This presentation discusses Claude Bragdon, the preeminent Rochester architect whose achievements left legacies throughout the City of Rochester. His 1914 New York Central passenger station drew raves nationally. While this building was sadly demolished, its exterior design using half - circles to remind on-lookers of steam engine driving wheels forms the basis of the recently completed Transportation Center. Moreover, homes that he and his partners designed can be seen today in several of Rochester’s residential areas, while in and around Rochester’s downtown are Bragdon - designed buildings that remain and contribute to the “look of the city”. With images from the Rochester Public Library, the Museum and Science Center, and the Landmark Society, this presentation details the achievements and legacies of Claude Fayette Bragdon.

Recently retired from an engineering career, Richard Chait turned to writing about railroads and the memories he had of them growing up in the Rochester area. A graduate of Charlotte High School, his articles for the New York Central Historical Society have featured the Genesee River Swing Bridge at Charlotte, the New York Central passenger station on Central Avenue, and the Hojack Line along Lake Ontario. His books, “Rails In and Around Saratoga Springs” and “Rails In Rochester and Monroe County” are available from Arcadia Publishing Company.