Assembly Resolution No. 280

BY: M. of A. Solages

HONORING Bernice E. Hayes posthumously upon the
occasion of her designation for special recognition
by the Floral Park Historical Society on April 28,
2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves 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 honor
Bernice E. Hayes posthumously upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by the Floral Park Historical Society to be
celebrated at its 20th Anniversary event on Sunday, April 28, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Born on January 17, 1929, Bernice E. Hayes was one of the
founders of the Floral Park Historical Society (FPHS); and

WHEREAS, FPHS was established in late 1999 to increase knowledge of
and interest in all subjects relating to Floral Park's history; and

WHEREAS, This vital society promotes historical research and
educates village residents as to the history of Floral Park and
preserves for posterity places, buildings, landmarks and objects of
historical interest in Floral Park; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, Bernice E. Hayes served as a member of
the FPHS Board of Directors and as Vice President; for several years,
she chaired the annual New Year Luncheon; and

WHEREAS, In an effort to spark public curiosity about the history of
the Village of Floral Park, the members of FPHS embarked on an exciting
but somewhat complex undertaking; they sought to install eight markers
at historically-significant sites within Floral Park for residents and
others to visit and learn interesting facts about the locations and to
grow in their appreciation of the history of the community; and

WHEREAS, The Floral Park Historic marker sites include: 1779 House,
Covert Homestead, Floral Theatre, First Floral Park School, Oldest
Commercial Building, American Legion Hall, First Firehouse/Village Hall,
and Masonic Temple; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the years Bernice E. Hayes was active in
the United Methodist Church of Floral Park, FPHS repainted the historic
marker that stands in front of the church on Verbena Avenue; it is an
historic site marking the location of the first church in Floral Park:
the Methodist Episcopal Church, dedicated in 1891; and

WHEREAS, Bernice E. Hayes died on January 31, 2019, at the age of
90; in honor of her countless volunteer contributions making the society
a viable and worthy community organization, FPHS has initiated the

Bernice Hayes Collection; in this archival collection is a vintage
Mayflower Catalog dated September 1891 from an anonymous donor in her
memory and a 100th Anniversary Journal - United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Bernice E. Hayes posthumously upon the occasion of her designation
for special recognition by the Floral Park Historical Society; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Bernice E. Hayes.