BICENTENNIAL CLOSING CEREMONY
Burial of the County’s Time Capsule Seals a Successful Year
By Gerlind Dubey

4 year old Alicia Campos of Leon, NY, youngest spectator.

Chairperson Crystal Abers, accompanied by Sid Emmons, Steve Teachman, and Catt. County Administrator Jack Searls

Little Valley… The year 2008 marked an historic occasion - the Bicentennial of Cattaraugus County! This past Wednesday March 11, 2009, marked the official closing of the Cattaraugus County Bicentennial. The ceremony was consummated with the burial of a time capsule filled with the variousmemorabilia, pictures, DVDs, newspapers and more from Bicentennial events held throughout the County. The stainless steel capsule markedwith a brass plaque, was interred on the grounds in front of the Cattaraugus County Center inLittle Valley; a future monument, bench and plaque will be placed at the site to remind visitors of this historic event.

Members of the Bicentennial Advisory Committee Crystal Abers, Sid Emmons, Steve Teachman and Jack Searls spoke with all agreeing that the year of celebration was a wonderful example of teamwork, lauding the 14-day wagon train trail ride as the Bicentennial Year’s signature event, as a great adventure, and history in the making.

Precisely to date of the starting ceremonies held in Ellicottville on March 11, 2008, Cattaraugus County Chairman of the Legislature Crystal Abers, closed the year long celebration by ringing the county’s 300 year old Bicentennial Bell, Chairman Abers rang the same bell on this day a year ago, kicking off the celebration.

During the bicentennial year the Cattaraugus Bicentennial bell, donated by Robert Schaumleffel traveled to communities throughout the county, the bell will now go to the Stone House Museum in Machias for permanent display.

A book showcasing photos of the events of the bicentennial year is being composed by Cheryl O’Keefe and Debra Offerbeck. The time capsule will be opened for the Semi-Quincentennial, 2058!

FOR PHOTOS AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BICENNTENIAL CELEBRATION
VISIT: http://www.cattco.org/bicentennial/photos