Clarence, New York
Encyclopedia
Clarence is a town located in the northeastern part of Erie County
, New York
, United States
. The population was 30,673 according to the 2010 census. This represents an increase of 17.42% from the 2000 census figure . Clarence is also the name of a postal district in the south part of the town with ZIP code 14031. It is named after the House of Clarence
in England
.
The Town of Clarence is in the northeast part of the county. The town is northeast of Buffalo
. There are no incorporated villages
within the town.
called the area "Ta-Num-No-Ga-O," which means "Place of Hickory Bark."
The Town of Clarence was the first town to be established in Erie County (1808), and many other towns, villages, and cities have been formed from parts of this original town. In 1810, the Town of Buffalo, from which the City of Buffalo
later originated, was divided out of Clarence. Then in 1823, Newstead
and Alden
were formed respectively from the east and south parts of Clarence. Then finally in 1833, Lancaster
was also formed from the town. The defunct Town of Willink
was also a source of new towns, primarily in the south part of the county, being completely partitioned for this purpose.
Western New York was part of the Holland Purchase
. When Genesee County
was established in 1802, all of the region was part of the Town of Batavia
, the single, original town of Genesee County. Clarence was, along with Willink, originally part of Genesee County
. Clarence was split off from Willink in 1804, before Niagara County was created from part of Genesee County in 1808. Clarence (in the north) and Willink (in the south) then comprised the entire area of what would, in 1821, become Erie County
.
One of the first settlers (1799) in the town was Asa Ransom, who has given his name to several locations. He settled in the southeast part of the town, now known as Clarence. In 1807, Asa Harris, a former colonial officer from the American Revolution
, established a tavern in the town in the community of Harris Hill
in the southwest part of Clarence.
Some have suggested that the town is named after a type of carriage
, called a clarence
. Such a carriage is pictured on a sign at the eastern edge of town. However, the name probably derives from the English Dukedom of Clarence in London, which also gave its name to the aforementioned carriage.
During the War of 1812
, the press of the "Buffalo Gazette" was moved to Clarence, out of harm's way of the British troops.
mining and gypsum
mining. National Gypsum and Atlas Gypsum operated mines in the 20th Century west of Clarence Center north of Roll Road near the intersection with Harris Hill Road.
The town celebrated its bicentennial in 2008.
around 10:20 EST. The commuter flight was operating between Newark Liberty International Airport
and Buffalo Niagara International Airport
. The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Q400. There were 45 passengers and 4 crew members killed as well as one victim on the ground.
, the town has a total area of 53.5 square miles (138.6 km²), of which 53.4 square miles (138.3 km²) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) (0.11%) is water.
The north border of the town is marked by Tonawanda Creek
with Niagara County
on the opposite bank.
New York State Route 5
, called "Main Street" locally, passes across the south part of the town. NY Route 78
, "Transit Road," marks the west town line. The eastern terminus of NY Route 324
, "Sheridan Drive," is located in Clarence at the intersection of NY-5 and Thompson Road. The New York State Thruway
(Interstate 90) is immediately south of the town.
This town is partially a suburban community, and the remainder is light industry and agriculture. Town government offices are located in Clarence Center. Clarence, Iowa
is named after the Town of Clarence.
, west of the City of Batavia, and south of the City of Lockport
.
of 2000, there were 26,123 people, 9,154 households, and 7,204 families residing in the town. The population density
was 489.2 people per square mile (188.9/km²). There were 9,497 housing units at an average density of 177.8 per square mile (68.7/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 98.65% White, 1.38% Asian, 0.16% Native American, 0.15% African American, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races
, and 0.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.
There were 9,154 households out of which 38.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.3% were married couples
living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.3% were non-families. 18.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.22.
In the town the population was spread out with 28.0% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $68,003, and the median income for a family was $77,998. Males had a median income of $58,538 versus $31,140 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $32,717. About 1.0% of families and 1.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.2% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Elementary school offers K-8 Catholic education, now with a 3-4 year old pre-school program.
