Fairport was incorporated as a village in 1867. However, its first settler, Peter Ripley, built a cabin in about 1810 along Thomas Creek near where Parce Avenue is today. About the time the Erie Canal became navigable in our area in 1822, what would later become the village had a small number of log homes, and a few wood frame homes, with the recent availability of sawn lumber. An early hotel opened on the north bank of the canal. It was here that it has been said an early traveler proclaimed, “This is a fine port,” leading to the eventual name of the village.
Once canal boats began to bring passengers and carry freight, the area began to grow. A settlement where Perinton Park is today, called Fullam’s Basin, included a tavern with a post office, warehouses, a blacksmith shop, and a few homes.
Large amounts of farm produce were shipped by canal for decades, and warehouses lined the banks of the canal. The commercial benefits of the canal were tempered by the introduction of the New York Central Railroad through Fairport and Perinton, beginning in 1853.
Both the Erie Canal and the railroad made the village of Fairport an ideal location for the manufacturing of goods. Some prominent examples:
- DeLand factory, a producer of saleratus, similar to baking powder, and other products. Their sales extended across the country and beyond, aided by the ability to receive raw materials and ship their products via the rails and the canal.
- On the village’s north side, the P. Cox Shoe Company built a factory in the early 1880s, utilizing a spur off the railroad. Eventually the site became the home of the Sanitary Can Company, and later, the American Can Company.
- Taylor Manufacturing, makers of Taylor’s Oil of Life, and other 19th century medicinal products.
The availability of efficient and cost-effective transportation gave Fairport a competitive advantage, compared to other nearby communities. The railroad, including freight and passenger service, the Erie Canal, and the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railway (trolley) allowed residents to easily and cheaply commute to destinations near and far. Fairport residents were able to commute to jobs in Rochester, something far more difficult for some of our geographic neighbors.
The Municipal Building on North Main Street in 1965. At that time, the building provided all town and village government functions, as well as the Fairport Fire Department.
This early 1912 view to the east was taken from the Main Street bridge. It shows the widening and deepening of the canal which occurred during the Barge Canal project. The Parker Street bridge is not visible, as it had been removed, to be replaced soon after the photo was taken.
Assembly of the Main Street lift bridge in Fairport in 1914. South Main Street is visible in the distance.
A view from 1931 looking south on South Main Street in Fairport.
Construction of the Fairport Public Library in 1937. The building has been the home of the Perinton Historical Society’s museum since 1979.
The intersection of Main Street and Church Street in 1951.
This view of North Main Street was taken between 1906 and 1909. A trolley car of the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railway is visible on the far left.
Fairport’s second accredited high school, which replaced the West Church Street school in 1924. The building has been repurposed and provides condominium residences within the heart of Fairport.
A circa 1960s view looking west toward the Main Street lift bridge.
Commonly referred to as the Northside School for the growing north side of the village. This school was built in 1886, and soon after grew with the population of the village. The building still stands today and provides residential apartments for local residents.
An early 1960s view of West Avenue, looking to the east, with the Main Street canal lift bridge in view.
A scene from June of 1916 of a fire which occurred at the York State Fruit Company, today known as the Box Factory building.
Fairport’s first accredited high school was located on West Church Street, where the school district’s administrative offices are found today. The school was dedicated in 1873. The first graduating class of Fairport’s first high school occurred in June of 1876.
