Clarence (Images of America)

Located 12 miles northeast of Buffalo, Clarence is proud to be both a bustling suburb and the oldest town in Erie County. When the Town of Clarence was formed on March 11, 1808, it incorporated six settlements: Clarence Hollow, Harris Hill, Clarence Center, Wolcottsburg, Swormville, and East Amherst. Four years later, this area played a vital role in the War of 1812 by providing men for the American militia and housing refuges after the burning of Buffalo. During the 200 years since, Clarence has thrived as an agricultural community. Grown from such pioneer families as Van Tine, Harris, Ransom, Eshelman, Parker, and Lapp, Clarence remains home to 30,000 residents and has housed notable personalities like Wilson Greatbatch and Joan Baez. Clarence has featured the businesses of the National Gypsum Company and Greatbatch Industries and proudly boasts historical icons, such as the Spoor Hotel and the Goodrich-Landow Log Cabin.