John R. Stewart collection on Rochester (N. Y.) railroads and vehicle and engine manufacturing

Rochester, New York was served by many railroads, including some of the largest railway companies in America. Represented in this collection are documents and photographs from the following companies:

Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh (later Baltimore and Ohio)

Erie Railroad

New York Central Railroad

Pennsylvania Railroad

Rochester also had an extensive history of producing vehicles, especially automobiles and heavy trucks, during the during the first quarter of the twentieth century. Rochesterian George B. Selden's 1895 patent for an automobile spawned a notable court case and caused conflict with Henry Ford, amongst other early automobile manufacturers. Selden's patent would ultimately be disallowed, but his company would go on to become a prominent early manufacturer of heavy trucks. Another Rochester business, James Cunningham, Son and Company, a former coach maker, would go on to be noted for both its heavy trucks and its luxury cars. Rochester engine builders would also find considerable success in the early twentieth century. The Elbridge Engine Company, Frank A. Brownell's multiple engine-building businesses, the Rochester Gas Engine Company, and the Rochester Motors Corporation all had notable success in the early years of large-scale internal combustion manufacture.