Just off what's now the 8th hole of Genesee Valley Golf course lies a little known piece of Rochester history.

One historian Bill Sauers helped uncover.


What You Need To Know

  • The site of the U.S. Army School of Aerial Photography's Baker Field is remembered with a plaque at the Genesee Valley Golf

  • The aerial photography school existed for eight months during World War I

  • Nearly 2,200 army men trained there in 1918, using Kodak A-2 aerial cameras to gather intelligence during World War I

  • Baker Field was the only active military unit ever stationed in Rochester

"It's fascinating that this was here," said Sauers.

A piece of history — now getting its due.

"It's important to understand our history and document it," said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello.

Before it became a golf course, this was the site of the U.S. Army School of Aerial Photography's Baker Field.

"I'm certain my grandfather and his fellow soldiers would be so pleased to know that this event is taking place today," said Sue Windsor.

Sue's grandfather, J. Earl Windsor was one of nearly 2,200 army men who trained there in 1918 —  to use Kodak A-2 aerial cameras to gather intelligence during World War I, the only active military unit ever stationed in Rochester.

"That's impressive.  And it's an impressive part of our history."

Now recognized — with a historic marker on the site.

"This marker is a wonderful way to recognize the contributions of Kodak, George Eastman and the city of Rochester to the war effort during World War I."

Though Baker Field had other aviation uses —  the aerial photography school existed for just eight months. Rochester's fascinating contribution to the war effort a century ago.

"All history is important and people forget what happened here," said Sauers. "I think we should all learn just because it's a golf course, it was something else."