Erie County, New York
Erie County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 919,040. The county seat is Buffalo. The county's name comes from Lake Erie, which in turn comes from the Erie tribe of American Indians who lived south and east of the lake before 1654.Erie...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 30,673 according to the 2010 census. This represents an increase of 17.42% from the 2000 census figure . Clarence is also the name of a postal district in the south part of the town with ZIP code 14031. It is named after the House of Clarence
Duke of Clarence
Duke of Clarence is a title which has been traditionally awarded to junior members of the English and British Royal families. The first three creations were in the Peerage of England, the fourth in the Peerage of Great Britain, and the fifth in the Peerage of the United Kingdom.The title was first...
in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
.
The Town of Clarence is in the northeast part of the county. The town is northeast of Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
. There are no incorporated villages
Village
A village is a clustered human settlement or community, larger than a hamlet with the population ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand , Though often located in rural areas, the term urban village is also applied to certain urban neighbourhoods, such as the West Village in Manhattan, New...
within the town.
Early history
The local Native AmericansNative Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
called the area "Ta-Num-No-Ga-O," which means "Place of Hickory Bark."
The Town of Clarence was the first town to be established in Erie County (1808), and many other towns, villages, and cities have been formed from parts of this original town. In 1810, the Town of Buffalo, from which the City of Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
later originated, was divided out of Clarence. Then in 1823, Newstead
Newstead, New York
Newstead is the most northeastern town in Erie County, New York, United States. The population was 8,404 at the 2000 census. The name is reportedly derived from Newstead Abbey in England....
and Alden
Alden (town), New York
Alden is a town in Erie County, New York, United States. The population was 10,470 at the 2000 census. The town is derived from a family name known to early settlers....
were formed respectively from the east and south parts of Clarence. Then finally in 1833, Lancaster
Lancaster (town), New York
Lancaster is a town in Erie County, New York, USA. As of the 2000 census, the town population has 39,019 residents.The Town of Lancaster has a village also called Lancaster. The Town and Village are currently exploring consolidation of governmental functions. Both town and village are east of...
was also formed from the town. The defunct Town of Willink
Willink, New York
Willink, New York is a former town in Western New York, USA. The name was derived from Willem Willink, one of the original investors of the Holland Land Company....
was also a source of new towns, primarily in the south part of the county, being completely partitioned for this purpose.
Western New York was part of the Holland Purchase
Holland Land Company
The Holland Land Company was a purchaser of the western two-thirds of the western New York land tract known as the Phelps and Gorham Purchase. This tract was known thereafter as The Holland Purchase...
. When Genesee County
Genesee County, New York
Genesee County is a county located in Western New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 60,079. Its name is from the Seneca Indian word Gen-nis'-hee-yo meaning "The Beautiful Valley." Its county seat is Batavia.- History :...
was established in 1802, all of the region was part of the Town of Batavia
Batavia (town), New York
Batavia is a town in Genesee County, New York, United States. The population was 5,915 at the 2000 census. The name is derived from the Roman name for part of the Netherlands....
, the single, original town of Genesee County. Clarence was, along with Willink, originally part of Genesee County
Genesee County, New York
Genesee County is a county located in Western New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 60,079. Its name is from the Seneca Indian word Gen-nis'-hee-yo meaning "The Beautiful Valley." Its county seat is Batavia.- History :...
. Clarence was split off from Willink in 1804, before Niagara County was created from part of Genesee County in 1808. Clarence (in the north) and Willink (in the south) then comprised the entire area of what would, in 1821, become Erie County
Erie County, New York
Erie County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 919,040. The county seat is Buffalo. The county's name comes from Lake Erie, which in turn comes from the Erie tribe of American Indians who lived south and east of the lake before 1654.Erie...
.
One of the first settlers (1799) in the town was Asa Ransom, who has given his name to several locations. He settled in the southeast part of the town, now known as Clarence. In 1807, Asa Harris, a former colonial officer from the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
, established a tavern in the town in the community of Harris Hill
Harris Hill, New York
Harris Hill is a hamlet located in the Town of Clarence in Erie County, New York, United States. The population was 4,881 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Buffalo–Niagara Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area...
in the southwest part of Clarence.
