PORT BYRON - The firehouse alarm sounded Friday and large fire engines blasted their horns through the streets of Port Byron, sounding off the beginning of a weekend designed to celebrate that rich history and the town of Mentz celebrates its 200th anniversary with Heritage Days.
The town was originally established in 1802 from the town of Aurelius and was then known as the town of Jefferson, it was in 1808 that Mentz assumed its new current name and by 1810, the area had begun to be settled on a permanent basis.
Through these 200 years the town has seen some important people and events pass through.
In 1856 the Erie Canal was moved to pass through the area and the town can claim several notable historical figures among its past residents, including Isaac Singer, the famed sewing machine manufacturer as well as Henry Wells, a partner in Wells-Fargo Bank.
Friday evening was very much about paying tribute to that history.
Starting from the high school and twisting and turning all the way down Main Street to the American Legion John Cool Post 257, was an enormous parade. Led by fire trucks from Port Byron and neighboring communities such as Montezuma, Weedsport, Savannah and Conquest, with several antique engines included in the processions.
Following were numerous floats, including one depicting in miniature the Federated Church, as well as floats with past mayors of Port Byron and past town supervisors.
Being at the heart of the town, Port Byron seemed like the best choice to host the weekend's festivities.
"The village is kind of at the center of the town," Port Byron mayor Ron Wilson said. "The village had a big celebration back in 1987 to celebrate out 150th anniversary, so we are doing this to help the town celebrate its 200th anniversary."
In the heart of downtown Port Byron, the streets were lined with people, happy to be out and enjoying the cool summer evening and all the festivities.
Mary Battram, has been a life-long Port Byron resident and thought this kind of celebration was just what the town needed.
"I came out to see all the people," Battram said. "It is a nice night to have a parade. I think it is a really good idea, the town needs more things like this, more things going on."
As the parade wound down the festivities were scheduled to continue into the evening with music provided by the Lock 52 Jazz Band.
"I think it is all pretty cool," Russell Buehler, of Port Byron, said. "I just wanted to come down and check it all out and see some friends. I really like what they are doing."
Through these 200 years the town has seen some important people and events pass through.
In 1856 the Erie Canal was moved to pass through the area and the town can claim several notable historical figures among its past residents, including Isaac Singer, the famed sewing machine manufacturer as well as Henry Wells, a partner in Wells-Fargo Bank.
Friday evening was very much about paying tribute to that history.
Starting from the high school and twisting and turning all the way down Main Street to the American Legion John Cool Post 257, was an enormous parade. Led by fire trucks from Port Byron and neighboring communities such as Montezuma, Weedsport, Savannah and Conquest, with several antique engines included in the processions.
Following were numerous floats, including one depicting in miniature the Federated Church, as well as floats with past mayors of Port Byron and past town supervisors.
Being at the heart of the town, Port Byron seemed like the best choice to host the weekend's festivities.
"The village is kind of at the center of the town," Port Byron mayor Ron Wilson said. "The village had a big celebration back in 1987 to celebrate out 150th anniversary, so we are doing this to help the town celebrate its 200th anniversary."
In the heart of downtown Port Byron, the streets were lined with people, happy to be out and enjoying the cool summer evening and all the festivities.
Mary Battram, has been a life-long Port Byron resident and thought this kind of celebration was just what the town needed.
"I came out to see all the people," Battram said. "It is a nice night to have a parade. I think it is a really good idea, the town needs more things like this, more things going on."
As the parade wound down the festivities were scheduled to continue into the evening with music provided by the Lock 52 Jazz Band.
"I think it is all pretty cool," Russell Buehler, of Port Byron, said. "I just wanted to come down and check it all out and see some friends. I really like what they are doing."
