Rochester Gas & Electric: a work-history timeline
RG&E’s history spans manufactured gas, electric generation, district steam, hydroelectric power, coal, natural gas and nuclear generation. Those changes can help a worker identify the plant, system and era they actually remember.
What this place was
Rochester archival collections trace the utility through predecessor gas, railway and electric companies. Rochester Gas and Electric took its name in 1909, operated multiple steam and electric stations, used coal and hydroelectric generation, later shifted fuels, and opened the Ginna nuclear plant in 1970.
Historical anchors that may help bring the worksite back
1848–1909
Rochester gas, electric and railway predecessor companies developed local utility systems.
1909
Rochester Railway and Light became Rochester Gas and Electric Company.
1920s
RG&E expanded steam and electric infrastructure; Russell Station and district-steam facilities became important parts of the system.
1952
Archival history says natural gas completely replaced coal in the company’s gas-manufacturing operations.
1970
The Robert E. Ginna nuclear power plant opened in Ontario, Wayne County.
1998
RG&E closed the Beebee coal-burning station, marking another major change in Rochester generation history.
Details that may unlock a more specific memory
Which facility?
Beebee Station, Russell Station, a steam plant, hydro facility, Ginna, office, substation or field assignment?
Which system?
Boilers and steam, electric generation, gas, distribution, maintenance, construction or another function?
Fuel and equipment memories
Coal handling, turbines, boilers, pumps, valves, steam lines, substations or nuclear systems may help identify the facility and era.
Crew and trade
Operator, electrician, pipe trade, mechanic, laborer, engineer, insulator, contractor or another job?
The purpose of these prompts is not to suggest an exposure. It is to turn a broad employer memory into a more specific place, time, department, task or coworker history that can be investigated.
What H&S can investigate from here
Useful next records can include Social Security and union histories, building or department records, photographs, maintenance and construction records, equipment information, contractors, coworkers, testimony and other public or case-specific evidence. The historical context above helps identify which records are worth looking for.
Start with what you remember → How H&S investigates a jobsite →