Our Museum in Action
Market Square
On Saturday, August 23, the Black Rock Historical Society welcomed visitors to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal by reliving a canal-era market at Buffalo’s oldest existing market site – Market Square located at the corner of Niagara Street and Amherst Street. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Market Square served as a bustling marketplace. The square, now comprising an open space park surrounded by architecturally intact historic properties of the Market Square Historic District, provides a restful location within the busy urban neighborhood. The Erie Canal Heritage Market @ Market Square recreated a canal-era open public market at the crossroads of Niagara Street and Amherst Street which formerly represented the lively commercial and social core of the historic Village of Black Rock.
Thanks to a grant from the New York State Corporation and Erie Canalway National Heritage Corporation as well as local sponsors, Visitors were able to experience the opportunity to meet and shop with local vendors and craftspeople as was the daily routine of village residents and canawlers at the “Black Rock Stop” while being treated to live music by folk-based performers and local historians Yellow Jack and Tyler Bagwell. Explore Buffalo guided visitors on their new walking tour along Niagara Street, “Black Rock Walking Tour – 200 Years on the Erie Canal.” For those preferring a comfortable ride, a 16-passenger covered hay wagon carried guests on a tour along the Lower Black Rock and Market Square Historic Districts. Children also had the opportunity to learn and play popular 19th century games as well as view various crafts demonstrations.
Breakfast with Lafayette
On Saturday, June 7, the Black Rock Historical Society hosted a once-in-a-generation event – “Breakfast with General Lafayette.” In partnership with The Buffalo History Museum, American Friends of Lafayette and Alliance Française de Buffalo, BRHS commemorated the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s farewell tour of America and honored the French military leader and statesman who was beloved for his role in gaining our independence. The program included a living-history portrayal of the day Peter Buell Porter welcomed General Lafayette to his home in the village of Upper Black Rock. Guests will be greeted by historic reenactors portraying General Lafayette, Peter Buell Porter, Seneca Chief Red Jacket along with other local dignitaries of the day, entertained by period music, and treated to a delicious breakfast.
As the last surviving Major General of the Revolutionary War, Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette was invited by President James Monroe and Congress to visit the 24-state Union for what would become his Farewell Tour of the United States of America. Accompanied by his Secretary Auguste Levasseur and his son George Washington Lafayette, he visited all 24 states of the Union in 14 months (August 1824 – September 1825). On June 4, 1825, Lafayette was welcomed to the village of Buffalo and on the following morning was invited for breakfast at the Niagara Street home of Brigadier General/former Erie Canal Commissioner Peter Buell Porter in the village of Upper Black Rock (formerly located on Niagara Street between Breckenridge and West Ferry Streets).
BRHS Annual Fundraiser
On October 12, the Black Rock Historical Society held its annual fundraiser at The Cave, located at 71 Military Road. This year, we stepped back in time to celebrate the legendary Showboat Restaurant, once a cornerstone of Buffalo’s entertainment scene at the foot of Hertel Avenue on the banks of the Niagara River.
The evening was hosted by Buffalo music historian and author Rick Falkowski, who shared fascinating stories and memories of this iconic venue. We were delighted to welcome past Showboat performers and enjoy lively Dixieland and jazz music by The Bar-room Buzzards, along with a special performance by everyone’s favorite, John Valby.Thanks to the generosity of the Cimasi Family, former owners of the Showboat, along with the support of our many local sponsors and donors, we enjoyed a wonderful evening filled with music, stories, and fun. Thank you to all who helped support our community museum!
Upcoming Events
Rediscover Riverside
Dear neighbors,
This is your chance to have your voices heard!
The Black Rock Riverside Alliance and Rediscover Riverside are teaming up to improve Tonawanda Street from Crowley to Vulcan St. We plan to CLEAN and Green this area, and your input is crucial—especially for the section of Tonawanda Street near your home.
Join us at the BRR Alliance offices, 52 Amherst St, on ______________, to share your ideas. We want your feedback. For example, let us know if you want a street tree in front of your house or not, and share thoughts about adding trees along the park property on Tonawanda Street. If you have other suggestions, please come and share them with us. What about bike lanes?
This is an important step for our neighborhood, it is rare that you get to be part of the planning right from the beginning.
The City of Buffalo currently has street trees available; we don’t want to miss this opportunity! We will work on additional ideas as part of this process. We value your time and hope to see you soon.
New Acquisitions
Pully Wrench & Log Pull
This pully wrench and log pull were both found in the Niagara River, by donor Paul Tonovetz. The pully wrench is part of the steering mechanism of a ship, while the log pull was used for loading and unloading logs on and off barges.
Donated by Paul Tonovetz
PS No. 51 Booklet Collection
These booklets were donated by Lynda Caster of Cincinnati, Ohio. The first two (left to right) are from School No.51 that was on Hertel Avenue: The Broadcaster, 1894-1994; The Broadcaster Christmas, 1943;and Black Rock Academy’s 100th Anniversary Celebration Finale: 1894-1994.
Donated by Lynda Caster
Historic Photos
All alone and lonely- on Hotaling Drive. Photo from February, 1977. Provided by Rich Mack.
That “no standing” sign didn’t include this car following a smash-up! Photo from February, 1977. Provided by Rich Mack.
New Articles
Leo Mueller: Black Rock’s First Baker
