LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the
Jennings Department Store in Moravia, New York

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 enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of business organ-
izations and individuals that generously contribute 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 150th Anniversary of the Jennings Department Store in Moravia,
New York; and
WHEREAS, One of the oldest continuously operating retail stores in New
York State, the Jennings Department Store in Moravia, New York, was
established by Henry Jennings in 1860; and
WHEREAS, Henry Jennings retired in 1921 after more than 60 years in
business; his son, Charles, began his own long tenure at "The Old Store"
when he became his father's partner in 1888; due to his expertise in
fitting and repairing footwear, Charles became known as "The Shoe Man";
he retired in 1950 and passed away in 1952; and
WHEREAS, Charles Jennings' son, Carlton, was the last member of the
Jennings family to have involvement with the Jennings Department Store;
born in 1897, he worked in the store on and off from the early 1920s
until the early 1950s; he maintained a financial interest in the store
until his death in 1991; and
WHEREAS, In 1979, the Jennings Department Store was sold to Claude and
Pat Stoker; Claude Stoker had worked at the store since 1958; the Stok-
ers retired in 2003, selling the store to the current operators, their
daughter and son-in-law, Lynette and Mark Wood; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Jennings Department Store continues to sell cloth-
ing and footwear for men, women and children; it has operated in the
same location since 1870; in the past 150 years it has survived the
Great Depression and many other economic downturns, defying the odds and
remaining strong in the new age of malls and super stores; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when business
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Jennings Department Store in
Moravia, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mark and Lynette Wood, Jennings Department Store, P.O. Box
368, 147 Main Street, Moravia, New York 13118.