Walking Tour
Experiencing the Hamlet Then and Now
Introduction
Once An Independent Farming Frontier...
One of the first settlers to East Rush, which is now just know as Rush’s hamlet, was John Webster who came to Rush from Connecticut in 1810. Soon other family’s followed and what was once a wild western frontier became a thriving rural community.
...Now a Bedroom Community
Although the community still has farms, they are far fewer than they once were. Instead, many of Rush’s residents work outside of the town they live in, many of which commute to downtown Rochester, which is only a 20 minute drive on Route 390.
Rush Hamlet Walking Tour Overview
The map below shows the key locations of this walking tour experience. Each maker corresponds with a section you can swipe to. Both the section and the marker bare the same name.
The tour begins with “Once a Gas Station,” located at 5947 E. Henrietta Road, and ends with “South of the Creek,” located at 6071 E. Henrietta Rd. The tour is approximately 45 minutes long.
Once a Gas Station, Always a Gas Station
From Quinn's Garage to 7-Eleven
While the site mainly served the community when it was Quinn’s Garage, it is now a frequent stop for commuters and passersby that drive through the town on major Routes 15A and 251.
Next Stop Fire Department...
From the Mobile Station head southeast on NY 25 E. until you reach 1971 Rush Mendon Rd. Walking time is approximately 1three minutes.
Firehouse and Emergency Services
Volunteers for Life
The Fire Department, which has been a volunteer operation since it was formed in 1920 is one of the pinnacles of the community by working with the Boy Scouts and hosting various events such as its past Fireman’s parade and the continually held annual Rush Fireman’s Carnival.
Next Stop Town Hall...
From the Fire Department head west on NY 251 W. then turn left onto NY 15A S until you reach 5977 E. Henrietta Rd. Walking time is approximately three minutes.
Town Hall
Built by the People for the People
The Rush Town Hall has been at its current location since the cornerstone was laid in 1935. Ever since then it has been an emblem of town pride for the past 80 years.
Next Stop Business North of the Creek...
From the Town Hall head south on 15A until you reach 6017 E. Henrietta Rd, where the forge of Rush blacksmith Frank Harding was once located. Take note of Papa’s Auto, Joelle Lane’s Hair Design and 6008 East Henrietta Road on your way there. Walking time is approximately two minutes.
North of the Creek
Businesses Continue to Contribute a Sense of Community
5970 East Henrietta Road
Art and Annie's Restaurant
6008 East Henrietta Road
6017 East Henrietta Road
Next Stop Honeoye Creek and the Business District...
From 6017 E. Henrietta Road, head south toward Honeoye Creek. Cross the bridge, and note the dam on your left hand side. When you reach the other end of the bridge, take a left onto the grassy area next to the creek that is Rush’s Veteran Memorial Park. Walking time is approximately three minutes.
Honeoye Creek and Industrial Busniess
Rush’s Industrial History
Despite its more open appearance today, the area directly south of the creek was packed with industrial businesses. The presence of the mill, canning factory and other high production facilities helped the town of Rush be a self sufficient, albeit small, town.
The Canning Factory
Flourishing Mill to Monumental Ruin
2 Park Lane
Next Stop Lehigh Valley Railroad ...
From the Veteran Memorial Park, head east on Lehigh Rd until you reach the gravel parking lot area for the Lehigh Valley Trail. Walking time is approximately two minutes.
Lehigh Valley Railroad
Part of Something Bigger
The Lehigh Valley Railroad came to Rush in 1892 and with it a demand for more housing and additional paid work. Now a major station on this interstate rail line, Rush residents began to feel more connected to the world around them and spruced up the appearance of their town for both those visiting and just passing through.
Next Stop the Post Office...
From the Lehigh Valley Railroad head east on Lehigh St toward NY-15A until you reach 6144 Rush Lima Road, where the post office is now located. Walking time is approximately three minutes.
From School to Post Office
An Artifact of What No Longer Remains
Although Rush once had a school system of its own that consisted of 12 different district schoolhouses, Rush is now a centralized school district with Henrietta. The Monica B. Leary elementary school is located in Rush while the other schools in the Rush-Henrietta Central School system are in Henrietta.
Next Stop Business St. Joseph's Church...
From the post office, head west on NY-15A towards St. Joseph’s Church at 1209 Rush West Rush Road. Walking time is approximately two minutes.
St. Joseph's Church and Religious Life
6131 Rush Lima Road
St. Joseph's Church
Next Stop Business South of the Creek...
From the St. Joseph’s head north on NY-15A to the Rush Creekside Inn, located at 6071 East Henrietta Road. Walking time is approximately two minutes.
South of the Creek
6081 and 6075 East Henrietta Rd
6071 East Henrietta Rd
The Price, Stull, Martin and Sherman Pioneer Families
This Concludes the Walking Tour
This project was created by Mev McMahon in collaboration with Susan Mee, Rush Town Historian, for use by the Town of Rush, N.Y. For more information about the history of Rush, visit the historian’s website.