LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the dedication of the newly rebuilt
Oak Orchard Lighthouse at Point Breeze, New York, on June 26, 2010

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 commem-
orate the dedication of the newly rebuilt Oak Orchard Lighthouse at
Point Breeze, New York; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on
Saturday, June 26, 2010, in Point Breeze, New York; and
WHEREAS, The original Oak Orchard Harbor Light House in Point Breeze,
New York, was built in 1871 on the harbor's west side on a pier almost
1000 feet from shore; it was abandoned by the Federal Government in 1905
and rapidly fell into disrepair; in 1916, a December squall swept away
what remained of the structure; and
WHEREAS, The Oak Orchard Harbor Light Committee was formed in 2003 as
part of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce; its goal was to rebuild
this historic lighthouse; and
WHEREAS, After years of dedicated effort and determination by the
community, and by the supporters of both the Oak Orchard Harbor Light
Committee and the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum, and following approval
from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preser-
vation, the newly rebuilt Oak Orchard Lighthouse at Point Breeze, New
York, will be dedicated on Saturday, June 26, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The rebuilt Oak Orchard Lighthouse at Point Breeze, New York,
will feature a replica of the original structure, as well as the tower
light, and will approximate the intensity of a streetlight; at 32 feet
tall, the historic replica will stand as a monument to help guide sea
travelers to safe harbor; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the original steel oil house will be returned to
the harbor on permanent loan by the historic Cobblestone Museum in
Gaines, New York, where it has been carefully housed for many years; and
WHEREAS, The rebuilding and restoration of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse
at Point Breeze, New York, is good news for tourists and boaters, for
all of Western New York, and for the Orleans County community; located
on the Seaway Trail and within the Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor,
Oak Orchard Harbor, well known for its first class fishery, will once
again have a lighthouse to mark its harbor after 94 years; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the newly rebuilt
Oak Orchard Lighthouse at Point Breeze, New York; 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
commemorate the dedication of the newly rebuilt Oak Orchard Lighthouse
at Point Breeze, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum.