Assembly Resolution No. 942

BY: M. of A. Cahill

CONGRATULATING Edwin Millard Ford upon the
occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday and a
century of contributions to his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Edwin Millard Ford upon the occasion of his 100th Birthday
to be celebrated at an event held in his honor on Sunday, April 15,
2018; and

WHEREAS, Edwin "Ed" Millard Ford was born in 1918 in Highland, New
York; in 1928, he and his family moved to Kingston, New York, where he
attended Number Seven School on Crown Street; a proud Eagle Scout, he
graduated from Kingston High School in 1936; and

WHEREAS, After earning his degree in education from New Paltz Normal
School in 1939, Edwin Millard Ford served his country as a Staff
Sergeant in the Weather Division of the United States Air Force during
World War II; and

WHEREAS, In 1942, Edwin Millard Ford met and married his wife, Ruth
in New York City; seven years later, the couple and their young son,
Alan, returned to Kingston where Ed and his brother, Bill, established
Ford Printing; and

WHEREAS, After Bill left the business shortly after its inception,
Edwin Millard and Ruth Ford operated the company until 1989; during this
time, they helped found the Klyne-Esopus Historical Society Museum and
were instrumental in rescuing the church house from destruction; Ed also
helped lead the charge to save Kingston City Hall from a state of
disrepair and helped shepherd its award winning restoration; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast efforts and in depth knowledge, Edwin
Millard Ford was appointed City Historian by then-Mayor Peter Mancuso in
1984 and every Mayor since and, to this day, he continues to faithfully
hold this position; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Edwin Millard Ford presented numerous
lectures to various tour groups and local organizations, and published
two books, Kingston in 2004, and Street Whys in 2010; and

WHEREAS, For three years, this passionate historian served as a
member of the adjunct faculty at Ulster County Community College where
he taught a course on local history; and


WHEREAS, In addition to his work with preserving Kingston's storied
history, Edwin Millard Ford has served on the Board of Directors of
numerous worthy organizations including the Salvation Army, the City of
Kingston Community Development Commission, the Kingston Historic
Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Kingston Waterfront Commission,
the Ulster County Historical Society and the Fireman's Museum; and

WHEREAS, For 25 years, Edwin Millard Ford held the title of Chairman
of the Old Dutch Church Heritage Museum, where he also served as both
Deacon and Elder; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Edwin Millard Ford continues to serve on the
Kingston Heritage Area Commission and, as special advisor to the Friends
of Historic Kingston Board of Directors; he has enjoyed a dear
friendship with Sue Hummel and the two attend and contribute to many
other civic organizations together; and

WHEREAS, Edwin Millard Ford, with his zest for life, has inspired
his family and friends through his exuberant and sincere love for others
and through the quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a
fullness of years; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and
awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of their
communities and this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Edward Millard Ford upon the occasion of celebrating his
100th Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Edward Millard Ford.