Some have suggested that the town is named after a type of carriage
Carriage
A carriage is a wheeled vehicle for people, usually horse-drawn; litters and sedan chairs are excluded, since they are wheelless vehicles. The carriage is especially designed for private passenger use and for comfort or elegance, though some are also used to transport goods. It may be light,...
, called a clarence
Clarence (carriage)
A clarence or growler is a type of carriage popular in the 19th century, essentially an expanded version of the Brougham. It is a closed, four-wheeled horse-driven vehicle with a glass front and seats for four passengers inside. The driver sat at the front, outside the carriage...
. Such a carriage is pictured on a sign at the eastern edge of town. However, the name probably derives from the English Dukedom of Clarence in London, which also gave its name to the aforementioned carriage.
During the War of 1812
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
, the press of the "Buffalo Gazette" was moved to Clarence, out of harm's way of the British troops.
Later history
By the end of the 19th Century, industry came to the town in the form of brick kilns, potashPotash
Potash is the common name for various mined and manufactured salts that contain potassium in water-soluble form. In some rare cases, potash can be formed with traces of organic materials such as plant remains, and this was the major historical source for it before the industrial era...
mining and gypsum
Gypsum
Gypsum is a very soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the chemical formula CaSO4·2H2O. It is found in alabaster, a decorative stone used in Ancient Egypt. It is the second softest mineral on the Mohs Hardness Scale...
mining. National Gypsum and Atlas Gypsum operated mines in the 20th Century west of Clarence Center north of Roll Road near the intersection with Harris Hill Road.
The town celebrated its bicentennial in 2008.
Flight 3407 crash
On February 12, 2009 Continental Airlines Flight 3407 crashed in Clarence CenterClarence Center, New York
Clarence Center is a hamlet located in the Town of Clarence in Erie County, New York, United States. The population was 1,747 at the 2000 census...
around 10:20 EST. The commuter flight was operating between Newark Liberty International Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport , first named Newark Metropolitan Airport and later Newark International Airport, is an international airport within the city limits of both Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States...
and Buffalo Niagara International Airport
Buffalo Niagara International Airport
Buffalo Niagara International Airport is an airport located in Cheektowaga CDP, Town of Cheektowaga, in Erie County, New York, USA. It is named after the Buffalo – Niagara Falls metropolitan area. The airport serves Buffalo, New York as well as Southern Ontario, Canada...
. The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Q400. There were 45 passengers and 4 crew members killed as well as one victim on the ground.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 53.5 square miles (138.6 km²), of which 53.4 square miles (138.3 km²) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) (0.11%) is water.
The north border of the town is marked by Tonawanda Creek
Tonawanda Creek
Tonawanda Creek is a small river in Western New York, in the United States. William Bright says the best that can be said of the name is that it is "probably from an Iroquoian source, but of unclear derivation".-Description:...
with Niagara County
Niagara County, New York
Niagara County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 216,469. The county seat is Lockport. The county name is from the Iroquois word Onguiaahra; meaning the strait or thunder of waters. It is the location of Niagara Falls and Fort Niagara, and...
on the opposite bank.
New York State Route 5
New York State Route 5
New York State Route 5 is a state highway that extends for across the state of New York in the United States. It begins at the Pennsylvania state line in the Chautauqua County town of Ripley and passes through Buffalo, Syracuse, Utica, Schenectady, and several other smaller cities and...
, called "Main Street" locally, passes across the south part of the town. NY Route 78
New York State Route 78
New York State Route 78 , most commonly known as Transit Road, is a state highway in Western New York, USA. While it is signed north–south, the lower portion runs in an east–west direction across Wyoming County, from its beginning north of the Village of Gainesville.NY 78 is...
, "Transit Road," marks the west town line. The eastern terminus of NY Route 324
New York State Route 324
New York State Route 324 is an east–west state highway located in the western portion of New York in the United States...
, "Sheridan Drive," is located in Clarence at the intersection of NY-5 and Thompson Road. The New York State Thruway
New York State Thruway
The New York State Thruway is a system of limited-access highways located within the state of New York in the United States. The system, known officially as the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway for former New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey, is operated by the New York State Thruway Authority and...
(Interstate 90) is immediately south of the town.
This town is partially a suburban community, and the remainder is light industry and agriculture. Town government offices are located in Clarence Center. Clarence, Iowa
Clarence, Iowa
Clarence is a city in Cedar County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,008 at the 2000 census.- History :The community was originally called "Onion Grove" because of the widespread growth of wild onions in the area...
is named after the Town of Clarence.
Adjacent cities and towns
Clarence is northeast of the City of BuffaloBuffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, west of the City of Batavia, and south of the City of Lockport
Lockport (city), New York
Lockport is a city in Niagara County, New York, United States. The population was 21,165 at the 2010 census. The name is derived from a set of Erie canal locks within the city. Lockport is the county seat of Niagara County and is surrounded by the town of Lockport...
.
- Town of AmherstAmherst, New YorkAmherst is a town in Erie County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town had a total population of 122,366. This represents an increase of 5.0% from the 2000 census. The town is named for Jeffrey Amherst, a British Army officer of the colonial period...
- west - Niagara CountyNiagara County, New YorkNiagara County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 216,469. The county seat is Lockport. The county name is from the Iroquois word Onguiaahra; meaning the strait or thunder of waters. It is the location of Niagara Falls and Fort Niagara, and...
, Town of RoyaltonRoyalton, New YorkRoyalton is a town in Niagara County, New York, United States. The population was 7,660 at the 2010 census.The Town of Royalton is in the southeast corner of the county and is east of the City of Niagara Falls.- History :...
- north - Niagara County, Town of LockportLockport (town), New YorkLockport is a town in Niagara County, New York, United States. The population was 20,529 at the 2010 census. The name is derived from the series of canal locks on the Erie Canal...
- north - Town of LancasterLancaster (town), New YorkLancaster is a town in Erie County, New York, USA. As of the 2000 census, the town population has 39,019 residents.The Town of Lancaster has a village also called Lancaster. The Town and Village are currently exploring consolidation of governmental functions. Both town and village are east of...
- south - Town of NewsteadNewstead, New YorkNewstead is the most northeastern town in Erie County, New York, United States. The population was 8,404 at the 2000 census. The name is reportedly derived from Newstead Abbey in England....
- east
Major highways
Interstate 90Interstate 90Interstate 90 is the longest Interstate Highway in the United States at . It is the northernmost coast-to-coast interstate, and parallels US 20 for the most part. Its western terminus is in Seattle, at Edgar Martinez Drive S. near Safeco Field and CenturyLink Field, and its eastern terminus is in...
(New York State ThruwayNew York State ThruwayThe New York State Thruway is a system of limited-access highways located within the state of New York in the United States. The system, known officially as the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway for former New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey, is operated by the New York State Thruway Authority and...
), (East-West), passes just south of town in the Town of Lancaster. A service area on the Thruway (westbound) is named for Clarence.
New York State Route 5New York State Route 5New York State Route 5 is a state highway that extends for across the state of New York in the United States. It begins at the Pennsylvania state line in the Chautauqua County town of Ripley and passes through Buffalo, Syracuse, Utica, Schenectady, and several other smaller cities and...
, (Main St.) East-West highway that passes through the southern half of town from the Town of Amherst to the Town of Newstead.
New York State Route 78New York State Route 78New York State Route 78 , most commonly known as Transit Road, is a state highway in Western New York, USA. While it is signed north–south, the lower portion runs in an east–west direction across Wyoming County, from its beginning north of the Village of Gainesville.NY 78 is...
,(Transit Road) North-South highway that marks the west town line.
New York State Route 324New York State Route 324New York State Route 324 is an east–west state highway located in the western portion of New York in the United States...
(Sheridan Dr.), East-West Highway through the town from the Amherst town line to its eastern terminus at Main St. (NY 5).
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 26,123 people, 9,154 households, and 7,204 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 489.2 people per square mile (188.9/km²). There were 9,497 housing units at an average density of 177.8 per square mile (68.7/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 98.65% White, 1.38% Asian, 0.16% Native American, 0.15% African American, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.
There were 9,154 households out of which 38.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.3% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.3% were non-families. 18.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.22.
