LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 75th Anniversary of C. J. Hook-
er Middle School in Goshen, New York, on April 2, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of this noble 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 75th Anniversary of C. J. Hooker Middle School in Goshen, New
York, to be celebrated at an event on Saturday, April 2, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The Goshen community is invited to view an exhibit of C. J.
Hooker Middle School's historical artifacts such as photos, yearbooks,
sports memorabilia, furniture and more; in addition, guests can tour the
school and listen to lectures on the building's history; and
WHEREAS, The schools of a community reflect the character and values
of that community; the residents, school officials, parents, faculty and
students of C. J. Hooker Middle School, on the occasion of its 75th
Anniversary, take just pride in its history of quality in leadership,
teaching, achievement and community support; and
WHEREAS, In 1773, the Farmer's Hall Academy (now the Goshen Town Hall)
opened its doors to students for the first time; one of its most notable
teachers and Principals was Noah Webster, the father of the modern
Dictionary; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, many other small, private schools and public
schools were opened, many of which were one or two room schoolhouses
similar to the 18th Century stone schoolhouse on Route 17M between Gosh-
en, New York, and Florida, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1911, some of Goshen's village schools consolidated when
the yellow brick school on the corner of Main Street and Erie Street was
constructed; in 1924, Charles J. Hooker became Principal of the Erie
Street school; and
WHEREAS, With the rise of the automobile it became possible to further
consolidate the area schools; in 1937, voters approved the consolidation
of 13 rural school districts into one Goshen School District, which was
to be built under Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal; and
WHEREAS, Residents of Goshen did not approve of the original building
plans and voted the proposition down by 33 votes; the building's archi-
tect simplified the design, eliminating two cupolas and flattening the
peaked roofs over the gym and auditorium reducing construction costs;
subsequently, the building was approved by a slim margin of 17 votes;
and
WHEREAS, Construction on the new high school began in 1939, and
despite labor union disputes, some work related injuries and even a hold
up where the worker's payroll was stolen, the building opened in the
fall of 1940; and
WHEREAS, When a new high school was built in the 1970s, the C. J.
Hooker School was converted into a middle school, which is still in use
today; not only is the School one of the most architecturally beautiful
schools in the area, it is also an exceptional academic institution; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Principal William Rolon, the
C. J. Hooker Middle School remains committed to providing children with
the foundation to be successful students, to provide children with the
confidence to ask questions, and to instill in children the compassion
and inspiration to make a difference; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is very pleased to have this opportu-
nity to salute C. J. Hooker Middle School for its long history of
purposeful endeavor which has greatly benefited the community of Goshen,
New York, and to wish this worthy organization continued success in
future years; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of C. J. Hooker Middle School, in Gosh-
en, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to William Rolon, Principal, C. J. Hooker Middle School.