As you sit back in your chair, cold drink in hand and a hot meal in front of you, take a moment to appreciate the rich history that surrounds you here on Sodus Bay. This spot, where you’re enjoying this moment, is more than just a beautiful view—it’s the site of countless memories and generations of hard work, love, and community.

Let me take you back over 125 years ago to 1901, when Edwin “Ed” Correll was born not far from here. In 1917, Ed married Gert Garner, a woman with a bright spirit and a passion for the little things in life. At the age of 23, Gertie and Ed decided to put their heads together and start a business. They set up shop right here, building wooden boats—just like the one hanging above you—and crafting wooden duck decoys. They sold gas and, in the corner of their space, Gertie set up a small snack bar where she served sandwiches and drinks. Together, they ran a successful operation and built a life here on Sodus Bay, a life that would leave an indelible mark on the area.

Their business was thriving until 1950 when they sold it to Joe and Dottie Connelly. At first, Joe and Dottie ran a small general store, a boat livery, and a hamburger stand. But it wasn’t until the late 1960s that their son, Terry, and his wife, Kitty, took over the business and began to shape it into the beloved place we all know as Connelly’s Cove. Terry and Kitty transformed the spot into more than just a restaurant. They created a community hub, a place where memories were made over fresh bullheads, sizzling steaks, and the buzz of summer parties. And perhaps the most legendary tradition was their Sunday Backyard Picnics—where locals gathered around the tiki bar, danced to live music, and basked in the joy of a beautiful summer’s day overlooking Sodus Bay.

But the story doesn’t end there. In 1974, during one of those vibrant summer days, Jim Fowler, a local apple farmer, met Wendy Ohmann, a young waitress at Connelly’s Cove. Wendy, from Lyons, was beautiful and full of life, and Jim, as they say, was smitten. The two would marry the following year, and together, they began a life that would see them become the sixth generation of Fowlers. In 1982, Jim and Wendy bought a marina down the road and rebranded it as Fowler’s Marina. It became their pride and joy, run by the dedicated husband-and-wife duo for over 42 years. Wendy, who was known for her grace and tenacity, passed away in 2015 after a battle with cancer. Jim, along with their oldest daughter, Kristy Fowler-Ritter, carried on the marina’s legacy for another nine years before it was sold.

Then came 2016, when Connelly’s Cove went on the market. After so many years of being intertwined with the Connelly family, Jim couldn’t let go of the place where he met his wife. He, along with Kristy, her husband Bryan, and their family, decided to invest in the property, honoring the place that meant so much to them. They named their new establishment Pier Fifty-Three, in tribute to Wendy, who was born in 1953.

However, time and progress had taken their toll on the old buildings, and with new state and local codes to consider, the decision was made to rebuild. In September 2018, Pier Fifty-Three was born—a new chapter in the rich history of this spot on Sodus Bay. Kristy now runs the day-to-day operations with the unwavering support of Bryan, Jim, and her sister, Brooke.

So, as you sit here today, with the scent of delicious food in the air and the sound of the water gently lapping at the shore, know that you are standing on hallowed ground—a place where many generations of families have worked, lived, and made memories. From Ed and Gert Correll, to Joe and Dottie Connelly, to Terry, Kitty, and Wendy Fowler, they all helped create a place where you, and countless others before you, can come together and make your own memories.

​Raise a glass to those who came before. To the late Ed and Gert Correll, Joe and Dottie Connelly, Terry Connelly, and Wendy Fowler—whose love, passion, and dedication to this place have made it what it is today. Here’s to the generations that have shaped this location on Sodus Bay and the one that will continue to make it shine. Cheers!

"The true legacy of a property lies not in its walls, but in the hearts of those who have called it home and the stories they’ve built within it."