Senate Resolution No. 2625

BY: Senator JACOBS

COMMEMORATING the 125th Anniversary of the Village
of Farnham, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
events of significance which exemplify the history and development of
the State of New York; each city, town, village and hamlet within the
borders of our great Empire State proudly resonates with its rich and
noble history; and

WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
and commemorate the anniversaries of the founding of municipalities
throughout the State, noting in turn their contributions to the fabric
and progression of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Village of Farnham, New York;
and

WHEREAS, The Village of Farnham was incorporated in 1892, and was
named in honor of its first merchant, Leroy Farnham; during this time,
three railroads ran through the village, thus creating a booming
community; and

WHEREAS, On September 18, 1899, the entire village was destroyed by
fire; Farnham was then rebuilt and again became a thriving railroad
shipping center for all areas, including Brant; an electric trolley
system ran between Buffalo and Erie, Pennsylvania, carrying countless
goods and people, many of whom spent overnights at one of four hotels;
and

WHEREAS, At one time the Village of Farnham had canning factories,
restaurants, hotels, various stores, an insurance company, brick
factory, and two schools; and

WHEREAS, A playground named for village resident Steve Rauker was
erected in 1987, and a veterans park was made possible through donations
by local sponsors and families of veterans; the monies donated were used
to create a memorial walkway and monument honoring those veterans who
served; and

WHEREAS, The Olympic Torch for the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics
was carried through RT 5 in Farnham in June of 1984, by a Town of Brant
Resident Jack Fox, 12 years later, in June of 1996, the Olympic Torch
again came through Farnham; and

WHEREAS, Through the years the population in the Village of Farnham
has varied from 300 to 600 people; in 2016, there were 377 persons
within the village boundaries; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the able leadership of its Mayor, Jere
Hoisington, two railroads run through Farnham, and this year marks the
94th Anniversary of the Farnham Fire Department; the village also

encompasses a post office and two churches, Holy Cross Lutheran Church
and St. Anthony's Catholic Church; and

WHEREAS, Situated on Route 5, the highly visible Farnham Water Tower
is a welcoming landmark to those entering the smallest village in all of
Erie County, the Village of Farnham, New York; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the rich history and enduring
contribution of the Village of Farnham to the heritage of the State of
New York, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to join in
commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the village so that present and
future generations may come to appreciate the unique significance which
its history plays in the progression of our State and Nation's
evolution; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Village of Farnham, New York,
recognizing the significance of the role it continues to play in the
life of the community of the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mayor Jere Hoisington, Village of Farnham.