LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Vails Gate
Body Shop

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those busi-
nesses and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
and commend those who work to better their local community and work hard
to keep a local tradition alive; 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 Vails Gate Body Shop; this auspicious
occasion will be celebrated with a car show featuring several dozen
classic cars as well as music, food and a free raffle on Saturday, June
4, 2016, at Vails Gate Body Shop, Vails Gate, New York; and
WHEREAS, Robert Babcock started Vails Gate Body Shop when he was about
40 years old, although his passion for cars began much earlier as he
looked for a car to restore and take to his senior prom in 1944; he
found a 1936 Dodge convertible in Newburgh, New York, and lovingly
restored it; from that time forward, he was hooked on cars; and
WHEREAS, In 1953, after getting married to his wife, Kayte, Robert
Babcock found a small unfinished house on three acres near the Five
Corners in Vails Gate on historic Temple Hill Road and built the first
Vails Gate Body Shop; and
WHEREAS, In 1966, Vails Gate Body Shop and Robert Babcock Used Cars
was established; and
WHEREAS, Robert Babcock's three sons, Ken, Steve and Paul started
working at the shop out of high school, and received their initial
training from their father; it soon became their living as well as their
hobby; and
WHEREAS, Today, the company is run by brothers Ken and Steve Babcock;
Paul Babcock helped run the shop for several years and recently retired,
although he is still involved in the business; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1970s, a bigger shop was built; the current shop
office was once the family's house, and was transformed in the 1990s,
when Robert and Kayte Babcock moved to Rock Tavern, New York; and
WHEREAS, Vails Gate Body Shop sees about three generations of custom-
ers; finishing a proper repair and taking pride in their work as well as
treating the customer right are three ingredients in the company's reci-
pe for standing the test of time; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Vails Gate Body Shop has worked on thousands
of cars, some of which are very expensive, such as Chevelles, Dodge
R/Ts, Pontiac GTOs, Buick Gran Sports and Corvettes as well as cars
which have hit deer, dogs, turkeys, bear and raccoons; every single car
is another story; and
WHEREAS, Cars have changed over the years, from air bags to diagnostic
computers to back-up cameras and Vails Gate Body Shop was forced to
adapt as cars changed; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Babcock family's recipe is still intact and there
continues to be enormous pride in their work and treating people right;
and
WHEREAS, As the Babcock family celebrates their 50th Anniversary, they
look to the future by continuing to service their loyal customers for as
long as possible; and

WHEREAS, The success of Vails Gate Body Shop is possible because of
the hard work and vision that started 50 years ago by Robert Babcock,
and passed through the generations and onto the generations to come; and
WHEREAS, Vails Gate Body Shop continues to maintain the promise made
50 years ago to ensure that customers receive the same or better quality
that has become their trademark since its humble beginnings in 1966; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Vails Gate Body Shop; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Babcock Family, Vails Gate Body Shop.