Assembly Resolution No. 357

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

COMMEMORATING the 225th Anniversary of Steuben
County, New York

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 225th Anniversary of Steuben County, New York; and

WHEREAS, This historic county's celebration provides us an exciting
opportunity to illuminate the little-known stories of the past;
throughout the coming year, Steuben County will honor the individuals,
who through their contributions and sacrifices, helped to build this
community; and

WHEREAS, Steuben County will endeavor to acknowledge the many
moments, when the eyes of the world were upon them, and they will
celebrate the inventors, the individuals, and the millions of immigrants
who helped to forge the community and county; and

WHEREAS, Established during George Washington's presidency in 1796,
Steuben County includes most of Keuka Lake and was created at the same
time as the six original Towns of Bath, Addison, Dansville, Canisteo,
Wayne, and the Town of Corning; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, parts of the original Steuben County have gone
to help create four other counties, Allegany, Livingston, Yates, and
Schuyler; and

WHEREAS, Steuben County is the largest of the 14 Finger Lakes
counties in terms of area, and seventh in the state; the Finger Lakes
Trail system has more miles in Steuben than any other county; and

WHEREAS, Traditionally an agricultural area known for its dairy
farms, lumber, grain, potatoes and grapes, Steuben County has also been
a center of technological innovation; the first army aircraft (a blimp),
the first navy aircraft (a seaplane), and the first Marine Corps
aircraft (a land plane) all came from Hammondsport, where America's
first woman pilot, Blanche Stuart Scott, made her first flight; and

WHEREAS, While still an important part of the economy, agriculture
has given way to other major economic developments, including tourism,
with many attractions, much scenic beauty and pleasant accommodations;
and

WHEREAS, After the Civil War, the New York State Soldiers and
Sailors Home, now Bath V.A. Medical Center, was established in Steuben
County, as well as the Bath National Cemetery where 18 unknown soldiers
from the War of 1812 were laid to rest; and

WHEREAS, Steuben County is also well-known for its County Fair which
dates back to 1819, and the Steuben County Dairy Festival which was
established in 1957; and

WHEREAS, Steuben County is New York State's perennial chart topper
when it comes to whitetail deer, and offers some of the best hunting in
the entire Finger Lakes region for black bear, deer, turkey, and more;
and

WHEREAS, A number of notable people from many differing livelihoods
have come from Steuben County, including Tuskegee Airman and veteran of
three wars, George Haley; suffragist, Anna Cadgan Etz; glass artist,
Frederick Carder; industrial giant and a pioneer in motorcycles,
aviation, and travel trailers, Glenn Curtiss; dancer, Bill T. Jones;
pioneers in the fight for birth control rights, Margaret Sanger,
Katherine Houghton Hepburn, and Ethel Byrne; Civil War
heroes/Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, Morris Brown and David
L. Smith; and Austin Steward, who escaped from slavery in Steuben County
to become an entrepreneur and abolitionist; and

WHEREAS, Remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of
growth and change, Steuben County continues its commitment to enhancing
the quality of life of its citizens, ensuring a positive business,
institutional and educational climate, and providing all essential
services; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 225th Anniversary of Steuben County, New York,
recognizing the significance of the role it continues to play in the
life of the community of the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Steuben County, New York.