[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E267-E268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE TOWN OF NEWFANE BICENTENNIAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CLAUDIA TENNEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2024

  Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Town of Newfane, 
New York for its bicentennial anniversary.
  It was on a spring day in April of 1824 in the Town of Newfane in 
Niagara County, New York that the vision of businessmen and political 
leaders came to fruition. At the residence of Mr. James Van Horn the 
town held its first meeting where they determined the outline of its 
boundaries, administrative officers and the honor of giving it the name 
`Newfane'. Although the origin of the name of the Town of Newfane is a 
matter not yet settled, it is generally understood by the citizens of 
Niagara that it was suggested to commemorate the beauty of this town's 
prospect and likeness to the Town of Fane in Vermont.
  In celebrating Newfane's legacy, it is important to recognize the 
varied economic life that supported its growth during the previous two 
centuries. The viability of Newfane's early commerce depended in large 
part on the creation of the Erie Canal and the impact of its diverted 
waters. On Main Street a few decades later, it boasted bustling mills, 
taverns, and clothing shops, which continued with a general store and 
thriving lumber yard. Due to the robust economic activity in Newfane, 
the community strengthened and saw the emergence of schools, a diverse 
number of churches opened their doors, and more public buildings 
emerged consistent with main street, small-town America.
  Today, Newfane is known and loved for its rural landscapes and scenic 
shores of Lake Ontario. Its nature trails and picturesque sunsets over 
Lake Ontario attract visitors from all over the country. The town is 
home to a robust, generational farming community with apple orchards, 
livestock, horticulture, wineries, and commercial crop farms that 
provide essential goods to residents and surrounding commnunities. 
Located on Lake Ontario, the town offers several miles of scenic 
coastline. Residents enjoy the town's numerous parks and beaches, as 
well as Olcott Harbor which serves as a safe harbor to boaters and home 
to marinas and fishermen on the lake.
  I would be remiss if I did not recognize the Town of Newfane for its 
thriving sport fishing industry. Men and women come from all directions 
to enjoy the town's world class fisheries for salmon and trout. The 
Town of Newfane is proud to be a key contributor to Niagara County's 
$30 million a year sport fishing industry.
  I applaud the Town of Newfane for their commitment to preserving 200 
years of history. Throughout the past 200 years, Newfane has proven 
that America's heartland has never lost its spirit. Sincerest 
congratulations once

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again to the Town of Newfane on their bicentennial.

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