LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Town
of Penfield, New York

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 200th Anniversary of the Town of Penfield, New York; this
auspicious occasion will be celebrated with many special events and
activities, including a Bicentennial Gala and a Heritage Festival; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Penfield, New York, and the lands that now
constitute the Town of Penfield, were part of the hunting grounds of the
Seneca Nation, a member of the Iroquois Confederacy; and
WHEREAS, There is no evidence of Seneca settlements within the Town of
Penfield, however, the town does include the place now called "Indian
Landing," and from this landing on the shores of Irondequoit Bay, trails
and water routes went throughout the region and beyond, including a
water route with only two portages leading from the Great Lakes to the
Gulf of Mexico; and
WHEREAS, Following the American Revolution, the lands that became the
Town of Penfield were included in the Phelps and Gorham Purchase; and
WHEREAS, Established along the banks of the roaring Irondequoit Creek,
which provided the power for the mills, the Town of Penfield was offi-
cially established in 1810 and the first Town Meeting was held on April
2, 1811; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Penfield is proud of its strong roots in the past
as a milling and agricultural community, and is also rich in Dolomite
rock; these two commodities are what the town grew up around; and
WHEREAS, Today, Penfield, the "Town of Planned Progress," is a thriv-
ing residential and business community of about 35,000 residents on the
eastern outskirts of Rochester; while it no longer has active mills, its
Dolomite quarry is still a "booming" business; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the rich history and enduring contribution
of the Town of Penfield to the heritage of the State of New York, it is
the intent of this Legislative Body to join in commemorating the 200th
Anniversary of the Town of Penfield so that present and future gener-
ations 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 200th Anniversary of the Town of Penfield, New York; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Tony LaFountain, Town Supervisor, Town of Penfield, Penfield,
New York 14526.