The Waterloo Library & Historical Society is proud to announce the 2023 Henry C. Welles Awardees are Dave and Darlene Duprey. The annual event will serve to kick off the Celebrate Commemorate weekend starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 26 in WLHS’s newly renovated Fatzinger Hall. 

Dave and Darlene are lifelong stewards of the Waterloo community. They started their business, Duprey Video productions, in 1989. They have been married for 47 years, raising their 3 children in Waterloo and now have 3 grandchildren. 

Together the Duprey’s have produced valuable footage for events all over the community and started their YouTube channel in 2019 WaterlooNYtube to share their decades of documentation. They have worked tirelessly on community projects including the downtown interactive map, walking tours, the historical mural, and the healing fields. They are active members of the Real Christmas Committee, and the Board of Directors of the Queen of Peace Apostolate, the St. Frances and St Clare Roman Catholic Parish pastoral Council and more. Dave and Darlene are founders of Waterloo in Bloom which provides plants and flowers for downtown including Vern’s Way, the Memory Bank, and Dempsey Park beautifying downtown. 

As if doing all of that wasn’t enough individually the Duprey’s continued their commitment to service. Darlene served on the St. Mary’s Parent club for 17 years, chaired the St. Mary School yearbook committee for 8 years and co-chaired the St Mary’s Christmas Bazaar.

Dave was a village trustee for 20 years also serving as Deputy Mayor. While serving Waterloo he focused on Oak Island and its connection to downtown, improving the Village website as well as the American Civil War Memorial and the Cay-Seneca Canal Trail. He was also the past President of the Waterloo Business and Professional Association. Dave was imperative to the founding of the Celebrate Commemorate Memorial Day events in 2000 and has been a Co-chair for the past 20 years. Dave truly understands the true meaning of Memorial Day. During his long served time on the committee he ensured a constant connection to Veteran Organizations. During event planning as to always honor those who lost their lives while serving. 

Like many other previous award winners the Duprey’s contributed to our community without an expectation of recognition. When they were told that they were chosen for this award they were shocked. They are proud to be listed among those they have looked up to for many years. Dave said he “felt extremely honored and lucky to have his wife by his side to accept this award as she supported him along the way.” Darlene has “enjoyed playing a part in promoting our wonderful community and preserving its history” 

To find out more about this and other events hosted by the Waterloo Library & Historical Society, contact 315-539-3313, waterloolib@gmail.com or check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/waterloolhs.