ROBERT FORD

Main Cemetery -- Area E
Lot 375 -- Eastside

Back in the early days when there were no such things as computers, internet, video games, or cell phones, recreation for all ages was appropriate and necessary and billiard parlors were considered safe and clean places for people (mostly male) to gather, socialize, and compete. But back in those days, Pittsford had a Pool Hall! Not all halls included betting or drinking and teenagers were even encouraged to learn this skill. And, yes, billiards even became a professional sport!

Back in 1932 the Village Board allowed a very popular resident and sportsman to erect a sign on the sidewalk, at the front of his Billiard Parlor located on the second floor of the “Tin Shop” that was located in the two story building at the corner of Lincoln Ave. and South Main Street – (where the Florist Shop is today.) It had once been John Brown’s building as part of his farm and dwelling before there was a Lincoln Avenue or Morningside Park, as it was then named.

Bob Ford, the proprietor in that year, was an adult who had grown up in the village, attended local schools, played on all of the high school sports teams – acclaiming himself in many. He wanted, somehow, to give back to his community, using his beloved sports correlation and he decided on this venue.

The Pool Parlor was a good hangout – for both youth and adults. It was well managed by Bob and no fights or unpleasant activities were ever allowed. Time was always well controlled as to hours and days of operation and Bob carefully observed who was there and for how long. He even gave instructions as to how to play the game, if requested. On Saturday mornings, after a basketball game the night before, team members could play for free – If they had won!

Bob Ford was certainly a Pittsford Native. As well as living and being educated in the local schools, as an adult, he delivered milk from Parkside Dairy in East Rochester to the residents of Pittsford and, as stated previously, he was always involved with sports. His name is remembered and widely known for the Little League Field which he helped organize and establish.

Bob lived and grew up at the corner of Jefferson Road and South Main Street. When Bob married his sweetheart, Ruth Skinkle, they purchased a home just steps away at 8 West Jefferson Road that was located across the street from his sister, Mary who had married Harold Tobey. Mary had also been a formidable athlete in high school and college and had taught for many years at the Milepost School. Bob Ford died in 1959 and is buried in the Pittsford Cemetery next to his father, William.