Assembly Resolution No. 704

BY: M. of A. Barclay

COMMENDING the 3 Sisters' Lighthouses of Oneida
Lake upon the occasion of celebrating their 100th
Anniversary on July 2, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to support the
preservation and commendation of historical landmarks which express and
preserve the social and cultural origins of this great State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the 3 Sisters' Lighthouses of Oneida Lake upon the occasion of
celebrating their 100th Anniversary, to be celebrated at a myriad of
events on Sunday, July 2, 2017, at Rear Range Lighthouse Park in
Brewerton, New York; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious event will include a fishing tournament for
kids, entertainment, free kayaking and free rides on a solar-powered
canal boat in and around Frenchman's Island as well as a craft fair and
kid zone; and

WHEREAS, Oneida Lake is the largest body of water entirely within
the boundaries of New York State; connecting to the Erie Canal on each
end with islands in between, these three identical light towers have
guided community and recreational watercraft along the 22-mile stretch
of Oneida Lake since 1917; and

WHEREAS, The Verona Beach Lighthouse, Frenchmen's Island Lighthouse
and the Brewerton Lighthouse work together to ensure people's safety on
New York State's largest lake, which stretches from Verona Beach to
Brewerton and Hastings; and

WHEREAS, The construction of the lighthouses was a key component to
navigation along the Erie Canal, which opened up in 1825 and allowed
travelers and businesses to sail from New York City, up the Hudson to
Albany, and then along the canal to Oneida Lake; and

WHEREAS, Once the Oswego Canal opened up in 1828, travelers and
business boats could continue from Oneida Lake on to Oswego and Lake
Ontario; and

WHEREAS, The Verona Beach and Brewerton towers were lit for the
first time in the summer of 1917, while the light at Fisherman's Island
was not activated until the following year; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the 3 Sisters' Lighthouses of Oneida
Lake's rich history and enduring contribution to the heritage of the
State of New York, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to join in
the celebration so that present and future generations may come to
appreciate the unique significance which their history plays in the
progression of our State and Nation's evolution; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the 3 Sisters' Lighthouses of Oneida Lake upon the occasion of
celebrating their 100th Anniversary on July 2, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the 3 Sisters' Lighthouses of Oneida.