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Commemorative Program Dedication
To the people of Clarence,
Recalling those who ventured through here, seemingly in the middle of nowhere yet because of its inherent beauty, chose to stay and establish the first town in Erie County, New York on March 11, 1808.
To those who risked everything to settle and establish farms and businesses to nurture this outpost and watch it grow and prosper.
To all those who chose Clarence over everywhere else to live, and
To the future generations who will have the pleasure of calling Clarence “home.”
In 1798 Joseph Ellicott began the “great survey,” marking out townships throughout the Holland Land Purchase. To aid settlement, he offered a discount on land to anyone who would open an inn or tavern between Buffalo and Batavia. In 1799, Asa Ransom opened a tavern in the Clarence Hollow. It was soon followed by a saw mill and grist mill, and on March 11, 1808, the Town of Clarence was incorporated.
Once incorporated, Clarence began to grow. More inns, mills, businesses, schools and places of worship sprang up, which fostered additional development including the formation of neighboring hamlets Harris Hill, Clarence Center, Schwormville (Swormville), and Wolcottsburg. Agriculture, commerce and travel prompted several railroads to pass through the area.
As time marched on, Clarence continued to experience business growth, including the addition of a telephone company and an automobile club. As the town progressed through another hundred years, growth and prosperity continued. Agriculture has largely given way to commerce, restaurants, malls, professional offices, antique shops, and many residences. Once part of a journey, Clarence has now become a destination.
On this, the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Town of Clarence, it is with deep satisfaction that we celebrate the blessings bestowed upon our town-- past, present, and future. Members of the Bicentennial Committee, with help from countless others, have prepared a celebration to last throughout the year to honor the heritage of Clarence. It is with great pride that we present this commemorative program proclaiming the 200th birthday of our town and offer an insight into the town’s roots, what it is today, and perhaps, a glimpse into the town’s future.
Happy Birthday, Clarence!
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