[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 64 (Friday, April 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VILLAGE OF 
                                GENESEO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 20, 2007

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and delight that 
I rise today to recognize and celebrate the Village of Geneseo on its 
175th Anniversary.
  From its lush and beautiful landscape to its historical and 
picturesque architecture, from its tradition of excellent education and 
thriving agriculture to its wonderful and generous people, the Village 
of Geneseo has much to celebrate on its 175th anniversary.
  Located in the pleasant Genesee Valley in Livingston County, Geneseo 
has from the very beginning charmed onlookers and visitors with its 
natural beauty and landscapes. Centuries ago, Seneca Indians discovered 
a peaceful, rolling valley near a river that was bordered between the 
Finger Lakes to the east and waterfalls, which would become Letchworth 
State Park, to the west. They named the land jo-nis-hi-yuh, meaning 
beautiful valley, which would come to be spelled Geneseo. Thus 
Geneseo's very name captures its beautiful landscape of hills, grand 
oak trees, waterways and green fields that continue to captivate.
  In 1790, two brothers, James and William Wadsworth purchased the 
``beautiful valley'' from the Senecas, and Geneseo was founded. They 
built homes on both ends of Main Street, many of which still stand 
today. It was the beginning of what today is one of the most scenic and 
quaint Main Streets in America. Only one of 24 communities in the 
country to have its historic district recognized as having national 
significance, Geneseo's Main Street Historic District reflects the 
beauty of the area's landscape with unique and delightful architecture 
nestled in a picturesque, small-town community.
  In 1832, the settlement was chartered and would from then on known as 
the ``Village of Geneseo.'' This important moment marked the official 
formation of local government and village boundaries, which now mark 
their 175th year. Later, another important charter would be enacted 
when in 1897 the New York State Legislature chartered the Wadsworth 
Normal School at Geneseo, a school that would become SUNY Geneseo. 
Today, with a reputation as one of the nation's best public liberal 
arts schools, SUNY Geneseo is an integral part of the community, 
educating and preparing thousands of young people through its 
tremendous programs and resources.
  Beyond its landscape, history, architecture, and educational 
tradition, possibly nothing is as inseparable from Geneseo as farming 
and agriculture. More than just a vital industry that helps feed our 
nation, farming in Geneseo is a way of life that has shaped the region 
and sustained its economy. Combined with Geneseo's academic, 
architectural and natural jewels, this tradition of farms and fields 
create a dynamic mix that makes the village truly unique.
  Finally, Geneseo's most tremendous resource and vital characteristic 
is its wonderful people. In Geneseo, you find generous, down-to-earth, 
friendly people who are willing to lend a hand and always wish you 
well. More than anything to celebrate on this 175th anniversary is the 
good-hearted and gracious people of Geneseo.
  Thus, Madam Speaker, in recognition of its history, its natural 
beauty, its charming architecture, its educational excellence, its 
agricultural tradition and its wonderful residents, I ask that this 
honorable body join me in celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the 
Village of Geneseo.

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