Celebrate New Lebanon Bicentennial

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.