Town of Hartland celebrates 200th birthday

Two hundred years was celebrated in the Town of Hartland this past weekend. On May 6, a kick-off event was held, in honor of the town’s bicentennial.

The celebration will continue throughout the summer months, with many other events being held to honor the past, present and future of Hartland.

“We are really excited to have this opportunity to share with everyone,” said Supervisor W. Ross Annable.

Annable said when the Town of Hartland was founded it was a very heavily forested area and grew out of a larger population of people.

Town Historian Norm LaJoie said it is important for people to realize that when the town was founded it was the first year of the War of 1812.

“It hasn’t always been an easy time,” he said. “With the war in the Niagara area, people didn’t know if the war was going to come to them.”

Work on planning the 200-year celebration began in July 2008.

LaJoie said the five members of the committee have put in many hours of volunteer time to make these events possible.

LaJoie thanked the town and town supervisor for giving the committee support and backing.

“Two hundred years is a very long time for a great community like Hartland,” said Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, who read a proclamation from the state senate, assembly and Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Maziarz said there have been many great citizens to come out of Hartland, but all of the men and women who “stepped up” to serve the country over the past 200 years should get special thanks.

Maziarz also recognized and thanked LaJoie, who is the head of the Bicentennial committee, for his hard work.

He said that the children of Hartland will one-day tell their grandchildren about this 200-year celebration.

“This is just the start of the celebration,” said Maziarz. “[The events] will all be well attended because this community cares.”

During the celebration, “Happy Birthday” was sung, followed by the cutting of the large bicentennial cake. For this first event, more than 400 people were in attendance throughout the day.

The kick-off event took place at the Hartland Fire Hall and included various booths, historical displays, carriage rides and entertainment.

An extensive exhibit on the town’s history was on display, along with displays by the historians of the Towns of Newfane, Royalton and Somerset.

Currently along Route 104, many flags, banners and signs are decorating the “old” Ridge Road. Colorful historic markers will also identify 20 selected sites in the town.

The celebration will continue July 28, with a parade and grand celebration.

A fire works display will be held Aug. 4 and an ice cream social will take place Aug. 25. The celebration will end on Sept. 15 with a bicentennial dinner at Becker Farms.

Tickets for the Town of Hartland bicentennial Amish made quilt is currently available. The quilt will be drawn Sept. 15 at the bicentennial dinner.

Tickets are $1 each or $2 for three tickets. Proceeds benefit the Bicentennial activities fund.