LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the
creation of Van Cleef Lake to be celebrated August 7-20, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and commem-
orate the proud and distinguished histories of the people and communi-
ties 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 100th Anniversary of the creation of Van Cleef Lake to be
celebrated August 7-20, 2015, in Seneca Falls, New York; and
WHEREAS, In the early 19th Century, the Village of Seneca Falls expe-
rienced tremendous growth as dozens of mills and water powered indus-
tries were established along the south side of the Seneca River; as the
area became a world leader in manufacturing, a neighborhood known as
"The Flats" became the center of much of its commercial activity; and
WHEREAS, On August 20, 1915, a major transformational event occurred
in the history of the Seneca Falls community when improvements to the
Cayuga-Seneca Canal led to the flooding of The Flats, creating today's
Van Cleef Lake, and the highest operating locks in the New York State
Canal System; and
WHEREAS, As a result of the development of this new canal system, 116
commercial enterprises and 60 residences were forced to relocate or be
demolished as the water level was planned to rise by 60 feet; and
WHEREAS, Mynderse Van Cleef, a former Seneca Falls resident who was
living in Ithaca, offered the Seneca Falls Board of Trustees a signif-
icant contribution towards the improvement of this new body of water if
they would name it Van Cleef Lake; and
WHEREAS, The improvements to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and the creation
of Van Cleef Lake left an indelible mark on the history of Western New
York, contributing to the area's development in the 20th century; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize events
of historical significance within the State of New York, and in doing
so, help to ensure that the complete history of our State and Nation is
preserved and shared with present and future generations of citizens;
and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Seneca Falls' rich history and enduring
contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to
pay tribute to Seneca Falls on the 100th Anniversary of this historic
occasion; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the creation of Van Cleef Lake to
be celebrated August 7-20, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Carol Ritter Wright, Chairperson of the Van Cleef Lake
Centennial Committee in Seneca Falls, New York.