Dan Winegar's column in the "Batavia Daily News" reports...."The mail
recently brought a small inked note that covers a lot of years and this might
not be a bad place to begin.
Gone but remembered...
Ice cream - Branton's, Flavorite Farms, The Sweet Shop, Monagle's, Adelmans', Boreau.
Lumber yards - Genesee, Walnut Street, Batavia on Evans Street, Liberty Street, Clark Hale and Glade's on Railroad Avenue.
Meat Markets - Colgrove & Ryan, Loughman's Bonnadonnas, Bill's, Al's, Wandryk's.
Corner stores - Corrigan's, Howell's, Marbles, Kimberly's, Quartley's, Happ's, Scafetta's, Lowe's.
Junk dealers - Wortzman on Chase park, Barney Kramer on Ellicott Street.
Gas stations - Pat Didget Sunoco, Charles Cacner, Flying A, Lou Moretto, Diegelman's, Bob Folger, Argulski's, Jack Corey's, Larry Winslow.
Hardware - Salway's, Genesee, Goade's, Mancuso's, Grentzingers, Maney's and two on State Street.
Garages - Hesslebeck's on Exchange Street, Siebert's downtown.
Bakeries - Grundler's, Home Dairy(with cafeteria), Table Talk, Colangelo's, Pellegrino's, Stomper's, Hall Baking Co.
Second Hand Store - Charlie Hodges place on Exchange Place.
The words "Piels hardware" are on the back of the envelope and we believe that was the name of the hardware very close to the Palace of Sweets.
That's as far as we go but it may spark interest in a number of names that were in business at various time's in the city's history."
My wife and I sat here for a few minutes last night and came up with a few more missing places.....
The Post House, Thomas Restaurant, Dagwood's, W.T. Grant, Montgomery Ward,
J.J. Newberry, Big N, Ames, Twin Fair, King's, Woolworth's, Kresge, Alexander's,
Kratanik jewelers, Granny's Attic, Star Market, Acme, NuWay, Loblaws,
Marchese's, Marchese's Big M, A&P.
Those are just a few, I'm sure there
are many more that we'll remember later on.
Here's a contribution from Donna Russell (former Batavian)
Ice Cream? Who could forget Oliver's? Dairy, although I don't know if they made ice cream - Fargo-Ware, then Fargo. Corner stores: south side - Pelletiere's with the huge cooler shaped like a giant soda bottle, sorry, pop bottle (I am forgetting my Batavia-ness), McNall's, featuring endless penny candy. (both on Jackson) Cieri's on Liberty Which one was at the corner of Evans and Maple? Scibetta's? Or maybe that was Scaffetta's. Rubino's corner of Hutchins and Liberty. Candy and Ice Cream - Critic's, especially at Easter time, all those enormous chocolate baskets and rabbits. What was in the "flat iron" building at the corner of South Main, Pearl, what is now Oak St Ext.? Reportedly the best orange drink (Nehi?) in the world.
This excerpt was contributed by Diane Clor of Tuczon,Az (former Batavian)
Boy, you've got my whole family going on this one! My mom (Ireene Dawson Clor Zong), my brother Lance Clor and me! We've come up with East End Motors on East Main (owners Arthur Clor and Dick Stiefvater - my mom worked there when she was a kid), Loblaws Market(?), Gustafferas Grocery on Jackson St. near railroad tracks, Dipson Theatre on Main St., Richmond Hotel on Main St., Edna's on Jackson St. near railroad tracks(!), Kresge's 5 and 10 on Main St., Woolworth's 5 and 10 on Main St., Evangelical Lutheran Church on corner of Center and ?, Mueller(?)'s Jewlery Store on Main St., and I remember going with my parents to a place on Ellicott St. to get ice in these big canvas containers that reminded me of current-day golf club carriers! And ..... - Diane Clor
Here's a contribution from Peter Scibetta of Batavia
I did not see any reference to the Trading Post the Sporting Goods Store started by my oldest brother James. IT was opened about 1947 and was the only sporting goods store in Batavia, specializing in Guns & Fishing equipment. Jim and his wife Agnes drowned in Seneca Lake in May of 1950 where they often went fishing for lake trout. The store was later purchased by a former State Trooper, Don Libera who did well and expanded the business, and later sold it, and purchased a business in Rochester.
A contribution from Bea McManis
A weekend spent in Batavia isn't complete without a Pontillo's pizza. It is always on the agenda when the kids come home too. How many of you had your wedding pictures taken at McJury's Studio? Brownie LaRussa was my uncle. Do you remember when St. Anthony's Church was in a cellar? Do you remember Francis & Mead; the Bon-Ton; Main St. on a Friday night when it had stores; Salways (the big store on a little street); WBTA when the studio was on Main St., Dean's Drug Store; Gioia's Drug Stor
A contribution from Unknown............
