This past weekend was the 50th anniversary of the Joseph H. Plumb Library. As with all buildings in Rochester that are 50 years or older and with a connection to the town’s history, the Rochester Historical Commission presents a historical plaque. Currently (counting the library), there are 11 historic buildings with plaques. We hope soon to be able to increase that number by adding plaques to the Leonard’s Pond Gristmill and the Academy in the center of town. These buildings are not only old, but their histories have also had a significant impact on the town.
The Rochester Historical Commission views these plaques as essential to keeping the town’s history alive. Continuing with that theme, plaques are also available to anyone whose house meets the criteria found on the town’s website under the Historical Commission section. The cost is $70. There are several private homes with plaques. As you drive around Rochester, see if you can spot any of them.
The Rochester Historical Commission relies on the Rochester Historical Society to authenticate both the age and the connection to Rochester history. This may be through the events or people associated with the house, a distinctive architectural style or a local area’s pre-history. When the survey of Rochester’s historic homes was done by the Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc., the homes included were from the earliest days of Rochester: the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Recently, we changed the cutoff date to 1975, thus including buildings that are at least 50 years old.
The picture shown here is the plaque on the East Rochester Congregational Church, also known as the Rochester Historical Museum. All plaques look alike and include the date the structure was built. These numbers are larger than the name and the Rochester Historical Commission. These two are the same size.
The library’s plaque will be placed to the side of the front door, which faces toward the green.
By Connie Eshbach
