An early nickname for Rochester was “Flour City” because of its role in the production and transportation of flour. “Rochester, the great flour city” was cited in an 1847 newspaper. “Rochester, The Flour City” was cited in an 1848 newspaper.
 
“Flower City” came into use mostly as a misspelling (or variation) of “Flour City.” “The beautiful ‘Flour’ and, as he expressed it ‘Flower’ city” was cited in 1866. “Flower City National Bank. Rochester” was cited in 1867.
 
   
Wikipedia: Rochester, New York
Rochester (/ˈrɒtʃɨstər/ or /ˈrɒˌtʃɛstər/) is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World’s Image Center, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City, annually hosting the Lilac Festival. It is the county seat for Monroe County.
     
6 July 1866, The Israelite (Cincinnati, OH), “Benai Berith matters in Rochester,” pg. 5, col. 3:
In the afternoon, he was driven over the city and shown all the attractions of the beautiful “Flour” and, as he expressed it “Flower” city, ...
 
4 February 1867, Indianapolis (IN) Daily Journal, pg. 1:
NEW COUNTERFEIT.
A new ten dollar counterfeit on the Flower City National Bank. Rochester, is in circulation.
 
4 November 1868, Norwich (CT) Aurora, “Worth Mention,” pg. 4, col. 1:
Counterfeit tens on the Mutual National Bank of Troy, and the Flower City National Bank of Rochester, N. Y., are quite plenty in this section.
 
28 May 1870, Cincinnati (OH) Daily Gazette, “Baseball—The Red Stockings,” pg. 1, col. 5:
Flower City, Rochester, N. Y., Wednesday, June 1.
 
2 June 1870, Cincinnati (OH) Daily Enquirer, pg. 8, col. 3:
BASE-BALL.
The Tour of the Red Stockings—Second Game—Flower Cities Defeated—Score 56 to 13.
 
18 November 1875, Helena (MT) Weekly Herald, “Nicknames of American Cities,” pg. 1, col. 1:
... Rochester, Flower City; ...
 
23 December 1876, Pomeroy’s Democrat (Chicago, IL), “Sobriquets of American Cities” by Phineas Fairfax, pg. 3, col. 5:
Rochester, New York, is called the “Flour City,” owing to the large number of its flour mills, some of which are reputed to be the largest in the world. Lately it is oftener written “Flower City,” in honor of the extensive and elegant flower gardens within and near its limits.
 
26 July 1883, Troy (NY) Weekly Times,  “Nicknames of American Cities,” pg. 3, col. 7:
Rochester, N. Y.—Flour city.
 
22 September 1883, The Saturday Evening Post, “Nicknames of American Cities,” pg. 3, col. 3:
Rochester, N. Y.—Flower city.
 
OCLC WorldCat record
Scene—Monday morning. Wife to husband, Now sir! Remember to day is wash-day, and if you fail to bring home a package of Swanine take the consequencies [sic]. Washed with Swanine. ... Flower City Soap Co., Rochester, N.Y.
Author: Flower City Soap Company.; Rochester Lith. & Print. Co.,
Publisher: [Rochester, N.Y.] : Rochester Lith. & Print. Co., [between 1870 and 1900]
Series: Archive of Americana.; American broadsides and ephemera., Series 1 ;, no. 29425.
Edition/Format:   Book : English
 
OCLC WorldCat record
Flower City cook book.
Author: Lake Avenue Memorial Baptist Church.
Publisher: Rochester, N.Y. : Ladies of the Lake Ave. Memorial Baptist Church, 1891.
Edition/Format:   Book : English
 
OCLC WOrldCat record
Rochester illustrated : a review of the origin, growth, and progress of the Flower City : an epitome of human interest, of incident and wonderful achievement.
Publisher: New York, N.Y. : Alliance Pub. and Engraving Co., [1891?]
Series: Genealogy and local history, LH2655.
Edition/Format:   Book   Microform : Microfiche : Master microform : English
 
OCLC WorldCat record
Rochester, the flower city : contains sixty characteristic scenes illustrating the parks and pleasure resorts, the streets and squares, public buildings and architectural features of this thriving city.
Publisher: Rochester, N.Y. : Scrantom, Wetmore & Co., [1905?]
Edition/Format:   Book : English
 
OCLC WorldCat record
Rochester: the flower city ...
Author: Grace Sartwell Mason
Publisher: Springfield, Mass. [1910]
Edition/Format:   Book : English
 
OCLC WorldCat record
From flour city to flower city : Rochester’s 19th century transition period
Author: William Aeberli
Publisher: [S.l. : s.n.], 1977.
Edition/Format:   Book : English
 
(Trademark)
Word Mark FLOWER CITY
Goods and Services (CANCELLED) IC 034. US 002 008 009 017. G & S: tobacco, namely, cigars; smokers’ articles not of precious metal, namely, cigar cutters and cases; and humidors. FIRST USE: 19980900. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19980900
Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING
Serial Number 75346809
Filing Date August 8, 1997
Current Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1B
Published for Opposition June 30, 1998
Registration Number 2256014
Registration Date June 22, 1999
Owner (REGISTRANT) MARTINEZ, NARCISO INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES 70 Resolute Circle, Suite 202D Rochester NEW YORK 14621
Attorney of Record JOSEPH F REIDY
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator DEAD
Cancellation Date March 25, 2006