 
Assembly Resolution No. 211
 
BY: M. of A. Buttenschon
 
        COMMEMORATING  the 175th Anniversary of the Forest
        Hill Cemetery
 
  WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pride in recognizing  and
celebrating  institutions  of  historical and cultural significance that
have played an essential role in shaping our communities; and
 
  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the Forest Hill Cemetery of  Utica,
New York; and
 
  WHEREAS,  Forest Hill Cemetery, a non-profit, non-sectarian cemetery
conveniently located in the greater Utica area,  is  renowned  worldwide
for its rich historical value and enduring service to the community; and
 
  WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1848, Forest Hill Cemetery has served
as  the  final  resting  place  for  numerous national, state, and local
leaders, including a Vice President of the United  States,  veterans  of
multiple  armed  conflicts,  including recipients of the Medal of Honor,
political figures, industrial leaders, and philanthropic giants; and
 
  WHEREAS, The dedicated staff of  Forest  Hill  Cemetery  has  worked
tirelessly  to  uphold  its longstanding reputation of dignity and care,
providing compassionate support to families in their times of need while
maintaining the grounds with exceptional commitment; and
 
  WHEREAS, Recognizing the necessity for a new burial site due to  the
overcrowding  of  the original "burying ground on Water Street," a group
of civic-minded citizens, including Judge William J. Bacon, met  in  the
office  of  Thomas  R.  Walker  and  determined  to establish a cemetery
association, which became the Utica Cemetery Association; and
 
  WHEREAS, Esteemed New York  civil  engineer  Almerin  Hotchkiss  was
commissioned to design and develop the cemetery grounds with an artistic
vision,  ensuring  that  winding  roads  preserved the natural landscape
rather than disrupting it; and
 
  WHEREAS, During the cemetery's development, significant efforts were
made to clear land, create roadways, and establish  burial  plots  while
maintaining the site's natural beauty and historical integrity; and
 
  WHEREAS, One of the cemetery's early projects involved obtaining and
transporting  the sacred stone of the Oneida Nation of Indians, with the
approval of the Oneida people, to Forest Hill  Cemetery,  where  it  was
placed  near  the  entrance beside a small pond, preserving its cultural
and historical significance; and
 
  WHEREAS, The formal opening of Forest Hill Cemetery in  1850  was  a
momentous occasion for the growing city of Utica, marked by an elaborate
parade  and  ceremony attended by a vast gathering, including 200 Oneida
and Onondaga people who came to bid farewell to their sacred  stone  and
acknowledge its new resting place; and
 
 
  WHEREAS,  For  175  years,  Forest  Hill  Cemetery  has  stood  as a
testament to the history of Utica and the nation, serving as  the  final
resting  place  for  countless  distinguished  Americans  and  dedicated
citizens of the region; now, therefore, be it
 
  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
commemorate  the 175th anniversary of Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica, New
York, recognizing its historical significance, its contributions to  the
preservation  of  heritage,  and  its continued service to the community
with dignity and respect; and be it further
 
  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to the Forest Hill Cemetery.
Commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the Forest Hill Cemetery

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