LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the dedication of the Hurd & Briggs
Saw Mill in Elma, New York, in honor of the vision of Edith Boller, May
28, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize events of
significance which exemplify the history and development of the State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Each and every city, town, village and hamlet within its
borders proudly resonates with the rich and noble history of the State
of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commemorate significant historic events throughout the State, noting
their contributions to the fabric and progression 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 dedication of the Hurd & Briggs Saw Millin Elna, New York, in
honor of the vision of Edith Boller; this auspicious occasion was cele-
brated on Saturday, May 28, 2011, at a Dedication and Ribbon Cutting
ceremony held at the Elma Historical Society, 3011 Bowen Road in Elma,
New York; and
WHEREAS, The site that would be later known as Elma Village was called
"Big Flats," and was the home of the Seneca Indians; and
WHEREAS, In 1845, in this area of Western New York, Clark W. Hurd,
Joseph B. Briggs, and Allen and Hiram Clark, dug a mill race from
Buffalo Creek and constructed a dam to divert water for the purpose of
building a saw mill that was in operation for many years; and
WHEREAS, On September 4, 1856, the Supervisors of Erie County voted to
form a new town, called Elma; the new town was formed from parts of the
towns of Lancaster and Aurora; and
WHEREAS, The Elma Historical Society has been active in the recon-
struction of both the historic water wheel and the Hurd & Briggs Saw
Mill; these reconstructions will serve for historic purposes and show
people how energy was harnessed and used in the 1800s; and
WHEREAS, On July 24, 2008, a pattern was created for a water wheel on
the floor of the Barn Museum, in Elma, New York, starting a two year
historical project to recreate the Hurd & Briggs Saw Mill that stood
over the mill race at the Elma Museum Complex in the 1800s; and
WHEREAS, With the efforts and craftsmanship of Fred Streif, Frank
Maciejewski and the late Donald Moeller of the Elma Historical Society,
and the vision of Edith Boller, the building of a replica of the mill on
the original site has become a reality; and
WHEREAS, On May 28, 2011, the Hurd & Briggs Saw Mill in Elma, New
York, was formally dedicated to the memory of Edith Boller in honor of
her vision; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of its rich history to the heritage of the
State of New York, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to join in
commemorating the dedication of the Hurd & Briggs Saw Mill in Elma, New
York, in honor of the vision of Edith Boller, so that present and future
generations may come to appreciate the unique significance which its
history plays in the progression of our State and Nation's evolution;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the dedication of the Hurd & Briggs Saw Mill in Elma, New
York, in honor of the vision of Edith Boller; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Elma Historical Society, 3011 Bowen Road, Elma, New York.