Assembly Resolution No. 2267

BY: M. of A. Miller

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Owens
Family Farm of New Hartford, New York

WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon
which our distinct American heritage is built; New York State and the
entire United States are dependent on our agricultural industry for a
variety of food products; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
milestones of those farms which substantially contribute to the economic
vitality of their communities and 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 100th Anniversary of Owens Family Farm of New Hartford,
New York; and

WHEREAS, In 1823, Edmund Newell purchased property from David
Risley; the land was located on the southern end of what is now Oxford
Road, and in 1910, the farm was sold to James Newell and Sanford
Sherman; a short while later in 1924, Sanford Sherman sold the land,
Buildings, and a house for $10,000 to Ellis and Margaret Owens; and

WHEREAS, Ellis and Margaret farmed and raised 7 children: John,
Robert, Hugh, Owen, Richard, Nettie, and Anne; the oldest son, John,
became an electrician and was located on Campion Road in the village,
Richard had a milk route, Owen, Hugh, and Robert stayed on the home farm
until they married and purchased their own farms; and

WHEREAS, When the three brothers operated the farm, it was known as
Owens Brothers Farms; in 1952, Hugh and Owen purchased their own farms
and Robert and Julia remained on the "home" farm and raised their two
sons, Richard and Larry; and

WHEREAS, Today, 100 years of this resilient farm will be celebrated
by Richard and Gail along with their son, Mark and his wife, Denise, who
have worked the farm all these years; these committed individuals have
proven to be passionate workers who are imbued with immense pride and
strength, having overcome many changes and adversities over the years;
Mark has also built a home on the farm along with his brother; another
brother, Jeff, lives locally; and

WHEREAS, This momentous occasion serves as a tribute to the entire
family as they continue to use the land and further the distinguished
century-long history, keeping the farm in the same family throughout
this time; today, the grandchildren come to the farm and see the animals
and play on the hills among the wildflowers; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
applaud the leaders of commerce and industry whose accomplishments
contribute to the economic health and prosperity of the communities of
the State of New York and to the quality of life of its people; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges the success of this exceptional farm and its contributions
to the local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue
to enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Owens Family Farm; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Owens Family Farm.