Senate Resolution No. 36

BY: Senator WALCZYK

COMMEMORATING the 135th Anniversary of the Village
of Poland, New York, in 2025

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 135th Anniversary of the Village of Poland, New York;
and

WHEREAS, Circa 1800, the Village of Poland, New York, located in
western Herkimer County, was first settled on land owned by Mr. Samuel
Wright; the parcel was initially called "Maple Valley" and "Russia
Flats"; it was officially incorporated on May 10, 1890; and

WHEREAS, The Village is known as Poland due to its southwest
proximity to the Town of Russia, New York, mimicking the placement of
the two European countries; it is the only place in the United States
definitively named after a country with the rest named after individuals
or of obscure origin; and

WHEREAS, West Canada Creek, a tributary of the Mohawk River, forms
Poland's southwestern boundary; slightly more than half of the Village
lies in the southern corner of the Town of Russia, and the remainder of
the Village extends south into the northwestern corner of the Town of
Newport; and

WHEREAS, The first President, the equivalent of Mayor, was Charles
Bowen; in 1838, the first post office, was established; it was named
after Nahum Daniels who owned a large amount of land in the Village; the
first Postmaster, Joseph Benchley, soon changed the name to avoid
confusion with Dansville in western New York State; and

WHEREAS, The Village of Poland is home to the Poland Volunteer Fire
Company which has the largest fire protection district in New York
State; and

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

WHEREAS, The residents of the Village of Poland have a bright
outlook for the future of their community which remains a beautiful
place in which to live, raise a family, conduct business, and enjoy the
natural beauty and historical sites that make this sector of New York
State a charming and welcoming community; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of Poland's rich history and enduring
contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to
pay tribute to this spirited Village upon the occasion of its 135th
Anniversary; now, therefore, be it


RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 135th Anniversary of the Village of Poland, New York,
recognizing the significance of the role it continues to play in the
life of the communities of the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Village of Poland.