Senate Resolution No. 913

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Dodge
Pratt Northam Art and Community Center of Boonville,
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the 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
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and
Community Center of Boonville, New York, to be celebrated at its Open
House on Saturday, May 17, 2025; and

WHEREAS, In 1974, a dedicated group of civic-minded residents formed
a committee to have the beautiful Pratt House become the home of the Art
and Community Center; after much planning and repair, the facility was
admitted to the National Register of Historic Homes in 1975, governed by
an all-volunteer Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, In 1875, the house was built by Clark Dodge who was a
merchant and one of the founders of the First National Bank; his son,
Eugene Dodge, was a banker and sold the house to Charles W. Pratt, who
worked in the lumber and wood business, in 1894; and

WHEREAS, Charles W. Pratt's son, Walter Pratt, who followed in his
father's line of endeavors, left the house to his cousin, Hazel Northam,
a Brooklyn undertaker, who died in 1972; before her death, she willed
the house to the Erwin Library which still owns it today; and

WHEREAS, The beautiful red brick house on a limestone foundation is
of Neo-French architecture from the late Victorian period; the interior
of the house is virtually the same as it was a century ago; the rooms
remain the same, with dark carved woodwork, molded plaster ceilings, and
some original wallpaper and carpets; the original drawing of the house
by J.B. Lanthrop is displayed by the front entrance; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community
Center is to provide area residents with the opportunity to enjoy local,
high quality, and affordable cultural programs; and

WHEREAS, Strong community support given to the Center is very much
appreciated and serves as an important indicator of the cultural pride
and vitality of the people of the North Country; throughout the year,
the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center offers programs,
classes, and workshops for adults and children; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and
Community Center has been a vital part of the community, providing
resources, culture, and education to the residents of the region; the
Center will serve as an inspiration to all individuals who visit
Boonville for generations to come; and


WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations 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
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and
Community Center of Boonville, New York, and to honor its members, past
and present, who have labored so conscientiously to secure and improve
the quality of life for the members of the community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center.