Senate Resolution No. 3271

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMEMORATING the Bicentennial of the Town of New
Lebanon, 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 Bicentennial of the Town of New Lebanon, New York; this
momentous occasion will be recognized with a yearlong celebration of
festivities including a Banner Unveiling, Anniversary Dinner Dance,
Community Picnic, and Lebanon Valley Speedway Event; and

WHEREAS, On April 21, 1818, the New York State Legislature passed an
act that divided the Town of Canaan in Columbia County, formerly known
as the King's District, to create the Town of New Lebanon; and

WHEREAS, New Lebanon sits in a beautiful valley halfway between the
Hudson and Connecticut Rivers at the base of the Taconic Mountains; and

WHEREAS, Since its earliest days, education has been an essential
part of New Lebanon's history, beginning with the establishment of the
New Lebanon town-wide school system in 1819; furthermore, Olive Hatch,
through her association with Emma Willard, founded the New Lebanon
Women's Seminary in 1865; and

WHEREAS, The healing waters of the Warm Spring, named Montepoole by
the Mohicans, was used by Lieutenant James Hitchcock as early as 1756;
the spring has been designated as forever "left open" for the use of the
people; and

WHEREAS, Columbia Hall, located around the Warm Spring, was opened
in 1794; this magnificent hotel towered 300 feet above the valley and
could accommodate 400 guests; in a treasured register of its renowned
guests, there are signatures of John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren,
Daniel Webster, Henry Longfellow, and Marquis de Lafayette; and

WHEREAS, In 1940, the Mohican Blessing Fountain was created to
commemorate the role of the Mohicans in introducing Europeans to the
healing powers of the Warm Spring and to make the waters available to
passersby; and

WHEREAS, Samuel J. Tilden, born February 9, 1814, in New Lebanon,
became the 25th Governor of New York and a candidate for president in

1876; it is said that Samuel's grandfather, John Tilden, named the Town
of New Lebanon; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Samuel J. Tilden Monument, inscribed with
the phrase "I still trust the people," is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places and lies in the Cemetery of the Evergreens
in New Lebanon; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Kendall became a prominent business owner in New
Lebanon when he invented the modern graduated thermometer and started
the Kendall Shop, the first thermometer manufacturing company in
America; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1787, the Mount Lebanon Shaker community led
the way in early entrepreneurship activity and innovations, including
packaged seeds, medicinal herbs, chair making, and fancy goods; and

WHEREAS, Today, this settlement is a mile-long National Historic
Landmark District which includes Darrow School, the Abode of the
Message, and Mount Lebanon Shaker Museum, as well as the Great Stone
Barn, the largest masonry barn in America and a masterpiece of
sustainable design; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the rich history and enduring
contribution of New Lebanon to the heritage of the State of New York, it
is the intent of this Legislative Body to join in commemorating the
200th Anniversary of the Town 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 Bicentennial of the Town of New Lebanon, New York; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Town of New Lebanon, New York.