Joanie Fraver
Corn Hill Arts Festival
Interview No. 41
I love the feeling of possibility and excitement that is almost palpable in our city right now.
Interview by Emma Daitz.
Published July 7, 2016.
What part of Rochester are you from?
I am a Rochester native; I grew up on Conkey Avenue in the Clinton/Clifford area.
What is your favorite part of living in Rochester?
I love the diversity of the area and all that city living has to offer. I love its small size, yet its huge historical significance.
Do you have any favorite Rochester spots?
Mt. Hope Cemetery. It’s a truly beautiful park and it has a unique story. The narrated tours through the cemetery are amazing.
What is your favorite time of day to hang out in the city?
Saturday afternoon
What is your favorite day of the week?
Saturday
Describe your dream Rochester day.
Take a long walk through Mt. Hope Cemetery on a sunny summer morning. Then walk to a downtown lunch spot like Magnolia's on Park, and then hang out in an independent or secondhand bookstore. Take a canoe trip down the canal or river from Genesee Valley Waterways. Then have ice-cream in the evening with my four beautiful grandchildren.
Our history with such groundbreaking mavericks such as George Eastman, Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, the Fox sisters, etc, is so interesting.
Do you have a favorite neighborhood?
Corn Hill
Favorite bar?
Tap and Mallet in the Southwedge, Stout on Main St. near Winton, or Scotland Yard.
Personal coping method for cold/grey weather?
Read a good book or plan a trip!
What is your favorite Rochester memory?
I love our unique location on a lake/river/canal. Our history with such groundbreaking mavericks such as George Eastman, Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, the Fox sisters, etc, is so interesting.
What do you think could be improved?
I think Rochester could build much more on its historical significance and could do more to highlight its unique neighborhoods. We HAVE to do something about the number of children growing up in poverty and our failing schools.
If Rochester were a book, what would it be?
The Little Engine That Could. We are small but look at our energy! Everywhere around us is new building and construction in the city, and neighborhoods are being revamped and improved. I love the feeling of possibility and excitement that is almost palpable in our city right now. It makes me hopeful for continued growth and renewed prosperity.
Joanie Fraver is a proud resident of Corn Hill and the chair of the Corn Hill Arts Festival. This year’s festival takes place on July 9-10 and features 375 artists.
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