LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the
Village of Whitesboro

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, In accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the
purpose of this Legislative Body to now commemorate the 200th Anniver-
sary of the Village of Whitesboro, in Oneida County, New York; and
WHEREAS, Known as the oldest village in Oneida County, the Village of
Whitesboro was first settled around 1784 and later incorporated in 1813;
the Whitesboro seal displays a notable friendly wrestling match between
founder Hugh White and a local Oneida chief; and
WHEREAS, From the shores of Lake Erie along the Mohawk Trail to the
Hudson River, Governor DeWitt Clinton had a dream that most people
thought amazing but impossible; an Erie Canal waterway that would make
trade easier and travel as well; and
WHEREAS, The older part of the Village was bordered by the Erie Canal
and the Village's Main Street; when the canal was filled in the first
half of the 20th century, Oriskany Boulevard was built over the filled-
in canal; this made the Village very prosperous; and
WHEREAS, Ice skating was once popular on the Erie Canal, and once
covered with ice, the residents used the Flagg Street Playground in the
winter to ice skate; from 1950 through the 1980s, the fire department
would spray water on a large area of the several acre playground, and
most of the village would come out and skate; and
WHEREAS, Remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of growth
and change, the Village of Whitesboro continues its commitment to
enhancing the quality of life of its citizens, ensuring a positive busi-
ness, institutional and educational climate, and providing all essen-
tial services; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the Village of Whitesboro's rich history
and enduring contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative
Body is proud to pay tribute to this spirited location 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 Village of Whitesboro and to
enthusiastically salute its residents as they celebrate this auspicious
occasion; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Village of Whitesboro.