This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: rubyofoz Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newyork.counties.monroe/12120.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I found the following information on the High Falls website, http://nyfalls.com/highfalls.html: 298 State Street The building was occupied by various manufacturing companies until the Rochester Button Company purchased the building in 1925 as part of its expansion. The building has been renovated and is now occupied by commercial tenants. Button Factory At 294 and 300 State Street, c. 1900, diagonally across the street from Kodak Tower, you will find the former Rochester Button Company. This early 20th-century company once was reputedly the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of buttons. At that time, buttons were made from "vegetable ivory," processed nuts imported from Mexico, South America and Africa. I'm not familiar with the company, but you may be able to find somthing else about them. There was an F. B. Rae Oil Works Company in Rochester that had an explosion in 1923. Now you've gotten me interested in the Button Works. It sounds fascinating! Good luck with your research. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.