LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the Bicentennial Opening Ceremony
of the Town of Riga, New York, January 18, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize events of
significance which exemplify the history and development of the State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Each and every city, town, village and hamlet within its
borders proudly resonates with the rich and noble history of the State
of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commemorate the anniversary of the founding of municipalities throughout
the State, noting in turn their contributions to the fabric and progres-
sion of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the Bicentennial Opening Ceremony of the Town of Riga, New York;
this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Sunday, January 18, 2009,
at the Riga Town Hall; and
WHEREAS, More than two hundred years ago on April 8, 1808, the New
York State Legislature enacted legislation that formally created the
Town of Riga; and
WHEREAS, The enabling legislation for the Town of Riga provided that
"from and after the day next preceding the first Tuesday in April next,
1809, all that part of the town of Northampton, in the county of Gene-
see, known and distinguished by the name of East and West Pulteney,
shall be erected into a separate town by the name of Riga"; and
WHEREAS, Further provided in the enabling legislation was the require-
ment that the first Riga town meeting be held at the dwelling house of
Henry Widener of said Town; and
WHEREAS, At the time the Town of Riga enabling legislation was passed
in 1808, the town was developing slowly: it is recorded that Samuel
Church had constructed a saw mill on Black Creek; Dr. John Darling, the
town's first physician, settled in Riga center; and Joseph Thomson built
what is considered to be the true landmark of the town, the Thomson
Tavern; and
WHEREAS, The Thomson Tavern, also served as a store, tavern, bakery,
and post office; it also was the site of many town meetings; once
located on the southeast corner of Chili-Riga Road and Riga-Munford
Road, the tavern was removed to the Genesee County Museum in the 1970s
where it remains on display; and
WHEREAS, The citizenry of the Town of Riga is commemorating the auspi-
cious occasion of the Town's bicentennial in a befitting manner with an
auspicious Bicentennial Opening Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the rich history and enduring contribution
of the Town of Riga to the heritage of the State of New York, it is the
intent of this Legislative Body to join in commemorating the Bicentenni-
al Ceremony of the Town of Riga, New York, so that present and future
generations may come to appreciate the unique significance which its
history plays in the progression of our State and Nation's evolution;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Bicentennial Opening Ceremony of the Town of Riga, New
York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Town of Riga, New York.