In the town the population was spread out with 28.0% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $68,003, and the median income for a family was $77,998. Males had a median income of $58,538 versus $31,140 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $32,717. About 1.0% of families and 1.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.2% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.
Communities
Principal locations or settlements in the town are:- Beeman Creek Park is an undeveloped county park in the northeast part of the town.
- Clarence (also called "Clarence Hollow," or just "The Hollow") is in the southeast. This is an extensive community of homes and businesses. The Clarence Historical Society is located on Main Street in this community. Part of the community is within a small valley which is traversed by Ransom Creek. The seat of the town government is in Clarence postal zone, just south of the hamletHamlet (place)A hamlet is usually a rural settlement which is too small to be considered a village, though sometimes the word is used for a different sort of community. Historically, when a hamlet became large enough to justify building a church, it was then classified as a village...
of Clarence Center. During the time of its founding, Clarence village was called "Pine Grove," and later, "Ransomville." - Clarence Aerodrome (D51) – A small, grass strip airportAirportAn airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
in the northwest part of the town. This is a private general aviation airport. It was known earlier as "Steffan Airport." - Clarence CenterClarence Center, New YorkClarence Center is a hamlet located in the Town of Clarence in Erie County, New York, United States. The population was 1,747 at the 2000 census...
(formerly "Van Tines Corners") lies near the middle of the town. It is a small hamlet with the most densely populated neighborhood situated around the intersection of Goodrich Road and Clarence Center Road. Clarence Center is also a postal ZIP code 14032, covering most of the north part of the town. - East AmherstEast Amherst, New YorkEast Amherst is a hamlet, or unincorporated community. It straddles Transit Road , which in addition to being a major thoroughfare, serves as the boundary separating the towns of Amherst and Clarence in Erie County, New York, United States of America...
(formerly, "Transit Station") is an unincorporated community, or hamlet, on the west side of the town that is mostly in the Town of AmherstAmherst, New YorkAmherst is a town in Erie County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town had a total population of 122,366. This represents an increase of 5.0% from the 2000 census. The town is named for Jeffrey Amherst, a British Army officer of the colonial period...
. East Amherst is also a postal zone (ZIP code 14051). - Escarpment Sanctuary – A small nature preserve located on Greiner Road that is losing land to the upscale Spalding Lake development.
- Gunnville – A former railroad station in the south part of the town, now only remembered as the source of the name for "Gunnville Road."
- Harris HillHarris Hill, New YorkHarris Hill is a hamlet located in the Town of Clarence in Erie County, New York, United States. The population was 4,881 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Buffalo–Niagara Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area...
is an extensive community in the southwest corner of the town, built on a low hill called "Harris Hill." This location was also called "Shimerville" after a former post office, now only remembered as the source of the name for "Shimerville Road." - Hunts CornersHunts Corners, New YorkHunts Corners, New York is a hamlet in the town of Clarence in Erie County, New York, USA.-References:...
is a location near the eastern town line and consists of a scattered group of homes. The corners are formed by the intersection of Salt Road and Clarence Center-Akron Road. - Mansfield Corners – A former location in the eastern part of the town, north of Hunts Corners
- MillersportMillersport, New YorkMillersport, New York is an unincorporated hamlet in the town of Clarence in Erie County, New York, USA. It is the namesake of the Millersport Highway, known legally as New York State Route 263.-References:...
is a hamlet in the northwest corner. Because of its position, Millerport extends into the Town of Amherst and also across Tonawanda CreekTonawanda CreekTonawanda Creek is a small river in Western New York, in the United States. William Bright says the best that can be said of the name is that it is "probably from an Iroquoian source, but of unclear derivation".-Description:...
into Niagara CountyNiagara County, New YorkNiagara County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 216,469. The county seat is Lockport. The county name is from the Iroquois word Onguiaahra; meaning the strait or thunder of waters. It is the location of Niagara Falls and Fort Niagara, and...
. The primary settlement consists of residences and businesses near the intersection of Transit Road and Millersport Highway. - Potoczek Airport (D46) – A small grass strip airport in the northwest part of the town, located on Wolcott Road.
