The Town of Ogden and Village of Spencerport, located in the heart of the picturesque Genesee Valley region of western New York, strike a unique balance between quiet country living and urban excitement. A mere 12 miles from the heart of downtown Rochester, the Ogden-Spencerport area is easily reached using the 531 western expressway.
Ogden boasts population of about 18,500 and offers a pleasing combination of working farms, residential homes in beautifully developed neighborhoods, and light industry. All the modern conveniences are only minutes away, yet residents enjoy the quiet solitude of country living. In fact, it is not unusual to spot a herd of cows on one corner and a plaza bustling with activity on the next.
The Ogden Farmers' Library, located at 269 Ogden Center Road,
is home to one of the best genealogy and family history research libraries in Monroe County. An active group of volunteers from the Western Monroe County Genealogical Society consistently produce original research on early settlers, vital records and other historically important topics, and members of the group are available at the library every Wednesday to offer research advice and assistance. For more information, visit the library website at www.ogdenny.com/library.
Northhampton Park is located in Ogden with entrances off Route
31 and Colby Street. The park is owned and operated by Monroe County and features year-round activities such as cross-country skiing and sledding in the winter, and hiking and picnicking during the summer months.
Located within Northhampton Park is Springdale Farm, a working farm operated by Heritage Christian Home Inc., a non-profit agency that supports individuals with developmental disabilities. Springdale hosts tours and special events such as the “Maize Quest Gigantic Cornfield Maze” and presents a variety of educational programs for children.
Ogden and Spencerport are home to several farms that provide residents and visitors with abundant fresh produce during the growing season. Colby Farms, founded in 1803, is one of the oldest in Monroe County and still produces fruit and vegetable crops each year. Whittier Fruit Farm provides apples, sweet corn and other produce on the south side of town, while Robb’s Fruit Farm serves the northern end of Ogden. Nearly all the farms offer U-Pick and full service farm markets.
The Village of Spencerport is located within the town and has a population of about 3,600 people. Old Victorian style homes dot the tree-lined streets, while people of all ages relax along the grassy banks of the Erie Canal. A traditional "small-town" business district runs for several blocks along Union Street right through the heart of the Village. There you will find diverse gift shops and boutiques offering everything from African art to American primitives, as well as a gourmet coffee shop, an ice cream parlor, and some of the best pizza you'll ever taste.
Perhaps the most popular attraction in the area is the Erie Canal, which flows directly through the center of Spencerport. Docking areas in the Village provide access to fuel, food and shopping. A path along the canal is available for biking and walking from Spencerport to all canalside towns and villages in Rochester and Monroe County. The Galley Restaurant is located on the canal and offers full-service dining in their dining room or outdoors along the canal. The Village Plaza is home to supermarket, laundromat, Chinese restaurant, banks, a used book store and more. All these shops and more are located within walking distance of the Erie Canal docks. For more information on Spencerport.
Just a short 1.5 mile drive north from Spencerport on North Union Street brings you to Ridge Road, also known as Route 104. Historically known as Parma Corners, this intersection was the crossroads of two Native American trails and soon became an important commercial hamlet as settlement occurred in the early 19th century.
"The Ridge," as Ridge Road is often referred to locally, extends about 5 miles across the southern end of the Town of Parma. It is currently home to a mix of commercial businesses and privately owned residential homes. Among the activities available along the Ridge are indoor, outdoor and miniature golf facilities. Automobile service stations and sales dealerships abound, and car afficianados will find a wide variety of new, used and classic cars for sale along the road. Retail businesses are well represented in the various flea markets, specialty clothing boutiques, antique shops, furniture stores and other establishments offering everything from dolls to food and lodging. Sprinkled throughout the area are several historic sites, homes and buildings. All are privately owned, but are visible from the road.
Two miles north of the Ridge on Route 259 is the Parma Town Hall and Historian's Office where one can find more information on Parma's past. Become a "Ridge Runner" on your next trip through western Monroe County and explore the wide variety of activities and sites to see along the Ridge Road in South Parma. For more information on Parma.
Photos courtesy of Paul Boccacino and the Canal Days Committee. Browse through our photo gallery for more images of our town and village.
Spencerport Area Video
Produced by 13-WHAM TV
Updated December 2007
