Although most of the commercial activity took place on the west bank, Irondequoit rivaled Charlotte as a summer resort. At the north end of Irondequoit Bay was Sea Breeze with its docks, hotels and amusement park. Also on the bay were the Newport House and Glen Haven. In 1872, Joseph Tone laid out 40 ft. x 100 ft. lots on railroad land that was rented out to summer guests. These visitors started erecting seasonal tents that later became permanent homes in the area we still call "Whie City." By 1884, people traveled to the shore via the Windsor Beach Railroad or electric trolley. Directly across from this overlook was a paint factory. The "Roundhouse," also known as the "Summerville Garden Pavilion", was built in 1893 near the east bank ferry landing. Located at the corner of Rock Beach Road and Washington Avenue was the Claverhouse. Its Post Office served Summerville and White City from 1895 to 1934. Marine activities and boats have always been a part of Irondequoit's history, from its shipyards to its marinas. Irondequoit is home to annual regattas and races hosted by the historic Genesee and Rochester Yacht Clubs. The Rochester Yacht Club was incorporated in April of 1887. Shown above is one of their previous clubhouses. Today's building dates from 1922. The RYC celebrated its 125th birthday in 2002. Yearly training exercises were held at the Naval Militia building that was torn down in the 1970's. In October of 1876, Charlotte's Life-Saving Station opened on the west bank and later relocated to Summerville. In 1903, Captain George Gray and his crew received gold medals for their heroic rescue of the crew of the JOHN R. NOYES. The Life-Saving Service and the Revenue Cutter Service merged to form the Coast Guard on January 28, 1915. The Lighthouse Service was absorbed into the Coast Guard on July 1, 1939, weeks after the June 6th opening of today's "Station Rochester" building.
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