Four longtime businesses in Waterloo and Seneca Falls have been added to New York’s Historic Business Preservation Registry, and state Sen. Tom O’Mara plans to visit each Wednesday to present a certificate and window decal.
The businesses are Connie’s Diner and Mull Funeral Home in Waterloo, and Robinette Jewelers and Sinicropi Florist in Seneca Falls. O’Mara’s office said he nominated all four for the state recognition.
The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation operates the registry, which recognizes New York businesses more than 50 years old that have contributed to their communities. Launched in 2022, the online registry had grown to more than 300 businesses statewide by July, according to the office.
Waterloo stops begin in the afternoon
O’Mara’s first scheduled stop is Connie’s Diner, 205 E. Main St., at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23. The diner began in 1966 and became Connie’s after chef Connie Caratozzolo bought it in 1989. Its menu continues to include family recipes passed down from her mother, according to O’Mara’s office.
At 2:25 p.m., the senator is scheduled to visit Mull Funeral Home at 113 Virginia St. The business was established in 1959 in the family’s home, a Victorian building more than 150 years old. Founder Russell Mull died in 2005; his son William continues to operate the funeral home.
Seneca Falls visits follow
Robinette Jewelers, at 90 Fall St., is scheduled for a 3 p.m. presentation. George Robinette opened the business in 1944 at 92 Fall St. His son Mark now owns and operates the store, where Mark’s son Daniel also works. The business welcomed fourth-generation family members in 2020, O’Mara’s office said.
The final stop is Sinicropi Florist, 64 Fall St., at 3:45 p.m. Joyce Sinicropi founded the shop in 1975. It is now owned and operated by Allen Floral Group LLC, according to the release.
O’Mara said the four businesses have operated for generations and become part of their communities’ culture and economy. State parks Commissioner Kathy Moser said the registry is meant to recognize businesses that have become community institutions.
The presentations were announced as a media advisory; the release did not say whether they are open to the public. More information about the registry is available from the state parks office at parks.ny.gov/preservation/programs/business-registry.
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