Senate Resolution No. 3551

BY: Senator ORTT

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the Town of
Barre on March 6, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and
commemorate 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
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Barre, in Orleans
County, New York, to be celebrated at a Recognition Ceremony on
Saturday, March 3, 2018, in the Barre Town Hall in Albion, New York; and

WHEREAS, In addition, this auspicious milestone will be celebrated
with a myriad of events from June 29-July 1, 2018; residents of the Town
of Barre and visitors from the region will gather together on Saturday,
June 30, 2018, to view a parade which will end at the Barre Town Park;
and

WHEREAS, The Town of Barre can trace its roots to the Holland
Purchase of Western New York, and the original 4,000,000-acre farm known
as the Morris Purchase which was bought in 1791 from Massachusetts; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Barre was founded on March 6, 1818, by Stephen
Paine, who traveled via Ridge Road from Rochester, New York; the Town
was named by another early settler, Judge John Lee who hailed from
Barre, Massachusetts; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Barre was formed from Gaines on March 6, 1818,
and was part of Genesee County until Orleans County was established in
1824; the Town also included most of the Town of Albion, which separated
from Barre in 1875; and

WHEREAS, The first town meeting was held at the home of Abram
Matteson in the spring of 1818; in that same year, Nathan Whitney was
selected to serve as Supervisor; today, Sean P. Pogue holds this
esteemed title; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Barre's first church was a Congregational
Society; in 1872, it was reorganized as Barre Center Presbyterian
Church; pioneer Elisha Wright helped form the West Barre Methodist
Church; and

WHEREAS, Since its formation, agriculture has played an important
role in Barre's history; the 35,000 acres of fertile, open land coupled
with a favorable climate has made it conducive for growing important
crops such as buckwheat, corn, rye, oats, wheat, dry beans, and hay; and

WHEREAS, In the south part of the Town of Barre is the Muck area,
which is a perfect location to grow potatoes, onions, celery, peas,
lettuce, carrots, spinach, corn, dry beans, wheat and radishes; and

WHEREAS, Dairy farming is also paramount to Barre's agricultural
success; with 2,000 cows, the Town is the hub of the dairy industry in
Orleans County; and

WHEREAS, Remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of
growth and change, the Town of Barre continues its commitment to
enhancing the quality of life of 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 Barre, 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
transmitted to Sean P. Pogue, Supervisor, Town of Barre.