Buffalo was once a proud, strong, important city. Burned by the British during the War of 1812, it rebuilt and eventually became the Erie Canal's western terminus. From its earliest days through the Industrial Age, Buffalo welcomed the 20th Century with open arms, reaching a zenith of sorts when it hosted the Pan-American Exposition in 1901. It was a time when every aspect of a building mattered. Offices and factories were designed to reflect in outward appearance the strength of the company itself. Buffalo was known for much more than merely Chicken Wings. This book is Buffalo in photographs and history. It is a glimpse into the past through the architecture of factories, banks and more. You may have passed many of these buildings on the way to work. Perhaps you grew up in proximity to one and never thought to notice it. Maybe you wondered what the company that occupied the building actually did. Companies that once were proud to be part of Buffalo's landscape, Queen-O pop, Curtiss-Wright, Wonder Bread, form the basis for the book. Although there are many beautiful public, religious and residential structures, only commercial buildings were chose for this work. Many are abandoned today, a handful not. Some will never be occupied again, bringing us back to that time when buildings mattered, and companies cared about their appearance as much as their bottom line. These weren't disposable buildings like the ones being built today. Sadly, Buffalo will never be the same, but we can remember these companies and buildings and hope for a better future. Each photo is accompanied by a history of the business. It is a different look at Buffalo, and a remembrance of its once powerful past.
About the Author: Michael F. Rizzo was born in Buffalo, New York. He spent his early years growing up the oldest of three. In 2002 Michael purchased a home in the city of Buffalo on a street experiencing a renaissance. The home was built in 1893 and as he researched the previous owners and their lives he suddenly fell in love with history. He would go on to write a series of articles on old homes for the Buffalo News. His first book was released in 2005 after languishing for 15 years. His second book was released in 2007 and his third book was released on October 2, 2009. Michael's love for history continues as he writes, reads and researches for future books. He hopes his son learns to love history much earlier than he did.