LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Locust
Grove becoming a national landmark, historic estate, museum and nature
preserve

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent is to promote environmental conservation and protection as well
as to encourage the appreciation and understanding of the environment as
a whole; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of Locust Grove becoming a national landmark,
historic estate, museum and nature preserve; and
WHEREAS, Locust Grove's stately trees, rolling hills, and vistas from
a bluff high above the Hudson River all combine to create a grand land-
scape garden that preserves much of the sense of place established by
Samuel Morse more than 150 years ago; and
WHEREAS, Samuel Morse was strongly influenced by romantic 19th-century
landscape garden design; at Locust Grove he found natural features that
he used to frame views, create vistas, and provide comfortable settings
in which to relax and enjoy the beauty of the landscape; and
WHEREAS, William and Martha Young brought a new vision to Locust Grove
after acquiring the estate from Morse's heirs in 1895; they began to
purchase adjoining land and added flower gardens by the mansion and
scenic carriage drives along the Hudson River; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, near the house, Martha Young expanded the formal
gardens and today the Perennial Garden preserves her unique style and
plant collection; and
WHEREAS, A kitchen garden provided fresh produce for the residents of
the Locust Grove estate for over two centuries; today, the Heritage
Vegetable Garden occupies the location of the old kitchen garden and
provides a place for visitors to learn about the wide variety of vegeta-
bles and fruits grown on the estate; and
WHEREAS, In 1975, Annette Innis Young, the last member of the Young
family to live at Locust Grove, created a not-for-profit foundation to
preserve the estate for the enjoyment, visitation, and enlightenment of
the public; her bequest included more than 125 acres of gardens and
grounds; and
WHEREAS, Since that time the museum trustees have continued to expand
the estate's open space by acquiring much of the adjoining Southwood and
Edgehill estates, and today Locust Grove's gardens and grounds cover
nearly 200 acres; and
WHEREAS, Locust Grove's historic buildings, modern exhibit galleries,
elegant gardens, miles of hiking trails, and exciting public programs
are available to visitors year-round; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
recognize Locust Grove, for its unwavering commitment to the citizens of
New York State, as it provides an uncompromising standard of excellence
in the delivery of superlative community service; and
WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon all citizens to recognize and applaud
the efforts of organizations such as Locust Grove, which has worked
tirelessly on behalf of protecting our natural surroundings for the
benefit of present and future generations of New Yorkers; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Locust Grove becoming a national
landmark, historic estate, museum and nature preserve; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Locust Grove, Poughkeepsie, New York.