The Springwater Bicentennial Founders Day Celebration

By Judy Tripp-Neu

From the Valley View, 18 April 2016

Assemblyman Nojay presents certificate to Supervisor Babbit on founders day, 17 April 2016.

Founder’s Day finally arrived on Sunday morning and more than 400 people came out to share a wonderful day in Springwater. The warm spring breezes swept over the valley and the beautiful sounds of cardinals, chickadees and blue birds high in the treetops were only a prelude to the familiar hymns at the lively community church service held in the Springwater Fire Hall where it was standing room only.

The children’s choir sang with exuberance and the dulcet tones of Carl Brehm’s wonderful baritone voice was uplifting and joyful. People of all faiths, all walks of life, and from all generations, natives and non-natives joined in wishing this small town that is actually larger in size than any other town in Livingston County a very Happy 200th Birthday as a year of historical and celebratory events began.

Afterwards, more than two hundred people enjoyed a fine chicken BBQ lunch provided through the efforts of Larry Gnau and Steve Cowley, and despite the number of cars in and out of the downtown area, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office provided capable assistance which kept traffic flowing smoothly and without even a minor incident.

The Waylandaires provided music.

The afternoon events were well-attended by over 100 people and brought elected officials from all levels of government with warm wishes for another two hundred years of longevity for Springwater and its future residents.

The Waylandaires of Wayland, N.Y. began the program with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday and a program filled with music familiar to young and old. They ended their program with Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American” and everyone was on their feet repeating the words that hold so much meaning for a community who has sent many in defense of this country in the past two hundred years and is very proud of the men and women who have worn this country’s uniforms of service.

Assemblyman Bill Nojay, whose father was celebrating his 90th birthday, took time away from his family’s celebration to make a presentation and say a few words to those assembled; adhering strictly to discussing the history of the town and congratulating the people present and the many ancestors represented in that assembly. The afternoon presentations were simply reminders of what this small town in a rural community has achieved and a promise of the possibilities that exist for its future.

The Bicentennial Birthday Cake.