LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Clifton Patrick of Chester, New
York, upon the occasion of his designation as "Registered Historian"

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to the
cultural enrichment of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Clifton Patrick of Chester, New York, upon the occasion of his
designation as "Registered Historian"; and
WHEREAS, Only 58 of New York State's 1,600 municipal historians hold
the title of "Registered Historian," and Clifton Patrick is the only one
with the distinction for several counties around, according to the state
association of public historians, which granted him the honor on Friday,
January 23, 2009; and
WHEREAS, On Sunday, January 25, 2009, noted area historians gathered
at the Chester Historical Society to witness the presentation of the
certification to Clifton Patrick by Supervisor Steve Neuhaus; this
particular merit is an elite honor among municipal historians in the
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Clifton Patrick's interest in history began in the 1990s when
his lifetime partner, Leslie Smith, encouraged him to join the Chester
Historical Society to help restore the Erie Railroad Station, currently
the headquarters of the town historical society; and
WHEREAS, Clifton Patrick became president of the society in 2001
before taking the post of town historian in 2003; in order to become a
registered historian, he needed a minimum of three years experience and
a proven track record of education and advocacy, according to the state
association; and
WHEREAS, Clifton Patrick's causes include trying to save a local barn
used by the famed Hambletonian trotting horse, as well as documenting
the Gregory Edmund King House before it was demolished on Route 94 in
the village; he has done public speaking tours, including one about
possibly the only known recorded Indian slaves owned by Daniel Cromme-
lin, the 18th-century owner of the 366-acre plantation known as the Gray
Court Plantation; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the life in their community and have shown a long and sustained
commitment to excellence certainly have earned recognition and applause;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Clifton Patrick of Chester, New York, upon the occasion of
his designation as "Registered Historian"; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Clifton Patrick.