The Unexpected at the Liberty Pole

Sam and I went out with his friend Kendall to take pictures in the City.  I was all excited because I was going to take the boys to the top of the Hyatt Parking Garage.  Long story short, we were kicked off the garage.  I need to have permission from Hyatt management for Sam to take photos.  Another story for another time.

I announced that our next stop was going to be the Liberty Pole.  "Yeah!" was the response from the boys.  You would think that we were going to see the Statue of Liberty.  Being young is fun.  Sam was all excited as he asks if he can take turns riding his scooter.  I know who will be carrying the cameras.  We park the car and the kids ride up the street.  I could tell that they were more and more excited as we got closer to the Liberty Pole.  First I had Sam take some pictures on the way. 

This is the George Eastman Performance Hall where the Rochester Philharmonic Plays.

This shot was also taken while walking to the Liberty Pole.

One of my favorites of the night.

Finally reaching the Liberty Pole

The Liberty Pole is a steel sculpture on the intersection of Main Street, East Ave and Franklin Street in Downtown Rochester.  The first pole was erected in 1846 and made of wood.  After it fell, a second pole was destroyed after a Christmas storm in 1889.  The third and current pole was designed by James H. Johnson and was erected in 1965.

The literature talks about how the old wood liberty poles were places that people met.  I can imagine the woman in long skirts and men with top hates whispering their love messages, "Meet me at the Liberty Pole."  My minds eye sees horse drawn carriages as people bought their fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Market. 

From my conversations with people it is said that the steel pole was full of controversy.  I guess Rochestarians thought that the steel pole was ugly and useless.  This is the first time I have been to the lit up pole and it is a beautiful site.  Santa Clause and the Rochester Mayer meet the townsfolk every year after Thanksgiving to light the pole.  It is a Rochester Tradition. 

The three of us get closer to the pole as the kids are taking turn on the scooter.  I get Sam all set to take some photos.

This is one of my favorite photos that Sam took that special night.

Sam took this photo soon after we got there.

The Liberty Pole today is a hangout for skateboarders.  It is basically a hangout for kids that have no other place to go.  Kids were filming themselves while performing  their special stunts.  Sam loved this as he went around and around on his scooter.  Suddenly these two guys come driving up and start unloading their sport bikes with their professional cameras.  The skateboarders no longer seemed interesting. 

I introduced Sam and asked if he could take pictures alongside them.  The two young men were having a photo shoot for a sport bike calendar.  It was such a perfect opportunity for Sam.  They set up their equipment and started taking pictures.  These are some of Sam's.

This is one of the guys getting the proper ISO.

This is Sam's picture of the bike.

I don't know which one I like better.

Sam watched as the young men were taking pictures in the street while I was telling Sam how dangerous it was and not to take pictures unless there is someone with him to watch out for him.  "I Know Mom!" was the response I was rewarded with.  We watched for a few more minutes, said thank you to the guys and headed back to the car while taking more pictures.

This is a picture going toward East Avenue.

Black and white.

My favorite of the night.

Last picture taken of the Liberty Pole.

The last photo of the night.

What was Sam's favorite part of our trip?  The guys with the motorcycles.  This is on my top ten best nights because for a short period of time Autism did not exist. 

So my story doesn't end yet.  Sam works with Sarah, his music therapist, at the Hochstein Music Therapy program every Tuesday.  Sarah and Sam work on his photos in the Computer Lab.  This is one of the photos.  Sarah is a very talented therapist and I was thrilled when I saw this photo.

There is a very special facebook site called How to Photograph Your Baby.  It is run by Nick Kelsh.  Nick Kelsh is a remarkable person who I have grown to admire.  His dedication to this site is amazing.  Nick chose this photo to make a Christmas card for Sam.

This was his message to Sam.

For Sam, I love that you've been getting experimental! Isn't picture editing ama...zing?! Great picture of the Christmas light tower. Fantastic.!

I thought you'd like to see a picture I took of myself when I was just a bit older than you are now. I had to do this in the darkroom which you would have loved! (How about those cool glasses?!) Anyway, this is my little Christmas card to you and your family. Thanks for all of your hard word this year and Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful mom! Everyone on this site is so excited to see what you have in store for us next year! I can't wait to get you on the new website that's driving me crazy. Keep up the fantastic work!

I find it amazing that all this happened from one night.

I know that the holidays are over and it is tax time.  I hope Sam's photos reminded you of the magic of Christmas. 

Happy New Year!

Debra Pierce Bellare

One last photo of Sam riding his scooter.