LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Town
of Sweden

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and commem-
orate 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 commem-
orate the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Sweden, New York, located in
Monroe County; and
WHEREAS, On the evening of April 5, 1814, the Town of Sweden was born
at a town meeting held at the home of Reuben Stickney on the corner of
Lake and Swamp Roads; this meeting was held in accordance with the April
1813 State Legislature enacted bill that required the large township of
Genesee County to be split into three new towns named Bergen, Sweden and
Murray; and
WHEREAS, The development of the Erie Canal created a stopping point as
the canal ended in Sweden in 1823; farming began to flourish in the
area, canal access allowed easy shipping of commodities as well as the
receiving of supplies, and in 1829 the Village of Brockport was founded;
and
WHEREAS, In 1832 the Baptist Collegiate Institute was founded, bring-
ing higher education into the Town; the institute would later be known
as the Brockport Normal School; in this same year, the first fire compa-
ny was founded; and
WHEREAS, A water system which drew water from Lake Ontario was
constructed in 1912 and is still in operation today; and
WHEREAS, Between 1938 and 1946, the Brockport Normal School expanded
under the leadership of Mr. Hartwell, and in the mid 1960's, it became
part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system; during this
time, Sweden Village, the first housing development, was constructed;
and
WHEREAS, The 1980's brought more growth and expansion with the
construction of the Sweden Senior Center, several new apartment
complexes and shopping plazas; Sweden became a suburban community,
college town, and agricultural power with eleven active churches, two
libraries, five volunteer fire companies, a share of Northampton County
Park, and three museums; and
WHEREAS, During the early 2000's, the Town took bold new steps to
improve recreational programs and facilities for its residents; over the
next decade, six soccer/lacrosse/football fields, a full-size baseball
field, skate park, golf course, nature trails, and sand volleyball
courts were installed, as well as the infrastructure to support public
programming; and
WHEREAS, As the Town of Sweden moves forward into its third century,
it remains committed to agriculture, education, recreation and community
service, the elements that have made it successful for 200 years; and
WHEREAS, Remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of growth
and change, the Town of Sweden continues its commitment to enhancing the
quality of life of its citizens, ensuring a positive business, institu-
tional 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 Sweden, recognizing the
significance of the role it continues to play in the life of the commu-
nity of the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Town of Sweden.