Brown's Race Commissioners Collection, 1880-1910

Summary

Extent:
2 Volumes Two volumes.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Brown's Race Commissioners Collection. [volume #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection comprises records of and related to the Brown's Race Commissioners between 1880 and 1910. It comprises two bound volumes, one of meeting minutes and the other a New York State Supreme Court decision regarding water rights on the race.

Biographical / historical:

Brown's Race, a mill race on the Genesee River, was constructed by the Brown Brothers (Mathew, Jr.; David and Francis) in 1815. Taking the form of a power canal on the west bank of the river just north of the High Falls in the then-village of Frankfort, Brown's Race provided water to power numerous industrial operations. The race continued to serve this purpose for over a century, long after Frankfort became part of the City of Rochester. Eventually, at an undetermined date, the operation and administration of Brown's Race fell under the control of a Board of Commissioners. This board oversaw water rights along the race and was responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. Details on the history of the Commission are scarce; it appears that the Board operated independently and regularly ran afoul of businesses holding water rights on the race due to disputes over access, over repairs and over ensuring enough water was available for the race versus competing interests.

Arrangement:

This collection consists of two bound volumes.

Physical description:
Both volumes are in very good condition, with sound covers, spines and bindings. The Court decision is on onion skin, and the text block is lightly tanned and wrinkled.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

Brown's Race Commissioners Collection. [volume #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Location of this collection:
Rundel Memorial Building
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
585-428-8370
lochist@libraryweb.org