Senate Resolution No. 5483

BY: Senator AVELLA

COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of the
Poppenhusen Institute on June 2, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate the pursuit
of excellence in education and service to the community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Poppenhusen Institute to be
celebrated with a Dinner and a 21st Century Elevator Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony on Saturday, June 2, 2018, in the Grand Victorian Room of the
Poppenhusen Institute in College Point, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Poppenhusen Institute was built in 1868, with funds
donated by Conrad Poppenhusen, the benefactor of College Point; the
original charter specified that it be open to all, irrespective of race,
creed or religion, giving people the opportunity to improve their lives
either by preparing them for better jobs or improving their leisure
time; and

WHEREAS, The institute housed the Justice of the Peace, the first
home of the College Point Savings Bank, German Singing Societies, the
first library in the area, a court room, the Sheriff's Office (2 jail
cells remain today), as well as the first free kindergarten in the
United States which began on July 1, 1870; over the years many
successful local business owners attended various adult education
programs; and

WHEREAS, Due to its history and impressive architecture, the
Poppenhusen Institute was designated a New York City Landmark in 1970,
and subsequently, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1973; and

WHEREAS, In 1980, the Poppenhusen Institute was threatened with sale
and demolition; however, through the steadfast efforts of a community
group and a Supreme Court case, this action was fortunately prevented;
and

WHEREAS, The Poppenhusen Institute currently serves College Point as
a community cultural center housing a variety of programs including
karate for children and adults, group guitar and piano lessons, lectures
and slide presentations, special winter and spring break workshops for
kids, stress workshops, summer concerts at the Institute and McNeil
Park, children's performances and workshops, historic exhibits, school
and public tours, hall and garden rentals, and AA meetings, as well as a
resident theatre company, E. Phoenix Idealis; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Poppenhusen Institute remains true to its
mission of offering individuals of the metropolitan area life enhancing
cultural, recreational and educational programs, either free or at a

nominal fee; it strives to provide a warm, welcoming and encouraging
environment to all who enter through "The Doorway of Opportunity"; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Poppenhusen Institute is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its staff, whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 150th Anniversary of the Poppenhusen Institute on June
2, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Poppenhusen Institute.