Assembly Resolution No. 2266

BY: M. of A. Miller

COMMEMORATING the 130th Anniversary of Morehouse
Appliances on April 20, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses that contribute
substantially to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby
enhancing the economic well-being of the entire Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 130th Anniversary of Morehouse Appliances, of New
Hartford, New York, which was celebrated on Saturday, April 20, 2024;
and

WHEREAS, Dan Morehouse, fourth-generation owner of Morehouse
Appliances, takes pride in being a part of a five-generation business
that has been successful through many tumultuous times in this Nation,
including several wars and a pandemic; the Morehouse family's value of
focusing on the customers is credited with the company's longevity and
success; and

WHEREAS, In 1894, Dan Morehouse's great-grandfather, Henry D.
Morehouse, opened the first store, called H. D. Morehouse, in Utica, New
York; later, his son, Leslie, worked in the company before and after
World War I took him to Europe; and

WHEREAS, At its inception, the store made and sold horseshoes; when
automobiles were introduced to the United States, the company adapted to
the lack of demand for horseshoes by constructing stovepipes and selling
stoves, paving the way for H. D. Morehouse to begin selling appliances
in the 1920s; today, Morehouse Appliances is one of the oldest Maytag
dealerships in the United States and the oldest appliance retailer in
Central New York; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, people were not able to purchase new
appliances; the supply was not available since all manufacturing was
dedicated to the construction of armaments for the war; the Morehouse
family allowed customers to trade their used appliances toward the
purchase of refurbished ones; the traded appliances would be refurbished
and subsequently sold to other customers; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, Dan Morehouse's father assumed ownership; in 1992,
the company moved to the present location in New Hartford; the next
year, brothers, Dan and Dave Morehouse, acquired the appliance business;
and

WHEREAS, Today, Dan Morehouse's daughter, Ellie, is the store's
office manager and part of the fifth generation of the Morehouse family
to continue the 130-year-old successful legacy; and

WHEREAS, From its humble beginning until today, Morehouse Appliances
has drastically changed; presently, the company operates from a

15,000-square-foot facility, employing 11 full-time employees in sales,
service, and delivery of appliances; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pride that Dan Morehouse and his family of
dedicated workers celebrate this milestone 130th Anniversary and
anticipate many more years of success for generations to come; to thank
the loyal customers, a special in-store anniversary celebration featured
refreshments, demonstrations, giveaways, and incentives; and

WHEREAS, The progression of Morehouse Appliances is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its owners and employees, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the business and the community
it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business, its contributions to the local
and State economies, and its vibrant role in improving the quality of
life in its community, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy
the sparkling success it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 130th Anniversary of Morehouse Appliances; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Morehouse Appliances.