The Orleans County Bicentennial Ceremony was held Tuesday, April 15, in the Orleans County Courthouse. Church bells rang across the county to mark the occasion. Orleans was officially recognized by the State Legislature on April 15, 1825, after separating from Genesee County.
The ceremony featured several proclamations and discussions on the history of Orleans County. Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson discussed the history of the county’s local government, including the gavel that was used to begin the ceremony:
“You may have noted that I used a gavel to call to order today. This gavel has a special significance: it was carved by Cary W. Lattin, then County Historian, from a walnut tree planted by his grandfather in 1856 and presented to Chairman Dudek at that first meeting of the new Legislature in January 1980.
That means the wood of this gavel is almost as old as Orleans County itself. And just like this gavel, our county is as strong as ever.”
Activities will be held throughout the year to celebrate the bicentennial. Visit orleanscountytourism.com/bicentennial for information.
Provided information
Photos from @SenatorOrtt on X
