LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Lawrence and Nancy Donohue upon the
occasion of their designation for special honor by the Sagtikos Manor
Historical Society on May 23, 2010

WHEREAS, The quality of life of the citizens of the State of New York is
greatly enriched by its exceptional cultural, educational and recre-
ational institutions; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those illustrious individuals who help to guide and contribute
so much to the excellence of such institutions; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Lawrence and Nancy Donohue upon the occasion of their designation for
special honor by the Sagtikos Manor Historical Society on Sunday, May
23, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Sagtikos Manor is a unique historic jewel on the South Shore
of Suffolk County on Long Island, New York; its history spans more than
three centuries from its original purchase from the Secatogue tribe by
Stephanus Van Cortlandt in 1692 to the present; and
WHEREAS, The estate served as headquarters for the British Army on
Long Island for a brief time during the Revolutionary War and President
George Washington stayed there during his tour of Long Island in 1790;
and
WHEREAS, Suffolk County acquired the Manor in 2002 to ensure its pres-
ervation; the County maintains the house and grounds and the Sagtikos
Manor Historical Society, founded in 1963, is contracted with the County
to give tours of the Manor and to cooperate in its restoration; since
the acquisition of the Manor by the County, the Historical Society has
been able to fund many restorations both in the house and on the
grounds; and
WHEREAS, On May 23, 2010 the Sagtikos Manor Historical Society will
host A Sunday at Sagtikos to celebrate the opening of the Manor's 2010
Season, to preview the newly refurbished "Proprietor's Room" which today
we would call the master bedroom, and to honor Lawrence and Nancy Dono-
hue for their many years of service and dedication to the preservation
of the Manor; and
WHEREAS, During the Bicentennial of the United States, Nancy Donohue's
love of America inspired her to become involved with the Sagtikos Manor;
she first volunteered as a docent and soon after was asked to serve on
the Board of Trustees; she has since held the posts of both Treasurer
and President for 22 years; and
WHEREAS, When the Manor was in jeopardy of being sold to a developer,
Nancy formed the "Committee to Preserve Sagtikos Manor" which helped
bring about the sale of Sagtikos Manor to Suffolk County; and
WHEREAS, During her term as President, Nancy was instrumental in
obtaining funding for restoration efforts, including a grant from New
York State; she also helped raise funds through numerous events at the
Manor and helped to negotiate the contract between Suffolk County and
the Sagtikos Manor Historical Society; and
WHEREAS, Other historical organizations to which Nancy Donohue has
also committed her time include the Suffolk County Historical Society,
Islip Town Tricentennial and the West Islip Bicentennial Committee; and
WHEREAS, A valued member of her community, Nancy Donohue has also been
actively involved with the Town of Islip Blue Ribbon Task Force on
Crime, West Islip Symphony Orchestra, West Islip Council of PTAS,
Bayview and West Islip High School PTAS, Keep Islip Clean and the West
Islip Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Larry Donohue became interested in Sagtikos Manor in 1974
when he met Rhoda Milligan, then President of the Sagtikos Manor Histor-
ical Society, and went on to himself serve as its President from 1981 to
1984, during which time he oversaw such activities as encampments on the
Manor grounds, games at the Fall Festival and the Spring Clean-Up; and
WHEREAS, A District Court Judge from 1992-2008, he proudly announced
his candidacy from the Manor's Music Room; and
WHEREAS, Larry Donohue also served on the Committee to Preserve Sagti-
kos Manor; in 2002, during the sale of the Manor and its contents to
Suffolk County, the previous owner's family foundation slated the furni-
ture and artwork to be sold; and
WHEREAS, Larry Donohue successfully petitioned the New York State
Attorney General to prevent the public auction; the auction was halted
and all contents were returned to Sagtikos Manor and are presently on
display; and
WHEREAS, If not for his diligent efforts, the Sagtikos Manor would be
void of the wonderful family artifacts enjoyed by visitors as Larry
Donohue, known as Squire Isaac Thompson for the occasion, welcomes them
to the Manor's Christmas house tours each year; and
WHEREAS, The enduring contributions of Lawrence and Nancy Donohue and
the Sagtikos Manor Historical Society to the preservation of the herit-
age of the Empire State merit the recognition of this Legislative Body
on behalf of the people of the State of New York that future generations
may have the opportunity to understand and appreciate the unique signif-
icance Sagtikos Manor represents in the progression of the evolution of
New York State and the nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Lawrence and Nancy Donohue upon the occasion of their desig-
nation for special honor by the Sagtikos Manor Historical Society for
their many years of tireless service and dedication to the preservation
of the Manor on Sunday, May 23, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lawrence and Nancy Donohue.