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

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, 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 Riga, in Monroe County, New
York; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of this most historic occasion, the Town of
Riga will host numerous events throughout the year including: a Bicen-
tennial Opening Ceremony on January 18, 2009; a dinner and play at the
Johnson House and Cobblestone Hall on April 4, 2009; a rededication of
the Soldier's Monument at Churchville Cemetery on May 25, 2009; the
Lion's Country Fair will host a celebration August 15-16, 2009; and a
closing ceremony will be held at the Village Office on December 11,
2009; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Riga had its early beginnings as part of the
"Mill Seat Tract" of the Phelps and Gorham purchase; after several tran-
sactions, the Pulteney Tract was established which included: West Pulte-
ney, what is now known as the Town of Riga and East Pulteney, which is
now the Town of Chili; and
WHEREAS, In 1809, by an 1808 act of the New York State Legislature,
the Pulteney Tract officially became the Town of Riga; by 1822, the Town
of Riga was divided by the original East and West Pulteney line, creat-
ing the Town of Chili; and
WHEREAS, Early settlement of the Town of Riga began in 1806, when
pioneers from the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts settled in Riga
Centre; and
WHEREAS, Other pioneers of this great town include Dr. John Darling,
the first physician, who settled in the township at Riga Centre, as well
as Joseph Thomson, who built what is still considered a true landmark of
the past - the Thomson Tavern; and
WHEREAS, In 1807, Joseph Thomson arrived from a small township in
Peru, Massachusetts and built his tavern in 1808; it is at this tavern
that the Thomson family made their home, which also served as a store,
tavern, bakery and post-office; and
WHEREAS, After 1809, when the Town of Riga was formed, the tavern was
also the site of many town meetings; the tavern served food and refresh-
ments and provided lodging for those traveling to and from the Niagara
Frontier; and
WHEREAS, The Thomson Tavern is a one and a half story building,
considered by some to be the first wood framed building constructed west
of the Genesee River; it was once located at the southeast corner of
Chili-Riga Road and Riga-Munford Road, in the Town of Riga, and was
removed to the Genesee Country Museum in the 1970s, where it remains on
display; and
WHEREAS, By 1852, the Village of Churchville, settled by Samuel
Church, was established and became the focal point of activity and
growth for the area; it is recorded that Samuel Church had also
constructed a saw mill on Black Creek; and
WHEREAS, Of great historic origin, and remaining fruitful over the ebb
and flow of decades of growth and change, the Town of Riga continues to
provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the Town of Riga's rich history and endur-
ing contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is

proud to pay tribute to this spirited village upon the occasion of its
200th Anniversary; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Riga, and to enthusi-
astically salute its residents as they celebrate this auspicious occa-
sion; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Town of Riga.