- RapidsRapids, New YorkRapids is a hamlet located in the Town of Lockport in Niagara County, New York, United States. The population was 1,356 at the 2000 census....
– A hamlet at the northern town line. Rapids is officially in Niagara County, but partly extends into Erie County, divided by Tonawanda Creek. - Smiths Corners – A former location in the northern part of the town near Rapids.
- Snearly Corners – Now the intersection of Main Street and Transit Road. It was named after the Snearly family, which ran a hotel there.
- Spaulding Lake – An upscale housing project built around a former quarry.
- Sturnerville – An historic location east of Harris Hill.
- SwormvilleSwormville, New YorkSwormville is a hamlet in the eastern part of Amherst and the western part of Clarence, New York, USA.Named after Adam Schworm, a prominent landowner and businessman who built a store on the Clarence side of Transit Road, Swormville has a population of 17,694...
is on the western border of the town and extends across the border into the Town of Amherst. The community has had its name spelled several different ways in the past, such as "Schwarmsville". - Tillman Road Wildlife Management AreaTillman Road Wildlife Management AreaTillman Road Wildlife Management Area is a small conservation area located inside the Town of Clarence in western New York, USA.Tillman Road WMA contains approximately , including an cattail swamp. The preserve is crossed by several trails, including two loops of different lengths. The WMA is...
– A conservation area in the southeast part of Clarence. - WolcottsburgWolcottsburg, New YorkWolcottsburg, New York is an unincorporated hamlet in the town of Clarence in Erie County, New York, USA.- History :Wolcottsburg was formerly called West Prussia due to the number of German residents.A church at the end of Wolcott Road was built in the late 1860's and still stands today.-References:...
(once called "West Prussia") is a hamlet in the northern part of the town, centered about a cluster of businesses, homes, and a church. The community is located near the intersection of Goodrich Road and Wolcott Road.
Physiographic locations
- Beeman Creek is a small stream in the northeast part of Clarence, flowing northward to Tonawanda Creek.
- Black Creek is a stream running mostly east-west through the northern part of the town, starting near Wolcottsburg, and eventually merging into Tonawanda CreekTonawanda CreekTonawanda Creek is a small river in Western New York, in the United States. William Bright says the best that can be said of the name is that it is "probably from an Iroquoian source, but of unclear derivation".-Description:...
in northern Amherst. - The Escarpment – A ledge, the Onondaga Escarpment, running approximately east-west south of the middle of the town and most prominent between Goodrich Road and Kraus Road.
- Gott Creek – A stream in the southeast part of Clarence that eventually flows out the west clarence town line into Amherst.
- Ransom Creek – A stream in the south central part of Clarence that eventually flows out the west clarence town line into Amherst.
- Spaulding Lake – A former quarry north of Main Street, previously known as Quarry Lake.
Cultural institutions
- Museum of European Art – contains work by Salvador DaliSalvador DalíSalvador Domènec Felip Jacint Dalí i Domènech, Marquis de Púbol , commonly known as Salvador Dalí , was a prominent Spanish Catalan surrealist painter born in Figueres,Spain....
, Pablo PicassoPablo PicassoPablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso known as Pablo Ruiz Picasso was a Spanish expatriate painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and stage designer, one of the greatest and most influential artists of the...
, Arno Breher and Paul BelmondoPaul BelmondoPaul Alexandre Belmondo is a French racing driver who raced in Formula One for the March and Pacific Racing teams. He is the son of actor Jean-Paul Belmondo and grandson of sculptor Paul Belmondo...
. - Clarence Historical Society Museum
Education
Most of the town is served by the Clarence Central School District, which contains one high school (Clarence High School), one middle school (Clarence Middle School), and four elementary schools (Clarence Center, Harris Hill, Ledgeview, and Sheridan Hill).Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Elementary school offers K-8 Catholic education, now with a 3-4 year old pre-school program.
Notable residents
- Kevyn AdamsKevyn AdamsKevyn W. Adams is a retired professional ice hockey center in the National Hockey League who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Phoenix Coyotes and the Chicago Blackhawks, and is currently the Associate Coach for the Buffalo Sabres...
