LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Frost Valley YMCA upon the occa-
sion of celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Frost Valley Castle in
Claryville, New York, on August 27, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts
of those organizations which seek to bring recognition to historical
places within the State of New York, and in doing so, help to ensure
that the complete history of our State and Nation is preserved and
shared with present generations of citizens; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Frost Valley YMCA upon the occasion of observing the 100th Anniver-
sary of Frost Valley Castle in Claryville, New York, at a Castle Centen-
nial Celebration Gala on Saturday, August 27, 2016; and
WHEREAS, In addition, on Saturday, June 11, 2016, the Friends of the
Castle will open Frost Valley Castle's doors to local community fami-
lies, providing tours and activities highlighting the rich history of
the magnificent Castle, as well as the growth of its surrounding commu-
nities over the past 100 years; and
WHEREAS, On that same day, the public is invited to view the Castle
Centennial Art Show, an exhibit of artwork inspired by the Castle
featuring local artists and students at the Blue Hill Art Gallery and
Event Center in Claryville; and
WHEREAS, The Frost Valley YMCA has come a long way since its founding
in 1885, as Camp Wawayanda, the nation's first overnight camp for boys
located in New Jersey; throughout the years, many things have changed,
including a move to Claryville, New York, and a name change to Frost
Valley YMCA, however, its values have remained the same; and
WHEREAS, A non-for-profit charitable organization, the Frost Valley
YMCA is guided by eight fundamental principles, Caring, Community,
Diversity, Honesty, Inclusiveness, Respect, Responsibility, and Steward-
ship, all of which have seen this vital organization through powerful
transformation over the decades, as Frost Valley Castle has grown to
become one of the premier outdoor camping, group retreat, and environ-
mental education centers in the world; and
WHEREAS, In 1916, Julius Forstmann, founder of the Forstmann Woolen
Company, broke ground on what would become known as the Forstmann
Castle; for 40 years, this exceptional 2,200 acre property in the Cats-
kill Mountains, would serve as his family summer home; and
WHEREAS, On Christmas Eve of 1956, Julius Forstmann and YMCA execu-
tives agreed on terms which would allow the organization to purchase the
property and make it the new home of Camp Wawayanda, which would eventu-
ally become the Frost Valley YMCA; and
WHEREAS, The estate included the main house, which was comprised of 40
rooms, seven fireplaces, and six baths; as well as a dairy farm with 12
buildings, and 22 Holstein cows, 14 heifers, and a bull; and
WHEREAS, Today, more than 35,000 people visit Frost Valley Castle each
year; history buffs enjoy exploring the spectacular rooms adorned with
cherry, butternut and maple woodwork while walking on floors made of
teak and oak parquet; enthusiasts also admire the lovely antiques which
exemplify a bygone era; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the last six decades, Forstmann Castle, has
continued to stand as a symbol of Frost Valley YMCA's past accomplish-
ments and future aspirations; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for the Frost Valley Castle, and for all
of the individuals who have worked to bring proper attention to a place

and time which merits recognition in the grand panorama of the history
of our State and Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Frost Valley YMCA upon the occasion of celebrating the 100th
Anniversary of Frost Valley Castle in Claryville, New York, on August
27, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Frost Valley YMCA, and the Friends of the Castle.