Assembly Resolution No. 957
BY: M. of A. Sempolinski
COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the Town of
Randolph, New York, in 2026
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and
commemorate the distinguished histories of the communities which
comprise the noble body of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Randolph, New York, to
be honored at the Bicentennial Celebration on Saturday, March 7, 2026;
and
WHEREAS, In 1825, the Erie Canal was completed, reducing the cost of
transportation and travel time into the western part of New York State;
the Town of Conewango, which included the present-day towns of Leon,
Randolph, and South Valley, began to expand rapidly; and
WHEREAS, By 1826, the Holland Land Company had completed its surveys
of Western New York, including Cattaraugus County, and started selling
the undeveloped land to pioneer settlers; approximately 30-40 families
had purchased land and settled in the future Town of Randolph, New York;
and
WHEREAS, On February 1, 1826, the New York State Legislature passed
the Act that divided Conewango, creating the Town of Randolph which, at
that time, also included the current Town of South Valley; the Act
stated, "
that the first town meeting shall be held at the house of
Benjamin Clark, in said town, on the first Tuesday in March next
"; and
WHEREAS, At the first town meeting in Randolph, Thomas Harvey,
Justice of the Peace, was appointed as moderator; those who assembled
chose Jeremiah York as Town Supervisor and Andrew D. Smith as Town
Clerk; they also selected assessors, highway commissioners, the poor
master, commissioners and inspectors of common schools, a tax collector,
and path masters; in the early days, the town meetings occurred just
once per year, unlike once a month today, with business focused on
development of roads, operation of schools, and care for the poor; and
WHEREAS, In 1830, the Town of Randolph conducted its first census,
denoting that the Town had grown to approximately 135 households with a
total population of 776 residents; and
WHEREAS, Two centuries later, the Town of Randolph consists of 1,510
parcels of land and homes and a population of 2,400 citizens; the
Southern Tier Expressway (I-86) passes through Randolph's rolling hills,
creating a gateway to tourist destinations such as the New York Amish
Trail and nearby Holiday Valley; and
WHEREAS, Today, Randolph is a charming town which is nestled in the
Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County in Western New York; the Town
offers a blend of rural tranquility and community spirit; and
WHEREAS, The quaint downtown area of Randolph is filled with small
businesses, including niche shops, doctors' offices, banks, and small
restaurants; a few manufacturing businesses and many farms contribute to
the economy; the largest employer is Randolph Central School; and
WHEREAS, Of historic origin, and remaining fruitful over the ebb and
flow of decades of growth and change, the Town of Randolph continues to
provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of the Town of Randolph have a bright outlook
for the future of their community which remains a beautiful place in
which to live, raise a family, conduct business, and enjoy the natural
beauty and historical sites that make this sector of New York State a
charming and welcoming community; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Randolph's rich history and enduring
contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to
pay tribute to this spirited town upon the occasion of its 200th
Anniversary; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Randolph, New York,
recognizing the significance of the role it continues to play in the
life of the communities of the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Town of Randolph.
