WELCOME TO HISTORIC BRIGHTON
Historic Brighton is a Not-for-Profit Organization, created to educate Brighton citizens and the greater community about the history and growth of our town. We do scholarly research, which is published in our highly acclaimed newsletter; design and promote engaging and informative programs; and seek to illuminate the past in ways that support our community and encourage individuals to understand their local heritage.
The town of Brighton, NY was established in 1814. It is situated in the County of Monroe, abutting Lake Ontario in upstate New York. It was shaped by the Wisconsin Glacier until 8,000 BC and is now divided by the Genesee River. Brighton, a suburb of Rochester, was a Seneca Indian hunting ground before becoming an Erie Canal Village in 1823. With a robust nursery & farming community, Brighton became the brick industry capital of upstate New York in the 1800’s. There are still many well preserved 19th century brick homes within the town. Brighton’s 1792 Stone Tolan House is the oldest landmark in Monroe County. We invite you to share in the celebration of Brighton’s rich history.
Historic Brighton Board of Trustees
OFFICERS
- President: Elizabeth Doty
- Immediate Past-President/Nominating Chair: Arlene A. Vanderlinde
- Vice-Presidents:
- Membership: Janet Hopkin
- Communications: Marjorie Searl
- Recording Secretary: Carol Yost
- Treasurer: Michael Brandt
BOARD MEMBERS
- Sharon Bloemendaal
- Amy Ennis
- Jessica Lacher-Feldman
- Michael Lempert
- Eleanor Oi
- Marjorie Perlman
- Irmeli Ratnik
- Ron Richardson
- Jeff Vincent
- David J. Whitaker
- Mary Jo Lanphear – Town Historian
Rack Card Photo Key & Credits
- 1. 1792/1805 Stone-Tolan House, 2370 East Avenue. Federal style home of Orringh and Elizabeth Stone, designated Brighton Landmark. Museum owned by the Landmark Society. (1983 Woodcut by Harwood Dryer, used with permission from Virginia Dryer.)
- 2. 484 French Road: Former District #9 Schoolhouse. Designated Brighton Landmark, adapted into a private residence. (Photo credit: Arlene Vanderlinde.)
- 3. Section of 1902 Town of Brighton Plat Map.
- 4. Oliver Culver; First Brighton Town Supervisor. (Photo used with permission from the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.)
- 5. Present day photo of Twelve Corners, Brighton. (Used with permission of the Town of Brighton.)
- 6. Brighton was a much larger town in 1814 when it was founded. It was originally bordered on the north by Lake Ontario and on the west by the Genesee River. Beginning in 1823 and continuing through 1954, Brighton territory was annexed by the City of Rochester to the point where it became the third smallest town in Monroe County, after Gates and Irondequoit. Brighton’s village, centered at East Avenue and Winton Road, became the 21st Ward of the City of Rochester in 1905. (Photo and description courtesy of the Town of Brighton.)
- 7. Old Brighton Village – 1905 (Watercolor painting by Leo Dodd, used with permission.)
