During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, as Rochester flourished as a hub of industry, culture, and education, the city’s elite showcased their wealth by building grand mansions, often adorned with home libraries featuring floor-to-ceiling bookcases, rolling ladders, and cozy upholstered furniture. In an era when public libraries were scarce and books costly, these private collections became a staple of Rochester’s upper class and reflected the city’s growing status as an intellectual and economic hub.
Over time, as the estates changed hands, many new owners preserved the home libraries— some to honor the original purpose of the room and others to create a dedicated space for their own love of books. Home libraries have served various purposes for their different owners over the years, and today they offer a glimpse into Rochester’s history and its enduring appreciation for literature.
Rochester’s home libraries
Throughout Rochester’s history, private libraries have reflected their owners’ passions and commitment to sharing knowledge, leaving lasting legacies for the community. George Eastman’s estate on East Avenue was known for its library, which showcased his interests in photography, travel, and music. The Potter family, among the wealthiest in Fairport during the mid 1800s, maintained an impressive private library that was cherished and preserved across generations. Fred Potter, the last member of the family to reside in the area, bequeathed $5,000 to the Fairport Public Library to purchase books upon his passing in 1943 and generously donated the family’s personal library to benefit the entire community.
But home libraries were more than mere status symbols. For Rochesterians, they reflected a deep appreciation for education, serving as vital resources for self-improvement, learning, and entertainment. Reformers such as Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass relied on their personal libraries to inform their activism; Anthony’s library included volumes on legal history, women’s suffrage, and abolition, and Douglass’s collection included books on philosophy, history, politics, religion, and literature.
The architectural grandeur of Rochester’s historic homes often extended to their libraries, and the influence of Victorian design (1840– 1900) was evident. Wealthy families commissioned custom-built bookcases, paneling, and desks, and the walls were adorned with fancy wallpaper, portraits of historical figures and authors, and maps, which reflected the owners’ educational aspirations.
Home libraries in modest-income households were often simpler but equally significant, featuring smaller bookshelves stocked with practical volumes on farming, mechanics, and education. These private collections played a role in fostering community connections. In the absence of public libraries, families often shared their books with neighbors or hosted reading groups.
Today, the Rochester area benefits from an excellent public library system, with more than thirty libraries in Monroe County alone. However, private collections in home libraries continue to hold a special place, particularly for passionate book lovers.
Sunday suppers in the library
On Sundays, George Conboy opens his home and welcomes friends, family, and coworkers for what he calls “Sun-day Suppers.” During the colder winter months, these gatherings take on an extra layer of warmth as he moves his large dining table into the oak-paneled library of his 1917 Tudor home, creating a cozy ambiance where guests dine by the glow of the fireplace, surrounded by volumes from his collection.
Conboy, chairman of Brighton Securities, has lived in the house since 2000. When he was considering purchasing the home, the house’s history appealed to him just as much as the structure itself. It was once owned by C. E. Kenneth Mees, a pioneering photographic scientist and the first director of research at Eastman Kodak, where he significantly advanced the development of modern photographic emulsions and color film. “Mees was an author, and I’m fortunate to have a number of his books in my collection,” says Conboy. “He authored several influential books on photography and science. Having his books here in this library is an homage to him.”
Conboy doesn’t own a television, choosing instead to spend his free time as an avid reader among his cozy oversized furniture and book-laden shelves. His diverse collection reflects his interests and personality, featuring works on travel, history, and fiction. Over the twenty-five years he’s lived in the house, the library’s décor has evolved, showcasing treasures gathered from his journeys and personal passions. The oriental rugs hold special meaning for him, as he selects pieces that catch his eye during his travels, without restricting himself to any specific color or pattern.
Another favorite feature in the space is the grand fireplace, the focal point of the room. “The fireplace in the home when I moved in wasn’t original and felt out of place, so I had it redesigned to better align with the house’s character,” he shares. “My favorite feature is the two upper corner tiles, each adorned with a beehive—a symbol of thrift and savings, which is fitting, given my career in finance.”
In addition to hosting Sunday dinners, Conboy enjoys lending books to friends and family, transforming the space into a true library—a place where people come together to learn, exchange ideas, and share stories, cultivating a strong sense of community and connection.
As Conboy demonstrates, Rochester’s home libraries are more than collections of books—they are windows into the city’s intellectual and cultural soul, serving as welcoming spaces where friends and family can gather for meaningful conversations. It’s this spirit of connection that drives historic homeowners to preserve these spaces, ensuring they continue to foster a sense of community for generations to come.
This article originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of (585).
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