Assembly Resolution No. 860

BY: M. of A. Norris

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the Town of
Newfane, New York

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 Bicentennial Anniversary of the Town of Newfane, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Over thousands of years as Lake Ontario receded from the
land exposing marshlands and a higher-elevation shoreline of fertile
soil rich with wild cranberries, the first inhabitants to call this land
home were local tribes who made this area part of their major trade
route; and

WHEREAS, Ruled by the Senecas and conquered by the Iroquois, there
are, today, relics of these original tribes still being found from 2,000
years ago in at least 20 sites in and around Newfane, Eighteen Mile
Creek, the Ridge and the Lake; and

WHEREAS, After the Revolutionary War as settlements were expanding
across the frontier, the well-established Ridge Trail was named Ridge
Road when Niagara County was established in 1808; and

WHEREAS, As covered wagons brought more settlers to the region,
dozens of families began establishing properties in the region when the
War of 1812 broke out against the British along the Canadian border; and

WHEREAS, After the war, an influx of settlers came to the area
determined to build roads and convert marshland into farmland, and
shortly after families set up homes and businesses; and

WHEREAS, The collection of neighborhoods coalesced around the
founding of the Patterson Hotel, built in 1823 by Arthur Patterson who
sought to incorporate, partnering with Otis Hathaway of Lockport to do
so, and their plan for the town is largely still visible today; and

WHEREAS, Other businessmen contributed to the cause, including James
Van Horn, who offered his home as a meeting place and at one of the
meetings his wife, Abigal, requested the town carry the name "New Fane"
and it was adopted in 1824; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Town of Newfane is over 9,200 people strong with
the hamlets of Appleton, Burt, Corwin, Ridgewood, Newfane, Olcott,
Woodland Heights, and Wrights Corners, full of friendly people
passionate about their roots and hopeful about the future; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the town is home to volunteer firefighters,
farmers, businesses, educators, healthcare providers, public servants,

and neighbors looking after neighbors, celebrating their achievements
and milestones, and working hard to be the best of what America is; and

WHEREAS, Of historic origin, and remaining fruitful over the ebb and
flow of decades of growth and change, the Town of Newfane continues to
provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Supervisor John Syracuse, the
residents of the Town of Newfane have a bright outlook for the future of
their community, which remains a beautiful place in which to live and
raise a family; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the Town of Newfane's rich history and
enduring contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is
proud to pay tribute to this spirited town 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 Newfane, 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 the Town of Newfane Supervisor, John Syracuse.