[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE VILLAGE OF ALEXANDER, NEW YORK, ON ITS 175TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER JOHN LEE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 2009

  Mr. LEE of New York. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I 
commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Village of Alexander, New 
York, a beautiful community home to nearly 500 Genesee County 
residents.
  Incorporated in 1834, the Village of Alexander is named after 
Alexander Rhea, who purchased the first land from his employer, the 
Holland Land Company, in 1802.
  Alexander's history is closely tied to the Tonawanda Creek, which 
flows northeasterly through the town. The lands along the creek 
attracted numerous settlers, and Alexander continued to grow throughout 
the early 1800s and quickly became one of the most populous towns in 
Genesee County. By 1812, more than 100 families had taken up land in 
the town.
  A tavern, tannery, blacksmith shop, general store, and a library were 
all soon built. A literary society was then formed out of the library, 
and after residents were able to raise $6,000, the Alexander Classical 
School and later the Genesee and Wyoming Seminary were formed, leading 
to some of the first secondary education institutions in Genesee 
County.
  Rich in history and community pride, the Village of Alexander and its 
residents are a true asset to Western New York.
  Madam Speaker, in recognition of its 175th Anniversary, I ask this 
Honorable Body to join me in commemorating the Village of Alexander, 
New York.

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