by Lynne J. Belluscio (Author)
LeRoy is best known as the "Birthplace of Jell-O," but few people know that in 1929 it had one of the finest private airports in the United States and was home to Amelia Earhart's airplane, the Friendship. In the 19th century, LeRoy was known for Igham University, one of the first colleges for women and the first to grant a four-year degree. First settled in 1797, LeRoy has produced patent medicines, salt, limestone, dynamite, plows, agricultural commodities, stoves, organs, insulators, and a myriad of other products. Located on the eastern edge of Genesee County and 30 miles southwest of Rochester, LeRoy originally depended on water power from the Oatka Creek and was soon serviced by several railroads. It was also a station on the Underground Railroad.