For thirty-three years, Badgley Webb knew every man, woman and child in Roseboom. Now, his tremendous sense of civic duty is being recognized by the Roseboom Historical Association.

At 85, Webb lives alone in a house across the street from the home where he was born.

"I tell people that I haven't gone very far in life," Webb said, laughing. "Even crows fly about a quarter of a mile!"

Webb has worn many hats over the years. In 1950, Webb became the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. In those days, negotiations were hot and heavy for the structure now known as the Meadows, requiring trips to Manhattan's Wall Street and much of Webb's attention. This wasn't the only hard-won battle during his seventeen year stint as town supervisor.

During Governor Dewey's administration, Webb said that everybody in New York State wanted roads. In order to get funding for Routes 165 and 50, the county had to agree to let Route 20 bypass Cherry Valley.

"It's hard to imagine it now," Webb said, "but back then it required a lot of maneuvering. It was quite a big controversy. We struggled for that road."

A testament to Webb's success in office is the fact that Roseboom was in debt to the state limit when he stepped in as Supervisor, and when he left office, the town was debt-free.

"If I raised taxes, I didn't dare go out into the street. If I lowered them, nobody said a word," Webb said. "But that was back when the job paid three hundred dollars a year."

Webb served as the treasurer of the Cemetery Association for thirty three years. His many responsibilities included arranging burial permits, not an easy task for someone on intimate terms with the town's citizens, and filing annual financial reports to the state. From 1967-1975, Webb served as the Deputy Clerk and Auditor of the Board of Supervisors for the County. He continued at this post until 1983, when he retired.

"The years since retirement have kind of slipped away," Webb said. "Once you start to relax, you lose touch. Now when somebody mentions my name, it's like, who's he? When I was involved in the government, I never missed a single town board meeting. But after I left I haven't gone to one since."

Vivian Langan, the President of the Roseboom Historical Association, said that Webb is the third recipient of the annual award.

"One of the wonderful things about having the ceremony is that family members come from all over to be in attendance," Langan said.

Citing the absence of a fire hall, school and other glues that commonly bind communities, Langan said that the Roseboom Historical Association is an integral part of Roseboom life.

"What we're looking for is complexity in the community," Langan said. "This abandoned church has given us a second life. Badgley Webb has done so much for this community and he deserves this award. We're happy to give it to him."

Webb, who was baptized and married in the same church, who has farmed the land, raised a son there and shaped the town in ways that are taken for granted today, said he is honored to accept the award.

"Things have changed," he said. "There's not a soul left today that I grew up with. They've all passed on."

But Roseboom is still fortunate enough to have Webb. The award will be presented on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 4 p.m., at the Association's Meeting House. A reception will follow the ceremony, and everyone is welcome.