Community War Memorial Construction Photographs
Content Description
This collection consists of 63 black and white photographic prints depicting the construction of Rochester's Community War Memorial arena between 1951 and 1955. The photographs depict many elements of the project not typically seen, such as plumbing and HVAC installation. They were taken by Al Piccoli, a professional photographer, though it is unknown if he created them under contract or out of personal interest.
Dates
- Creation: 1951-1955; the dates that Piccoli stamped on the backs of the photographs likely represent when they were printed, not when they were taken. It is known that certain images can only depict times earlier than the stamped dates.
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.
Administrative History
The Rochester Community War Memorial is an arena and event center that also houses the community Veteran's Memorial, located at Exchange and Broad Streets in downtown Rochester, New York. Formerly the location of the Kimball Tobacco Factory (demolished 1951), the site was identified as an ideal place for a community auditorium/arena from the early 20th century onward. A 1944 Planning Commission report cemented this idea, adding the Veteran's Memorial function, with Dutch-born Rochester architect Leonard Waasdorp hired to design the building soon after World War II ended. Construction began in 1951, and the building opened on October 18, 1955; it originally included a lower-level exhibiition hall and permanent stage at the south end of the arena. The facility was extensively modernized (notably, the stage was removed and seating increased from 7400 to over 12000) between 1996 and 1998.
Extent
.05 Cubic Feet ( 63 black and white photographic prints housed in photo sleeve pages.)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
This collection consists of 1 box.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Found in collections, 2024.
Bibliography
Murphy, Justin. "Evolution of an Arena: From the War Memorial to Blue Cross."Democrat & Chronicle (newspaper), Rochester, New York. ROC ROOTS, June 30, 2016, accessed April 2, 2024 from https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/local/rocroots/2016/06/30/blue-cross-arena-rochester-pegula-history/86549268/.
Condition Description
The photographs are in excellent condition.
Cultural context
Genre / Form
Geographic
Topical
- Title
- A Guide to the Community War Memorial Construction Photographs
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Brandon Fess
- Date
- 2024-04-01
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the Local History & Genealogy Division Repository
115 South Ave.
Rochester 14604 USA
585-428-8370
585-428-8353 (Fax)
lochistref@libraryweb.org