[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 25 (Thursday, February 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING CLARENCE, NEW YORK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2008

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today 
in celebration and recognition of the 200th anniversary of Clarence, 
NY.
  The roots of this historic town date back to 1799, when Asa Ransom 
became the first to settle there. Ransom opened a tavern, sawmill and 
gristmill in the area that is today known as the Clarence Hollow. Also 
among the first to settle in Clarence was Asa Harris, who opened a 
tavern on the other side of the town in 1807.
  It was 1 year later on March 11, 1808, that Clarence was 
incorporated. This made Clarence the oldest town in Erie County. After 
its incorporation, Clarence continued to attract farmers and 
businesses; churches also began to spring up throughout the 52 square 
mile town. This growing town played a large role in Western New York 
during the War of 1812. When people fled the City of Buffalo in 1813 
due to the fires set by the British, many took refuge in Clarence. 
Among those who sought shelter were the Salisbury Brothers, who 
published the Buffalo Gazette from the Asa Harris Tavern.
  The late 1800s saw a number of cultural advances in the then small 
town of Clarence. The first carrousel built in the United States was 
constructed in Clarence in 1897 by Carl Newman and Carl Landow. This 
hand operated carrousel was utilized by the people of Clarence for over 
30 years. Also, the importance of education has a strong history in the 
town. In 1897, the Parker Union Academy received a large addition, 
including two towers, one for an observatory and one for a bell. The 
dedication to the improvement of the school system has been a tradition 
carried on to the current students in Clarence. A most recent 
achievement in this area was the Blue Ribbon National School of 
Excellence award that Clarence High School earned in the 2001-2002 
school year.
  After World War II, Clarence experienced a great period of growth. 
The population rose from 2,948 residents to about 13,267 by 1960. The 
population was not the only thing growing in Clarence in the first half 
of the twentieth century; the discovery of natural resources opened the 
doors for many businesses and industries. After gypsum was detected in 
1925, the National Gypsum Company was formed and mined for gypsum until 
1982. Other resources that were discovered in Clarence during this 
period were sand and gravel, which provided supplies for many important 
industries in western New York.
  The expansion of industry and culture was also fueled by the 
implantable pacemaker, patented by Wilson Greatbatch in 1962. Following 
the invention of this lifesaving device, Greatbatch founded the Wilson 
Greatbatch LTD. in 1970. The location of this research facility in 
Clarence opened the doors for a number of employment opportunities and 
technological advances.
  Finally, the history of Clarence can not be discussed without noting 
that the town's greatest resource is the hard-working members of the 
community. In Clarence, you find generous, down-to-earth, friendly 
people who are willing to help their neighbors. More than anything else 
to celebrate on this 200th anniversary is the good-hearted and gracious 
people of Clarence.
  Thus, Madam Speaker, in recognition of its rich history, agricultural 
tradition, innovation, and its wonderful residents, I ask that this 
Honorable Body join me in celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Town 
of Clarence.

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