Watertown landmarks celebrated with photographer’s vision

Oct. 14—WATERTOWN — Richard Margolis, a photographer and artist from Rochester, has dedicated the past several years to capturing the essence of Watertown through his lens. Now, he has curated a collection of 23 iconic landmarks that represent the city’s rich history and culture. The exhibit, titled “Watertown Landmarks: A Celebration,” is on display at the Franklin Building on Public Square, one of the landmarks featured in Margolis’ photographs.

The exhibit showcases notable landmarks such as the Paddock Arcade, First Baptist Church, Woolworth Building, Thompson Park, Crystal Restaurant, and Thomas Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. Margolis highlights the Crystal Restaurant in particular, describing it as a stunning sight that cannot be missed.

Coming from his summer residence at Thousand Islands Park, Margolis approached Watertown with fresh eyes and a unique perspective. While driving through the city, he noticed the beauty of its structures, yet also observed the gaps where demolished landmarks once stood. Intrigued by this contrast, Margolis embarked on a journey to photograph the remaining iconic buildings.

Over the course of several visits, Margolis captured approximately 100 buildings, each time experimenting with different lighting and angles. To identify subjects for his project, Margolis employed various research methods, including Google searches, Instagram, and consultations with the Flower Memorial Library. Through the process, he gained a deeper understanding of the history and significance of each landmark to the community.

One such discovery was the Paddock Arcade, situated at 1 Public Square. In addition to its architectural beauty, Margolis learned that it is the second oldest covered shopping mall in the country and the oldest continuously running, enclosed shopping mall. Witnessing the arcade’s recent restoration by new owner Jake Johnson sparked Margolis’ interest in the preservation of historic architecture.

While conducting his research, Margolis stumbled upon an 1850s newspaper clipping about the opening of the Paddock Arcade. The article mentioned Hart’s Photography, prompting Margolis to investigate further. He uncovered a unique photo at the Library of Congress depicting Watertown men wearing Klu Klux Klan hats. Although he could not gather more information about the image, it led him to explore Watertown’s involvement in the Civil Rights movement and its ties to the Underground Railroad. This led him to the Thomas Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, which he photographed when it was still vacant and under threat of demolition. Margolis has since become a founding member of a group dedicated to preserving the historic church, making significant progress in recent years.

Margolis’ exploration of Watertown continued, becoming even more meaningful during the COVID-19 pandemic. He diligently cataloged historical information about each landmark, including their construction dates, ownership, and narratives highlighting their significance.

When it came time to showcase his work, Margolis faced the challenge of finding a venue amid the pandemic. Reginald J. Schweitzer Jr., executive director of Neighbors of Watertown, suggested displaying the exhibit in the Franklin Building. Neighbors had been instrumental in preserving several landmarks featured in Margolis’ photographs. This historic building, once at risk of demolition, now houses retail space on the ground floor and apartments on the upper floors.

Schweitzer commended Margolis for his efforts in capturing the essence of Watertown, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the city’s architectural heritage.

Margolis, an experienced photographer with nearly 60 years of professional experience, has previously dedicated his work to capturing the beauty of the Thousand Islands and other architectural projects.

His passion for photography began during his time as a journalism student at Kent State University. Margolis witnessed the infamous Kent State shooting in 1968 and developed a profound appreciation for the power of photography to document history. He moved to Rochester after graduating to attend the renowned photography program at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Throughout his career, Margolis has faced the challenges of making a living as a photographer. However, his fascination with old buildings and architectural photography led him to create a diverse body of work, capturing the unique charm and character of different locations.

Now, Watertown has become another city to be immortalized through Margolis’ lens, forever preserving its iconic landmarks.

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Olivia Carter

Olivia Carter revs up excitement in the world of NASCAR. As a dedicated motorsports enthusiast, she covers race results, driver profiles, and the latest developments in the NASCAR world, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.