Here's the story behind the two benches that now adorn the front portico of the historic Canandaigua City Hall.
Former Councilmember Sarah Hamlin was walking by one March day and thought, wouldn't a couple of benches look nice? And because March is Women's History Month, wouldn't it be even nicer if the benches were dedicated to someone?
"Our two women mayors, of course," Hamlin said.
The benches were unveiled Sept. 27, and the two mayors, Patricia "Pat" Boland and Ellen Polimeni, were recognized for their trailblazing efforts. Current Mayor Thomas Lyon said serving in this role is a great honor and he looks to these "two fantastic former mayors" as examples of how to dedicate onself to the citizens of Canandaigua.
The benches, which Lyon said added
are a reminder that everyone's voice is important to democracy, are a project of the Canandaigua Centennial Endowment, which was created as part of the city's 100th anniversary in 2013 and has helped fund various community enhancements.
These benches fit right in with City Hall's outdoor decor, and, appropriately enough, sit kitty-corner from the historic Ontario County Courthouse where famed suffragist Susan B. Anthony was tried in 1873 for casting a vote in Rochester in the presidential election the year before.
"The benches look historic enough and appropriate for an historic building," Hamlin said.
Who was Patricia Boland?
Boland was the first female mayor in Canandaigua. After serving as an at-large member of City Council, Boland served as mayor from 1980 to 1985.
In a 2017 Daily Messenger story on her passing, Boland was described as someone unafraid to stand up for what she believed in and was proud for breaking down barriers for women. The plaque on her bench recognizes that her "vision and dedication were responsible for preserving Canandaigua's historic downtown."
Barbara Hamlin (Sarah's mother), who served on City Council with Boland, said on Sunday the former mayor was one of a kind.
"Pat had the pulse of the community," Hamlin said.
Boland's family was able to gather for the ceremony. A son, Patrick Boland, said the family has always been proud of what their mother was able to accomplish.
"She always wanted Canandaigua to be for the people and about the people," Boland said.
Who is Ellen Polimeni?
Polimeni's plaque describes her as educator, public servant and volunteer. She retired as assistant principal at the Canandaigua Middle School in 2009 after 47 years with the Canandaigua City School District.
Polimeni was elected mayor in 1991 and served in that role for more than two decades until her defeat in the 2019 general election. Polimeni, who was a councilmember and for a time served with Boland prior to becoming mayor, was called to serve once again for a short time on City Council after her lengthy stint as mayor to fill the remainder of the term of her late friend and Councilmember Nick Cutri.
Ellen Polimeni Boulevard is near her beloved Canandaigua Lake and Kershaw Park.
A former councilmember, Jim Terwilliger, noted a ceremony earlier in the summer honoring Polimeni's legacy on her birthday.
"We can't give her enough recognition," Terwilliger said.
Polimeni offered a reminder that she worked with many wonderful people over the years.
"It's not one person who does any of this," Polimeni said.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Canandaigua honors trailblazing female mayors with new benches
