Honor Ghent’s 200th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 4217 BY: Senator MARCHIONE COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Ghent, New York, to be celebrated on April 3, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and commemorate the distinguished histories of the communities which comprise the noble body 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 200th Anniversary of the Town of Ghent, New York, to be recognized with a Bicentennial Celebration on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at the Ghent VFW Post No. 5933, Ghent, New York; and WHEREAS, On April 3, 1818, the New York Legislature enacted Chapter XCI of the Laws of 1818 to create the Town of Ghent, New York; and WHEREAS, The Town of Ghent was formed from land ceded by Claverack, Kinderhook, and Chatham to create a new community in the heart of Columbia County; at its founding, the town was an agricultural community along the Union Turnpike; and WHEREAS, In April of 1818, the founders of Ghent, as called upon by the New York State Legislature, gathered in the dwelling house of Seth Mix to create laws governing livestock and to elect 25 town officials to form the early civic life of this township; and WHEREAS, In 1838, with the coming of one of the first rail lines in North America, the Hudson and Berkshire Railroad, Ghent's budding rail system would enable its farmers to ship to larger, more distant markets; and WHEREAS, Today, Ghent continues to produce the highest quality farm produce, and is home to many great institutions such as the Ghent VFW, Chatham American Legion, Ghent Band, Ghent Sportsman's Association, West Ghent, Chatham and Ghent Fire departments, as well as many houses of worship; and WHEREAS, Of historic origin, and remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of growth and change, the Town of Ghent continues to provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents; and WHEREAS, The residents of the Town of Ghent have a bright outlook for the future of their community, which remains a beautiful place in which to live and raise a family; and WHEREAS, In recognition of the Town of Ghent's rich history and enduring contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to pay tribute to this spirited town upon the occasion of its 200th Anniversary; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Ghent, New York, to be celebrated on April 3, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Michael Benvenuto, Supervisor, Town of Ghent.