Step Back into Pre-Civil War Canandaigua. In 1858, Canandaigua was a bustling community with a rapidly growing downtown and residential area of elegant homes along North Main Street. Most houses had deep lots for flower and vegetable gardens, orchards, animals, barns, and carriage houses many of which can be seen in the images. In addition, many of these buildings are still standing, gracing our streets with their 19th century beauty.

Our photographer Augustus Coleman (1836-1888) took these photos from the cupola of his home at 60 Gibson Street, probably in late fall of 1858. The glass plate negatives of these photos remained stored in the attic of the house long after his death and were rediscovered by the current owner. We are most fortunate to have the opportunity to preserve and display these very early and very rare images of Canandaigua.

A catalog of the exhibit is available in the bookstore.