4 North Madison Park
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On this spot in 1843, a brick building was erected to house Rochester School #2. At that time, the park was known as Mechanic’s Square. Originally built to accommodate 200 pupils, student registration had soared to 502 by 1854. Mary S. Anthony, sister of Susan B. Anthony, taught at this school and would eventually become its principal, after demanding, and receiving, equal pay for equal work.
The building was remodeled in 1868 and continued as one school or another, including the Vocational School for Girls, the Madison Park Vocational School, and the West Side School for Boys. In 1939, it was demolished. The lot at 4 North Madison Park remained empty for several years, but was used by the neighborhood for various outdoor activities and festivities. The house which now stands on the lot was built in 2002 through the Women Build Project of Flower City Habitat for Humanity. The new house was designed to fit in well with its nineteenth century neighbors. The present Rochester School #2 is named for Clara Barton and is nearby on Reynolds Street, south of Main. Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was a suffragist and good friend of Mary & Susan B. Anthony. |