Comments: While you were hanging around by Folger's Kendall station, it was just a hop across the street to Peter's Delicatessen and Athoe Motors was just a lot away. What about the Red Barn, Elm Dairy, Army/Navy Store, Frances & Mead, McBride's on State St., a Studebaker dealership on State St, next to the old P.W. Minor Shoe Factory, Wayland (spelling?) Drug Store (I'm stuck on the corner of State St.), Joe Rose's Novelty shop on Ellicott, First National Bank, Liberty National Bank, New Dellinger Theatr June 30, 99 12:52:13 (GMT Time)
Contribution from Phil La Russa
Name: Phil La Russa..HomePage:
http://mitglied.tripod.de/larussa/larussa.htm
Where are you from: Living in
Germany but born and raised in Batavia, N.Y.
Comments: Checking out your homepage makes me think of my childhood days in Batavia. I grew up on Ellicott Square near Anges Restraunt and Roses Toy Store. Your homepage is a super idea. Phil La Russa
Contribution from Dan Goodemote
Name: Dan Goodemote Email: dgood7@earthlink.net Where are you from: Erie, PA
Comments: My dad's family is from Batavia...I remember my Uncle's gas Station--Olie Boyce's Gulf station...Godfrey's Pond August 23, 99
Contribution from Jean Randow
Name: Jean Randow Email: marlinfever@centuryinter.net Where are you from: Port Aransas Texas
Comments: I grew up in Newark, NY and my grandparents, Conrad John and Rose Arlene Fetzer Schroth lived in Batavia for many years. I have fond memories of going to their home at Christmas and Grandpa would sing Christmas Carols to us in German. My favorite then as now being Silent Night. Also Oh Christmas tree. I have serched and serched for a tape of German Carols. I've such delightful memories of your town. Tho many places mentioned did not ring a bell thourely enjoyed your page. Jean in Texas August 8, 99
Contribution from Kevin Moyles 07/Sep/1999
What an enjoyable website. It definitely brings back a lot of memories reviving all the old business names.
How about the Pok-A-Dot? Johnny's Resturant(Castronova?), Herbs Gas Station on Bank Street, Gino Pizza (the Best)Liberty Street, Figlows Pizza (Lewiston Road), Delplato's near Otis St -&- in or near Colangelos., Strogens Atlantic on Ellicott St. The Pent House, Deleos Bar, Getners (good meat and clams), The Varsity Inn-Geneseo -&- Rochester, the Sandsabar near Perry, the TRYST on Jackson St. (I guess I went from hungry to thirsty.) The Golden Poppy, near Stafford, Chesire Cheese-?, The Knickerbocker Inn-(Morganville?, South Byron Hotel, The Byron Louie Fanara's Barbershop next to the Pok-A-Dot( boy could I go for a Beef on Wick), GLF-Agway, Melton Shirt Company, The Enterprise Store, Valle Jewelers, Miss Batavia Diner, Carrolls Hamburgers, Critics, Parker's Barbershop, My-T-Acres, Garney Sheet Metal, Haitz Roofing(?), Cecere's Construction(which one?), St. Joseph's Drum Corp,
Note from Allison Pilato Sept 20, 1999
....I'd also like to add to your list of things gone by... the "Short Stop" candy store on Oak St., Now occupied but Betty's bridal.
Name: Mark Allen Email: Niseilat@aol.com Where are you from: La Mirada, Los Angeles Co., CA (abt. 12 mi. north of Disneyland)
Comments: I really enjoyed searching through your entire site, it was great fun and interesting! My father's family operated the Home Dairy Co. Cafeteria and Bakery at locations in Batavia from abt 1921 until abt 1945. The family had a chain of these cafeterias and bakeries throughtout NY, PA, Canada and FL. The only one remaining is located in Ithaca, NY with a location also out of NYS near St. Pete, FL. I compiled a history of the family business years ago and would be glad to share.
