Memories

Memories of Joseph Avenue
and the Northeast Quadrant

Our community of Rochester and the Northeast Quadrant — spanning generations, with many former residents now spread across the globe — has come together in a unique way: sharing memories of Joseph Avenue, the Northeast Quadrant, and the neighborhood. Together, residents past and present share their stories as we all look ahead to a vibrant future transformed through the arts.

Our stories combine to create a new series: "Memories of Joseph Avenue and the Northeast Quadrant." We invite you to submit your memories of the neighborhood with us by emailing memories@josephavearts.org — you never know who you’ll inspire next!

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Featured

Businesses, Children

Swiftly Fly the Years

Businesses, Children

Sometimes the clearest memories we have are the simple ones. The moments that pass by every day, that may seem insignificant at the time, but later they become a sacred thing to cherish for the rest of your life.

Businesses, Children

A Community in Song

Some of our memories together may be those we most recently shared. Memories that inspire us and create a deep sense of community. For Christina, inspiration derives from the many voices who came together in song and created memories that will last a lifetime through the Northeast Family and Community Choir.

Loomis, Bnai Israel

A Future of Hope

Loomis, Bnai Israel

Sometimes the best memories are made in the quiet spaces beyond the busy streets — on a peaceful road lined with children playing, filled with families full of pride for each other and in their growing community. This week, we travel back behind Joseph Avenue and around the corner from Clifford Avenue, tucked on quiet Loomis Street with Bnai Israel as a backdrop.

Loomis, Bnai Israel

Joseph Ave & Cohen's Kosher Restaurant

Who remembers Cohen's Kosher Restaurant? Or having family and friends just a few quick steps away?

The 40s, 50s, and 60s

Walk down the Avenue and you will meet someone you know. Kids will be playing baseball and basketball on the street. People will be going into and out of each other's homes without calling ahead first.

Food, Barber

Memories from 1944-1948

Food, Barber

My memories of life on Joseph Avenue, from my vantage point at the intersection of Herman St. (now Upper Falls Blvd) and Joseph Avenue, comes from the period of 1944 -1948 when I was between 4 and 8 years of age.

Food, Barber

Cohen's, Food, Kolko, Shule

A Walk through the Neighborhood

Cohen's, Food, Kolko, Shule

Travel back to the old neighborhood and remember the sights and smells of Cohen's Restaurant and Fox's Deli, the men of the barbershops, and the many adventures that were shared up and down the streets.

Cohen's, Food, Kolko, Shule