LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Boice
Brothers Dairy Farm in Kingston, 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 families 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 commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of Boice Brothers Dairy Farm in Kingston and
Ulster, New York, to be celebrated on Sunday, July 20, 2014, at its
benefit bash along Kingston's waterfront, titled "Across the Gener-
ations"; and
WHEREAS, New York State's oldest family-owned and operated dairy farm,
Boice Brothers Dairy Farm was founded in 1914 by Harriet and Pratt
Boice; their business provides Hudson Valley retailers with fresh
hormone and antibiotic free dairy products, and sells ice cream cakes to
an enthusiastic and loyal community at their O'Neil Street, Kingston,
store; and
WHEREAS, With the help of their six children, they were able to grow
their business to a substantial regional asset, providing residents with
fresh dairy products; and
WHEREAS, In 1935, raw milk arrived at the Boice Brothers Dairy Farm in
40-quart cans, which were then covered with canvas can covers to keep
the milk cold; and
WHEREAS, To meet the needs of their expanding endeavor, the Boice
family hired dozens of loyal employees over generations, such as Ralph
Wosley, who came to the farm after World War II and remained with the
business until he retired in 1979; and
WHEREAS, By this time, the dairy farm was growing and Boice Brothers
acquired the former Zwick and Swartz Produce building, the current home
of Boice Brothers Dairy; and
WHEREAS, The Boices have remained committed to keeping their business
a family affair and to this day the Dairy is owned and operated by third
and fourth generation descendants of Harriet and Pratt Boice; and
WHEREAS, In 2000, with the help of many local leaders and private
citizens alike, a ribbon-cutting took place for the grand opening of the
Milk House, to expand their operations and make their quality ice cream
directly available to residents of Ulster County; and
WHEREAS, Boice Brothers Dairy partnered with AdirondackCreamery in
2006, a small New York State operated ice cream producer, and provides
fresh ingredients to the Creamery that uses them in their old-fashioned
and boutique ice cream recipes; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, Boice Brothers Dairy was recognized as "Small Busi-
ness of the Year" by the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce and the
Ulster County Development Corporation for their immense contributions to
the local economy, upstanding business practices and community service
efforts; and
WHEREAS, Boice Brothers Dairy continuously reinvests in the Hudson
Valley economy by only purchasing dairy ingredients from local farms and
those that are part of the Hudson Valley Fresh Dairy Farmer Partnership
and distributing their products to local grocers; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to promoting the welfare of the local community,
the Boice family hosts the annual Happy Christmas Fund radio-thon spon-

sored by WGHQ Radio at Boice's Milk House where local leaders take over
the airwaves for ten hours to raise money for needy families in the
area; and
WHEREAS, Their efforts in the 2013 fundraiser raised significant
donations that were dispersed to the needy so that they could buy food,
gifts, and other items to happily celebrate the holiday season; and
WHEREAS, To further grow their prospering business, and in observance
of June Dairy Month, the grandchildren of Helen and Dick Boice hand out
free samples of milk to the community at key locations; and
WHEREAS, During the celebrations at the "Across the Generations" bene-
fit bash on Sunday, July 20, 2014, there will also be a charity
fundraiser for the Hudson River Stewards Program which will focus on
creating interactive learning experiences for elementary school children
in the Hudson Valley, and this program in particular will educate and
inspire the next generation about the importance of the Hudson River in
our everyday lives; and
WHEREAS, At this same event, the Dairy will attempt to make their way
into the Guiness Book of Records by creating the largest ice cream
sundae in the world; and
WHEREAS, Today, Boices Dairy is known in Ulster County and throughout
the Mid-Hudson Valley for serving the freshest and creamiest soft ice
cream that people travel from across the Hudson Valley and Catskills
region to enjoy; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowl-
edges the success of this exceptional family and their economic and
charitable contributions to Ulster County, the Hudson Valley and New
York State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Boice Brothers Dairy Farm in
Kingston, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rich Boice, General Manager and President, Boice Brothers
Dairy Farm.