, Assistant coach for the Buffalo SabresBuffalo SabresThe Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
. - Joan BaezJoan BaezJoan Chandos Baez is an American folk singer, songwriter, musician and a prominent activist in the fields of human rights, peace and environmental justice....
, folk musician of the 1960s, spent some of her childhood in Clarence Center. and attended Clarence Center School. - Bill BernhardBill BernhardWilliam Henry "Strawberry Bill" Bernhard was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was born in Clarence, New York.After his playing career ended, he became a manager in the Southern Association....
, born in Clarence, major league baseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player. - Martin BironMartin BironMartin Gaston Biron is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League . He has also played professionally for the Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers, and New York Islanders...
, hockey goaltender, formerly of the Buffalo SabresBuffalo SabresThe Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
hockey club. - Dave AndreychukDave AndreychukDavid John Andreychuk is a former professional ice hockey left winger who played in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning...
, NHL leftwinger for 24 years. Formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and most notably the Buffalo SabresBuffalo SabresThe Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
. - Bob FroeseBob FroeseRobert Glenn Froese is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender.-Playing career:He played in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers. Froese shared the William M. Jennings Trophy with Darren Jensen as a member of the Flyers in the 1985–86 season...
, former goaltender for the Philadelphia FlyersPhiladelphia FlyersThe Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
and the New York RangersNew York RangersThe New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...
hockey clubs. - Wilson GreatbatchWilson GreatbatchWilson Greatbatch was an American engineer and inventor whois most widely known as the inventor of the implantable cardiac pacemaker...
, inventor of the pacemaker (local legend). - Neil HaskellNeil HaskellNeil David Haskell is an American contemporary dancer. He is best known as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance where he finished third in the final four. On April 22, 2008, he began performing in the Off-Broadway musical Altar Boyz as Luke. Neil most recently joined The West Side Story...
, Top 4 Finalist of So You Think You Can Dance (Season 3)So You Think You Can Dance (Season 3)So You Think You Can Dance is an American television reality program and dance competition airing on the Fox network. Season three premiered May 24, 2007....
. - Chad Michael MurrayChad Michael MurrayChad Michael Murray is an American actor, former fashion model and spokesperson. Murray is well known for portraying Lucas Scott in The CW young adult drama series One Tree Hill, in addition to the commercially successful films A Cinderella Story, Freaky Friday and House of Wax...
, television and movie star who attended Clarence High School. On the television show, One Tree Hill, a picture of Lucas Scott, Chad Michael Murray's character, is shown when he is a little boy. He is shown wearing a Clarence football jersey. - John NeumannJohn NeumannSaint John Nepomucene Neumann, C.Ss.R., was a Redemptorist missionary to the United States who became the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia and the first American bishop to be canonized...
– Original parish priest of St. Mary's in Swormville, and later a saint. - Teppo NumminenTeppo NumminenTeppo Kalevi Numminen is a retired Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League. He is currently an assistant coach for the Buffalo Sabres.-Playing career:...
, former defenseman of the Buffalo SabresBuffalo SabresThe Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
hockey club. - Lindy RuffLindy RuffLindy Cameron Ruff is the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League. Ruff played in the NHL for the Sabres and New York Rangers as a left winger/defenceman. Currently, he is the longest-tenured head coach in the NHL.-Playing career:Ruff was chosen in the second round, 32nd...
, current head coach of the Buffalo SabresBuffalo SabresThe Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
hockey club. - Craig RivetCraig RivetCraig A. Rivet is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL. He has previously played for the Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, and Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League....
, defenseman of the Buffalo Sabres hockey club. - Thomas VanekThomas VanekThomas Vanek is an Austrian professional ice hockey left winger, an alternate captain for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League...
, forward of the Buffalo Sabres hockey club - Patrick WilsonPatrick Wilson (actor)Patrick Joseph Wilson is an American actor and singer. Wilson has spent years singing lead roles in major Broadway musicals, beginning in 1996. In 2003, he appeared in the HBO mini-series Angels in America...
, Drummer for band WeezerWeezerWeezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...
Attended Clarence High School