
In this heyday of public transportation, Charlotte became known as the "Coney Island of Western New York." Daily attendance at the park would sometimes exceed 20,000 people. Amusements included a roller coaster, a carousel, high-wire and animal acts, band concerts, a variety of restaurants, a German pavilion and a Japanese garden.
In the early 20th century, numerous attraction and hotel fires hastened the decline of the park, as did the advent of the automobile. Cars provided more freedom of movement and people began traveling to farther destinations. But the sights, sounds and activity of its waterfront have continued to make Charlotte a popular destination.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment.
Location. 43° 14.969′ N, 77° 36.714′ W. Marker is in Rochester, New York, in Monroe County. It is in Charlotte. Marker is at the intersection of Stutson Street and River Street, on the left when traveling east on Stutson Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rochester NY 14612, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lighthouses (here, next to this marker); War of 1812 (here, next to this marker); Port of the Genesee, New York (here, next to this marker); Irondequoit and its Waterfront (here, next to this marker); Stutson Street Bridge (here, next to this marker); Champion of the Genesee River / A Beacon of Knowledge (here, next to this marker); The Village of Charlotte (a few steps from this marker); Boat Building (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.
More about this marker. Charlotte is a neighborhood of the City of Rochester.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 435 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 6, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on November 8, 2015.