The interpretive historical signs were only placed at several points in the village a week ago and already folks are stopping to read — and learn — more about Fairport.
In all, 13 signs filled with easy-to-read nuggets of Fairport history put together by historian Jean Keplinger, new-and-old photographs and maps make for a fascinating journey through time, said Scott Winner, director of the Fairport Village Partnership.
“We wanted to foster awareness and history of the canal, and Fairport’s relationship to the canal,” Winner said.
One of the signs details the DeLand family’s role in the development of the village’s four corners. Another shows the evolution of South Main Street over the years, and another highlights the lift bridge.
The signs are placed where the history was made, heightening the sense of place for visitors and residents, Winner said. For instance, you can read a sign about the Trolley Station area and look up and see it as it stands today.
“It’s a real trip through history of the village and its founding families,” Winner said.
Kal Wysokowski, executive director of the Fairport Industrial Development Agency, said the signs are a “fabulous” way to showcase Fairport to visitors.
“The signs help tell our story, and it’s a great story,” Wysokowski said.
The signs, some of which still have to be placed, cost $26,000, with half of the cost coming from a matching grant from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor group.
Mayor Fritz May said the project not only encourages learning local history, but helps promote the village as a walkable community.
“Residents and visitors alike are learning a whole lot about the village,” May said.
