Josh Koestler: Rochester heritage and a defining moment for empathy

Josh Koestler: Rochester heritage and a defining moment for empathy

On the evening of Aug. 21, 1883, a massive tornado tore through the part of Rochester now known as Lowertown, killing at least 37 people and injuring 200 more. Debris was scattered across miles of cornfields. Homes and businesses were destroyed. Survivors carried their trauma with them in the years afterwards, heading to the nearest basement or shelter at the sight of menacing storm clouds. The event is often told as Rochester’s origin story: a …