LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Neir's Tavern and Cafe upon the occa-
sion of celebrating its Grand Reopening on June 24, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses which substantially
contribute to the vitality of their communities and the entire Empire
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Neir's Tavern and Cafe upon the occasion of celebrating its Grand
Reopening on Thursday, June 24, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Neir's Tavern and Cafe has been in nearly continuous opera-
tion in Woodhaven, New York, for over 180 years; and
WHEREAS, The bar was founded in October of 1829 by Cadwallader Colden
as The Old Blue Pump House in the area of Queens then known as Wood-
ville; and
WHEREAS, The Old Blue Pump House was renamed The Old Abbey in 1835;
and
WHEREAS, The Old Abbey was located across from The Union Course Race
Track; and
WHEREAS, The bar became a place which undesirable elements frequented
regularly, due to its proximity to the failing race track; and
WHEREAS, The Old Abbey was purchased in 1851 by Nathan F. Graves, who
returned it to respectability over the four decades that he owned it;
and
WHEREAS, The Old Abbey was purchased by Louis Neir in 1898, who
restored and expanded the tavern and renamed it Neir's Social Hall; and
WHEREAS, Neir's Social Hall was sold in 1967, and renamed The Union
Course Tavern; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, The Union Course Tavern underwent eight months of
renovations, to later reopen as Neir's; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
support the entrepreneurs of small businesses whose dedication and
accomplishments contribute to the economic health and vitality of the
communities they serve in the State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Neir's Tavern and Cafe upon the occasion of celebrating its
Grand Reopening on June 24, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Neir's Tavern and Cafe.