LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the dedication of a Memorial Plaque
honoring the 35 lighthouse keepers at Tibbetts Point Lighthouse since
1827

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body to commemorate
significant events which represent turning points in our unique history
and which are indelibly etched in the saga of our great Nation and to
call attention to those historic sites within the State of New York
which serve as lasting reminders of our rich and unique past; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the dedication of a Memorial Plaque honoring the 35 lighthouse keepers
at Tibbetts Point Lighthouse since 1827; this auspicious occasion will
be celebrated on Sunday, June 6, 2010, at the Tibbetts Point Lighthouse
in Cape Vincent, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Tibbetts Point Lighthouse marks the point where Lake
Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River in Northern New York State; and
WHEREAS, Captain John Tibbetts of Troy, New York, donated three acres
of land to the Federal Government to establish the Lighthouse; in 1827
the first Tower and Keeper's Quarters were built; and
WHEREAS, In 1854 the first tower of the Tibbetts Point Lighthouse was
replaced by the present circular one; the Fresnel Lens was also
installed at this time; it is still in operation and is the only
original working Fresnel lens in Lake Ontario; and
WHEREAS, A fog whistle was added to the Tibbetts Point Lighthouse in
1896; it was replaced with an air-diaphone in 1927, operated by a diesel
engine with automatically timed blasts; and
WHEREAS, In 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard assumed the Tibbetts Point
lighthouse duties until 1981 when the light was automated and serviced
out of Oswego, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1984, the Tibbetts Point Lighthouse quarters became a
Youth Hostel; and
WHEREAS, The Tibbetts Point Lighthouse Historical Society was formed
in 1988; the Town of Cape Vincent acquired the Lighthouse from the U.S.
Department of the Interior in 1991, and the Visitors' Center was built
by the Town of Cape Vincent in 1993; and
WHEREAS, Since 1999, the Tibbetts Point Lighthouse Society has funded
numerous major renovations inside and outside; and
WHEREAS, The very first lighthouse keeper at Tibbetts Point was
appointed by President John Quincy Adams; all keepers were members of
the U.S. Lighthouse Service until 1939; and
WHEREAS, Judah Williams was the first Tibbetts Point lighthouse keeper
and Edward Sweet was the last civilian light tender; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the memory of the
35 lighthouse keepers at Tibbetts Point Lighthouse since 1827; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when events of
such historic significance are brought to our attention, they should be
recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, there-
fore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the dedication of a Memorial Plaque honoring the 35 lighthouse
keepers at Tibbetts Point Lighthouse since 1827; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joseph Dudek, President, Tibbetts Point Lighthouse Historical
Society, Cape Vincent, New York.