Editors note: 2/11/00 I received the "History" from Mr. Allen. Page added (below)
Name: Dan Corbelli Email: dcorbelli@hotmail.com
Where are you from:
Batavia New York
Comments: I was just surfing and came across your page. I was born (1964) and raised in Batavia and moved to Arizona in 1981. Seeing all of those missing places brought back a lot of memories. You forgot Lamberts Corner Store on Bank Street. I used to go in and Mr. Lambert would give me the end of the Bologna he was freshly cutting. A lot of my family still lives there. I haven't been back for a few years. Keep up the great work!!! September 24, 99
Note from Bob Betters Name: Bob Betters Email: rbetters@watsoninsurance.com
Where are you from: Charlotte NC
Comments: Just finished reading about Batavia industries. I'm proud to say I've woked in 3 of them:Doehlers, Graham's and Tibon Hard Chrome. In fact,at Tibon's I worked there for a short while with John Ranalli,your local band director at BHS. Graham's hold's a special place in my heart due to the fact my Dad, Bob, was the personnel director there for years under the late Mr. Berkley. I can remember crawling into many a heat exchanger and knocking off the "bb's" from the seam welds. I also remember the Go November 16, 99
From Dick Cofran
I was raised in Batavia and still remember many of the businesses and other places that others have mentioned. I didn't see some of the places I remember though. How about: -Walt Davis Toy and Bike store on Center St. Always got to go there around Christmas time. -Fred Emens Feed Store on Ellicott St., just around the corner from the Blue Bus station. We bought rabbit feed and chicken feed there for the "livestock" we kept in the garage in those days. -Frank Dickes Bicycle shop on West Main St. That is where I bought a bicycle, with money from my paper route, after the war ended. I was able to get one of the first ones with chrome sprockets and chrome fenders. They had all been painted black during the war. I also have a 1954 Batavia Directory that I enjoy looking at from time to time. Many of the names and places bring back fond memories, even though I have been away for over 45 years. Dick Cofran Downers Grove, IL and Inverness, FL
Note from Les Dominiak 2/3/01
Howe about Notre Dame H.S. I went there for 2 years, '61-'62, and being from out in the farm country, that is, Attica, Darien and Alexander, I graduated from Alexander, class of '66, some of my best experiences were from Batavia. As far as old places, how 'bout the Batavia Winery. How many of ya'll worked there or knew someone who did? My wife Peggy, daughter Ashleigh and I are planning to return "HOME" this summer after a 10 year hiatis in Jax, FL. Can't wait to get back into the "slowlane" because it is just hectic down here and it will only get much worse . Got to go. Thanks for letting me put my 2 cents worth in. Les Dominiak
Note from Joe Pietrzyko March 20, 2001
I am originaly from batavia and remember a store named Preks on the corner of
hutchins and ellicott.I wanna say the last time I was in batavia I walked by
that place and noticed there is a vacum cleaner shop in that space.If I remember
right the owner lived at the corner of hutchins and sumner streets,his name was
joe perkowski or close to that.john pietrzykowski
another place comes to
mind is acme grocie store across from what was st jerome hospital urban renewal
took it away
Note from Darlene Zito Barrett (now in Texas)..6/7/01
I was just in the link remebering old places....who could forget Kustas.....on Main Street....the best cherry phosphates for miles, Your Host, in the Big N plaza...Henry's...good burgers......Devil's Rock...the night club....anyone remember Norban's on the corner of Main and Liberty St.? kibbe park and all the others in the summer time....to mark the end of summer vacaction...the parade down main street with all the parks particapation.....those were the good old days...that was the life.....we had it all....then moved away....now all we have is memories......good ones....
Michael Gioka yvonneandmike@earthlink.net Aug. 25, 2002
I recently found out about this web page and thought I would add a list of the things I remembered in Batavia since 1956 My name is Michael Gioka but I went by the name of Cimino. I lived on Prospect, Redfield pkwy.,and S.Bennett hts.
Hello to Batavia... Do you remember my list of most things gone by? Not in any order. only as I thought of them.
Rhineharts,genesee farm dairy, Climax Corp., Golden Shield, Golden Hair Pin, Epco, Marthas Swap Shop Northside Grosery,The old bus station trailways and greyhound, Roaches Mobil Station, The Batavia Club, Sam Pecka Turf Farm, Minors Shoe Factory, Triangle Liquor Store, The Box Factory, Rudolphs Jewelery, Guys Submarines, Hoopers Sweet Shop, Deveners Auto Parts, Bushville Auuto Salvage, Dr. Smallmans, Ebling Electric, The City Bus, Main St. and The Loop, The Willow Bend Inn (Dodge City), The Turkey Kitchen, Roxy's old store, Grefraths Chicken Hatchery, The Moose Club, Scotland Yard, Palmers Resturant, The Purple Onion on Clinton St. Rd., DanDee Potato Chip, Sears , Sonoco Station on Center St., The Red Top, Dagwood Resturant, The Steak House, Secord Electric, The Paddock (Natoli's) Branton Dairy, Chapen Owens, Massey Harris, Red Barn, Diegelmans Station next to Olivers, The Roller Rink next to old Roxy's, Slot car racer., Batavia Radio Supply, The Old Mill Outlet, Ann! s Paint Store, Peters, Carls Barber Shope I could use a hair cut., Hamelton Hotel, Hotel Richmond, Handee Garage, AtoZGarage, Athoe Motors, Dew Drop In, Zinos, Louie Delios, The Value(first G.C.C.), Joels Tv Service, Shavies T.V.Service, Sylvania Television, The Smoke Shope, Dean Drugs, Albertys Drugs, Murry Lawings Studio, Mancuso and Dipson Movies, Arena's Hot Dog Stand, Checkerbord, Derose Pizza, Star Market, Things Shoe Store, Joes Barber ShopeThe Childerens Home. Cars, And I remember the horse drwawn Brantons MilkWaggon.
Well I just went back in time and I guess I still have a lot of good memories of Batavia. Maybe I will do some more thinking about the Good Old Days.. Maybe you will add this message to the list. I 've enjoyed it, Thanks Mike