Rochester

I thought it might be fun to talk a bit about some of the places talked about in High Summons which will be coming out tomorrow.

University of Rochester  (U of R)- Jon (the MC) attends this university on its River Campus. Growing up in the suburbs of Rochester, this college was sort of everywhere. Others in the area, including Nazareth, St. John Fisher, and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) also were, but the U of R was the one that stuck out. Probably because I was interested in their medical program and connection to Strong Memorial Hospital. One of the three hospitals located in Rochester.

Anyways, I knew from the beginning Jon had an unusually analytical mind for the protagonist of a fantasy novel, but not so much as to aim for the more engineering and electronics based programs of RIT.

To the west of the campus, there’s Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Mt. Hope Cemetery – As a doctoral student in biological anthropology (especially osteology), Mt. Hope Cemetery holds a special place in my heart. Graves from various eras spread out across almost 200 acres.

Despite what Jon might say, it’s not large enough to be a necropolis. Plus, while Mt. Hope is old, it certainly isn’t ancient unless ancient has become a bit less than 200 years. There are some famous individuals buried there if you’re curious: Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, Lewis Henry Morgan, and several more.

Highland Park – Made of hills and beautifully green most seasons, Highland Park has an outdoor stage (Highland Bowl) where local groups put on Shakespeare and other plays and musicals. The Lamberton Conservatory stands in Highland Park. Containing various exotic and diverse plants, the conservatory’s gardens are often used for weddings.

Ganondagan – Like Mt. Hope, Ganondagan was included due to my personal adoration for the place and those who I met while interning there. Ganondagan is a New York State Historic Site associated with the Seneca. There are all different sorts of trails in the surrounding woods and fields. A replica bark longhouse stands containing the sorts of furs, tools, and items which were common. They also opened the Seneca Art & Culture Center – a brilliant interactive museum.

If you ever have the chance, I’d highly encourage anyone and everyone to go.