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

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and commem-
orate the 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 Edwards, St. Lawrence County,
New York; and
WHEREAS, This most auspicious occasion was commemorated by a cele-
bration held in the town on June 9 which included performers, vendors
and families enjoying a showcase of town life in the 1800s and a musket
demonstration by the re-enactors of Ogdensburg's Forsyth's Rifles Inc.;
and
WHEREAS, The anniversary celebration was held along with Edwards'
annual town-wide yard sale; and
WHEREAS, Edwards was formed from a section of the Town of Fowler and
later increased by part of the Town of Hermon, with the Oswegatchie
River flowing northwest through the town; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Edwards was first settled along a military road
during the War of 1812, and officially became a town in 1827, with the
first annual meeting held at the house of William Martin on May 1, 1827
where Orra Shead was elected the first supervisor; and
WHEREAS, The first settlers were induced by the military highway and
by the water power from the Oswegatchie River to come to the town and
establish businesses and homes; and
WHEREAS, A large influx of Scottish immigrants in 1819 added to the
Town's population; and
WHEREAS, The town developed with farming, followed by the discovery of
talc and zinc, making the community a mining town until 1981 when the
mines closed; and
WHEREAS, Remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of growth
and change, the Town of Edwards continues its commitment to enhancing
the quality of life for its citizens, ensuring a positive business,
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 200th Anniversary of the Town of Edwards, New York,
recognizing 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 Town of Edwards, New York.