VOLUME 2 - WINTER 2002 - NUMBER 2 - PAGE 1

THE PINNACLE RANGE: THE BERM THAT SAVED BRIGHTON

By Leo Dodd

The Pinnacle Range, a glacial deposit rising several hundred feet above the farm land of Brighton has proved to be “our good neighbor.” In the eager 1800s rush to expand the territory of the City of Rochester, which culminated in the 1905 acquisition of Brighton Village, the Pinnacle Range has been our defender. The range height gave pause to the movement and protected our farmlands. When development did move south of the range in the 20th century, it was designed to complement the tower- ing hillside, as a rural and city-isolated view. Next time you drive down Highland Ave. say, “Thanks,” to your friend—the Pinnacle Range.

This aerial view of the Pinnacle Range taken in 1920 shows intense city development to the north and Brighton farms to the south.

The city government and the Town of Brighton both failed to recognize the importance of preserving this unique landmass. Voices of concerned neighbors sounded from the earliest times, but were not recognized. The range was stripped of the original forest, and then exposed for its content of sand, gravel and clay deposits. Money was mined from these hills. The cause of preservation could not compete.

Slowly, sections of the range were purchased, transformed and preserved. Looking back on the past 200 years of our area’s “civilized” history and viewing the range today you might say, “we lucked out.” The heights exist, with considerable beauty.

Five cemeteries found refuge over the years on the slopes of the Pinnacle Range: Mt. Hope, West Brighton, St. Boniface, St. Patrick’s, and Brighton. Today Mt. Hope Cemetery controls the west end and Brighton Cemetery the east end of the Range. Two parks, Highland and Cobb’s Hill, provide access for views overlooking the Rochester area. The heights have provided the lift and therefore pressure necessary to deliver our water supply from both Highland and Cobb’s Hill reservoirs. George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry, two of Rochester’s early settlers, purchased, donated and set the example of respect for this natural landscape treasure. The Seneca Indians defined the walking route around the south side of the range and the Erie Canal defined the north side. The Brighton Aerodrome was located on the south slope and the Eastern Widewaters was built at the base of the north slope. History can be found with every step along the range.

“Old Pinnacle Hill from Cobbs Hill.”

“Culver Road Bridge over Eastern Widewaters.

Children’s Pavilion in Highland Park.

1911 topgraphical map shows city streets vs. Brighton farms with Pinnacle Hills between.

Frederick Law Olmsted was quoted in the first issue of “The Pinnacle” on Sept. 4, 1909: “Any part of the Pinnacle Hills would be a valuable addition to the park system of Rochester. These hills form so important a feature in the topography of Rochester, it would be a serious calamity if they were closed to the public.” The discussion goes on today in an attempt to recognize and preserve this land. The recently enacted Brighton Comprehensive Plan 2000, recommends preservation of 24 acres of the Pinnacle Hills.

The Senecas, were they to return to Brighton today, would not be able to walk the hill-top trail as before, but could still find their old friend and recognize it. The Pinnacle Range separated and protected our area. Hidden from the big city, Brighton was able to develop its unique history.

Ed Cornwell HISTORIC BRIGHTON PROGRAM AND ANNUAL MEETING SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3 AT 2PM Historic Brighton invites you to spend a winter afternoon with Ed Cornwell, Rochester’s antiques and collectibles expert. He will bring local history to life as he presents and discusses objects from his own collection, many of which have been discovered on the property of his 19th century home in Churchville. Mr. Cornwell has conducted courses on antique collecting at the RMSC and is a well-known radio personality appearing on WXXI’s program 1370 Connection with host Bob Smith. Join us for what will be a fascinating program. Mr. Cornwell will be glad to answer questions from the audience. Brighton Town Hall 2300 Elmwood Avenue Downstairs Meeting Room Please park and enter at the rear of the building.

ANNUAL MEETING ELECTIONS The February 3rd meeting is also the Annual Meeting for Historic Brighton. The board of directors of the not-for-profit corporation will be re-elected at that time. There are no new directors to elect. The slate of officers approved by the board at its January meeting will also be announced and a vote of approval by the general membership will be requested. That slate consists of president, Monica Gilligan; vice president, Maureen Holtzman; secretary, Janet Hopkin; and treasurer, Patricia Aslin.

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