Senate Resolution No. 4217

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the Town of
Ghent, New York, to be celebrated on April 3, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and
commemorate the distinguished histories of the communities which
comprise the noble body of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Ghent, New York, to be
recognized with a Bicentennial Celebration on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at
the Ghent VFW Post No. 5933, Ghent, New York; and

WHEREAS, On April 3, 1818, the New York Legislature enacted Chapter
XCI of the Laws of 1818 to create the Town of Ghent, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Ghent was formed from land ceded by Claverack,
Kinderhook, and Chatham to create a new community in the heart of
Columbia County; at its founding, the town was an agricultural community
along the Union Turnpike; and

WHEREAS, In April of 1818, the founders of Ghent, as called upon by
the New York State Legislature, gathered in the dwelling house of Seth
Mix to create laws governing livestock and to elect 25 town officials to
form the early civic life of this township; and

WHEREAS, In 1838, with the coming of one of the first rail lines in
North America, the Hudson and Berkshire Railroad, Ghent's budding rail
system would enable its farmers to ship to larger, more distant markets;
and

WHEREAS, Today, Ghent continues to produce the highest quality farm
produce, and is home to many great institutions such as the Ghent VFW,
Chatham American Legion, Ghent Band, Ghent Sportsman's Association, West
Ghent, Chatham and Ghent Fire departments, as well as many houses of
worship; and

WHEREAS, Of historic origin, and remaining fruitful over the ebb and
flow of decades of growth and change, the Town of Ghent continues to
provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents; and

WHEREAS, The residents of the Town of Ghent have a bright outlook
for the future of their community, which remains a beautiful place in
which to live and raise a family; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the Town of Ghent's rich history and
enduring contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is
proud to pay tribute to this spirited town upon the occasion of its
200th Anniversary; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Ghent, New York, to be
celebrated on April 3, 2018; and be it further


RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michael Benvenuto, Supervisor, Town of Ghent.