Celebrate Royalton’s 200th Anniversary

2017 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; 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 the 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 of the Town of Royalton, New York; this auspicious milestone will be celebrated on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at the Niagara Orleans Country Club, Gasport, New York; and WHEREAS, The Town of Royalton was formed on April 5, 1817, from part of the Town of Hartland in Niagara County, New York; the first town meeting was held on Tuesday, April 7, 1818, at the house of Almond H. Millard, a justice of the peace, who presided; and WHEREAS, The villages in the town of Royalton were mostly brought into existence by the construction of the Erie Canal, with the exceptions being Royalton Center and Wolcottsville; they included Middleport, Gasport, Reynale's Basin, Dysinger, and Orangeport; and WHEREAS, With the first hotel opening up in 1866, a considerable amount of trade and shop interests soon came in, including more hotels, a cigar factory, five wagon and blacksmith shops and a sawmill; at this time, there were about 1,000 inhabitants; and WHEREAS, As the growth of the town increased exponentially with the opening of the Erie Canal, so did the population; by 2010, their population had increased to more than 7,600 with over 2,800 households; and WHEREAS, In recognition of the rich history and enduring contribution of the Town of Royalton 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 Royalton 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 200th Anniversary of the Town of Royalton, New York, recognizing the significance of the role it continues to play in the life of the community of the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Town Supervisor of Royalton, New York.