LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the
Village of Middleport

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and commem-
orate the proud and distinguished histories of the communities which
comprise the noble body of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, In accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the
purpose of this Legislative Body to now commemorate the 150th Anniver-
sary of the Village of Middleport, in Niagara County, New York; and
WHEREAS, Middleport was first settled in 1806, the United States Post
Office was established in 1825; it was formerly known as Tea-Pot Hollow
before it was renamed and incorporated as a Village in 1859; its commu-
nity slogan, "A Friendly Community," came from President Franklin D.
Roosevelt who once visited Middleport and observed the welcoming nature
of the local residents; and
WHEREAS, Located on the Erie Canal, Middleport's history is closely
tied to the historic waterway; when contracts for the Western portion of
the canal were completed in 1821, the clearing of the present day
Village Main Street began through much of what at the time was forest;
when the canal was completed and traffic was in full swing, packet boats
from Medina and Gasport brought workers to Middleport's factories,
mills, and business establishments; and
WHEREAS, In 1973, the old towpath on the north side of the canal was
leveled from Lockport to Rochester, and re-surfaced to make a recre-
ational trail for hikers, joggers and bikers; in recent years the canal
bank has been lined with nearly a half-mile of recreational boats, as
boaters enjoy the free water and electric hookups on the canal bank,
public bathrooms and shower facilities, playgrounds, police force,
volunteer fire department, churches, and a variety of restaurants within
close walking distance; and
WHEREAS, An informational kiosk was recently placed on the north side
of the canal at Margaret Droman Park, where a new grant from the New
York State Canal Corporation will make a picnic pavilion, outdoor
barbeques, bike racks and some additional landscaping; and
WHEREAS, The Village is also noted locally for its special festivities
and parades celebrated on Memorial Day and Labor Day; the community
hosts a variety of other special events including the annual Duck Derby,
a fall art and craft show, and Christmas Tree lightings, which offer an
excellent opportunity for the talented Middleport Community Choir to
perform; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to the successful future of its students, The
Royalton-Hartland School District's Central Office, Middle School and
High Schools are all located within the Village; Middleport has also
been ranked 11th in the Nation in a special report, "Great Places to
Raise Kids -- For Less," by BUSINESS WEEK MAGAZINE; and
WHEREAS, The residents of Middleport have a bright outlook for the
future of their community, providing a good measure of all things a
child needs to grow and prosper; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
municipalities which symbolize the historical, social and cultural
development of this great State and embody the principles upon which
this Nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, Remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of growth
and change, the Village of Middleport continues its commitment to
enhancing the quality of life of its citizens, ensuring a positive busi-
ness, institutional and educational climate, and providing all essential
services; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Village of Middleport, recog-
nizing the significance of the role it continues to play in the life of
the community of the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Village of Middleport.