[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20643]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, NEW YORK

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 21, 2017

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
distinguished history of the Town of Amherst, New York upon the 
occasion of the town's Bicentennial in 2018. Throughout the next year, 
Amherst will reflect on and celebrate its 200th anniversary.
  On April 10, 1818, the Town of Amherst was officially created from 
part of the town of Buffalo, later known as the City of Buffalo. As the 
largest town in Erie County, New York, Amherst has a total area of 
53.28 square miles. Amherst encompasses municipalities such as the 
Village of Williamsville, and the hamlets of Eggertsville, Getzville, 
Snyder, Swormville and East Amherst.
  In the nineteenth century Amherst was a prosperous farming community 
with seven grist mills, several saw mills, a tannery and boot and shoe 
factory and two forges with commercial activity centered in 
Williamsville. Amherst draws on its history in its modern development, 
with structures such as the Williamsville Water Mill complex finding 
new purpose today.
  From its beginnings as a primarily farming community, Amherst 
transformed into an urban area in the twentieth century with the 
creation of new subdivisions. Landmarks such as the University of 
Buffalo Campus North Campus and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital made 
Amherst their home.
  Today, Amherst is comprised of approximately 125,000 residents. Those 
who live in Amherst enjoy a four rink recreational facility that 
attracts national and international ice tournaments, a state of the art 
senior center, three libraries, and a State Park within its borders.
  The Town of Amherst will proudly mark its 200th Anniversary with a 
series of events throughout its Bicentennial Year, beginning on January 
1, 2018 with a 200th Birthday Party. The celebrations continue with a 
gigantic Parade, historic walking tours, slogan contest, Interclub 
Service Club Luncheon and gala Bicentennial Ball.
  Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the 
Town of Amherst's rich history and enduring contributions as we 
celebrate its Bicentennial. Congratulations to the Town of Amherst and 
its residents on this exciting and noteworthy milestone.

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