Assembly Resolution No. 973

BY: M. of A. Manktelow

COMMEMORATING the 60th Anniversary of the
Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society on
February 15, 2024

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
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Williamson-Pultneyville
Historical Society on Thursday, February 15, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Founded with a mission to preserve the valuable lessons
learned and stories of yesteryear, the Williamson-Pultneyville
Historical Society was established in 1964; the Society aims to carry on
the ideals of its five founders and to keep history alive in the quaint
lakeside hamlet of Pultneyville, which dates to 1806; and

WHEREAS, Inhabiting The Society House, Centennial Park, and Gates
Hall, the Historical Society's Gates Hall was built in 1825 and is on
the State and National Registers of Historic Places; and

WHEREAS, Starting from humble beginnings, a small group came
together to discuss the founding of a historical society for the two
towns of Williamson and Pultneyville at the home of Florence Forbes
Cornwall; and

WHEREAS, The first meeting called to organize a historical society
was held on February 15, 1964; the five founders were present with the
support of a group of interested people in the population; and

WHEREAS, The five founders of the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical
Society are vital to the legacy of its beginnings: Florence Forbes
Cornwall had a deep love of local history, recognizing the significance
of the area's heritage; Alice Gallup was interested in history and was
community-minded, serving as president of the Society for three terms,
and also as treasurer and newsletter editor; Edward B. Leahy Jr. was the
first president of the newly formed Society in 1964 and an active member
for the remainder of his life; Chester A. Peters was a lifelong resident
of Williamson who developed a love of history and served as the first
Town of Williamson historian for 50 years. Relating to the Society, he
was president four times and also served in other offices; John C.
Westerberg, who was the first founder to become a resident of
Pultneyville in 1958, immediately became interested in historic Gates
Hall, delving into its storied past and served as an inspiration to
start a historical society; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 60-year history, the
Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society has demonstrated continuous
service to the residents and communities which it serves; and


WHEREAS, The success of the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical
Society is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated
President, Nanette Peters Hance, board members, staff and volunteers,
whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization
and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the
Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society; and

WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the
Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society may take just pride in its
purposeful growth, as it looks forward to continuing to serve the
educational, cultural and intellectual needs of the community; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Williamson-Pultneyville
Historical Society on February 15, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society.