LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Dutch-
ess County Scottish Society

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 who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the Dutchess County Scottish Society, to
be celebrated at its Dinner Dance on Saturday, November 6, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The first meeting of the Dutchess County Scottish Society was
held on October 18, 1910 in Poughkeepsie, New York; the 14 men in
attendance met "in order to make the Scotsmen around town acquainted
with each other."; it was originally named the Poughkeepsie Scottish
Society and Kenneth MaCrae was elected its first President; the society
changed its name to its present name in 1913; and
WHEREAS, During World War I, some of the Dutchess County Scottish
Society's members returned home to Scotland to serve in the military; it
was not until 1935 that the former all male society voted to allow women
to join, and it was not until 1945, that spouses, not of Scottish
descent, were allowed to become members; and
WHEREAS, The by-laws of the Dutchess County Scottish Society spell out
its goals, "the promotion of friendship and social interaction among its
members, the preservation of the traditions, literature, songs, poetry,
and music of Scotland and rendering a helping hand to the sick and needy
of Scottish origin."; over the past 100 years, the Dutchess County
Scottish Society has fulfilled these goals and, at present, has a
membership of 100 members; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned our
recognition and applause; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Dutchess County Scottish Socie-
ty; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Dutchess County Scottish Society.