Senate Resolution No. 5435

BY: Senator YOUNG

COMMEMORATING the Bicentennial Anniversary of the
Town of Great Valley

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize
events of significance which exemplify the history and development of
the State of New York; each city, town, village and hamlet within the
borders of our great Empire State proudly resonates with its rich and
noble history; and

WHEREAS, It is also custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commemorate the anniversaries of the founding of municipalities
throughout the State, noting in turn 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
commemorate the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Town of Great Valley;
and

WHEREAS, 200 years is truly a remarkable milestone, with an
interesting history that has been carried throughout the ages; the Town
of Great Valley is holding events from April through July of 2018 in
celebration of 200 years on the founding of the municipality; the Town
of Great Valley was formed from the Town of Olean on April 15, 1818; and

WHEREAS, The name of the Town is derived from the broad valley of
Great Valley Creek, an important stream that flows into the Allegheny
River at Kill Buck; and

WHEREAS, As Great Valley grew, numerous hamlets were established
throughout the town which include: Kill Buck, Great Valley, Great Valley
Station, Sugartown, Peth and Willoughby; and

WHEREAS, The Town Historian Marilyn Siperek and Genealogist Dawn
Westfall have spent countless hours researching and planning the
festivities included as part of the bicentennial celebration; and

WHEREAS, At the kick-off of the bicentennial celebration in April,
83 Pioneer Certificates were presented to those whose ancestors lived in
town before or between 1840 and 1920; other events over several months
include: The Great Gatsby Costume Party; Heritage Day; Poodle Skirts and
Planes event; Vintage Airplane Fly-in; Old Home Days Community
Celebration Day, and this event continues with "Farming in Great
Valley;" all of these community events are an opportunity for families
to come together to share in the noble history of Great Valley; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the rich history and enduring
contribution of the Town of Great Valley to the heritage of the State of
New York, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to join in
commemorating the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Town of Great Valley;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Town of Great Valley;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Town of Great Valley.