Lens on History: Next stage for neighborhood bakery

bobs bakery civic theatre.jpg — Bob's bakery In the past, some Rochester neighborhoods were more than just houses; some were home to unique businesses. They were served by a small grocery store or other shop not found anywhere else in the city. People were content where they were and didn't stray too far from "home." Robert Merz immigrated to America in 1924 and settled on the west bank of the Zumbro River five years later with his new bride Marie. Together, they established Bob's Bakery at 206 East Center Street while Marie ran the East Side Food Store next door. They would live above the bakery for most of the next twenty years. But change is inevitable. Behind them, the Mayo Civic expansion had demolished the zoo. Supermarkets had more choices. Bob and Marie moved on to other things. The new Rochester Civic Theater building would provide the final death knell to these neighborhood stores.

By Lee Hilgendorf, <a href="mailto:History Center of Olmsted County">History Center of Olmsted County</a>

December 29, 2015 at 1:11 PM

In the past, some Rochester neighborhoods had more than just houses; some were home to unique businesses. They were served by a small grocery store or other shop not found anywhere else in the city. People were content where they were and didn't stray too far from "home."

Robert Merz immigrated to America in 1924 and settled on the west bank of the Zumbro River five years later with his new bride, Marie. Together, they established Bob's Bakery at 206 E. Center St. while Marie ran the East Side Food Store next door. They would live above the bakery for most of the next 20 years.

But change is inevitable. Behind them, the Mayo Civic expansion had demolished the zoo. Supermarkets had more choices. Bob and Marie moved on to other things. The new Rochester Civic Theater building would provide the final death knell to these neighborhood stores.

bobs bakery.jpg — Bob's bakery In the past, some Rochester neighborhoods were more than just houses; some were home to unique businesses. They were served by a small grocery store or other shop not found anywhere else in the city. People were content where they were and didn't stray too far from "home". Robert Merz immigrated to America in 1924 and settled on the west bank of the Zumbro River five years later with his new bride Marie. Together, they established Bob's Bakery at 206 East Center Street while Marie ran the East Side Food Store next door. They would live above the bakery for most of the next twenty years. But change is inevitable. Behind them, the Mayo Civic expansion had demolished the zoo. Supermarkets had more choices. Bob and Marie moved on to other things. The new Rochester Civic Theater building would provide the final death knell to these neighborhood stores.