BROCTON - Several initiatives are taking place in Portland, which will celebrate its bicentennial next year, to honor the town's history and history makers.
Portland Town Supervisor Dan Schrantz reported during the monthly council meeting that the Brocton/Portland Historical Museum is the winner of a grant facilitated through the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation which will allow for the digitization of the "Brocton Mirror" newspaper.
"We're very fortunate to have received this grant, and I know the anonymous individual who applied for this grant for us spent a great deal of time on it. We appreciate it very much," he said.
The Brocton Mirror, also run as The Brocton Weekly Mirror, dates back to the early 1900s and will be completely digitized. Once publications are digitized, they will be searchable for any names or events related to the town and village.
Schrantz also reminds residents and visitors to the town of the established museum hours for the season, Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. beginning June 2 through Sept. 2.
Jerry Boltz, town councilman and chairman of the Brad Anderson Recognition Committee, requested permission to utilize the southern most parking area in front of the town hall to erect a commemorative statue.
Council members approved the use of the parking area, which is under utilized by visitors to the building, but will allow for a visible display area for the statue, which will honor syndicated Marmaduke cartoonist, Brad Anderson.
Council members approved Kelley to replace the town's Komatsu loader for a state bid price of $70,439, with an approved trade in of the old loader in the amount of $64,000.
The town council will meet again on June 13, at 7 p.m. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
