Senate Resolution No. 817

BY: Senator O'MARA

COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of I.D. Booth,
Inc. of Elmira, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
celebrate those long-standing institutions which have faithfully served
their communities and contributed to the economic vitality and
historical fabric of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, this Legislative Body is justly
proud to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of I.D. Booth, Inc. to be
celebrated with a special event on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the
company's William Street location in Elmira, New York; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1875, I.D. Booth, Inc. marks its 150th
Anniversary in 2025, representing five generations of family leadership
and a proud tradition of service, innovation, and resilience in the
hardware and building supply industry; and

WHEREAS, I.D. Booth Inc.'s story begins with its founder, Irving D.
Booth (1843-1914), who launched a "Heavy Hardware" business in Elmira,
New York; as a jobber, he provided vital supplies such as nails,
horseshoes, steel, wire, and tin plates-products that helped support the
growing infrastructure and development of the region; and

WHEREAS, In 1903, Irving's son, Irving Dennison Booth (1884-1957),
joined the business, and that same year, the company was formally
incorporated as I.D. Booth, Inc.; upon his father's passing, Irving
Dennison Booth took over leadership and guided the company into new
phases of growth and modernization; and

WHEREAS, The third generation of leadership began with John Seeley
Booth Sr., who became president after the death of his father in 1957;
under his guidance, I.D. Booth, Inc. began to expand into neighboring
communities, widening its regional footprint and reinforcing its
reputation for reliability and quality service; and

WHEREAS, Continuing the family tradition, the fourth
generation-Peter Sicard Booth and John Seeley Booth Jr.-sustained and
further advanced the company's growth, helping to diversify its product
offerings and strengthen its community ties; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the leadership of the fifth generation-J.
Walter Booth and John S. Booth III-I.D. Booth, Inc. remains
headquartered in Elmira and has grown to stock over 20,000 products in
the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC categories, while proudly serving
customers throughout Central and Western New York, and into the Northern
Tier of Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, I.D. Booth, Inc. exemplifies the values of dedication,
perseverance, and community spirit, and its remarkable legacy is a
testament to the vision, commitment, and hard work of the Booth family
over a century and a half; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor and commend I.D. Booth, Inc. on the auspicious occasion of its
150th Anniversary, and to extend sincere best wishes for continued
success and service for generations to come; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to I.D. Booth, Inc.