LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the City
of Elmira, New York, to be celebrated January 18, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and commem-
orate the proud and distinguished histories of the cities and villages
which comprise the noble body of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, The year 2014 marks the 150th Anniversary of the City of
Elmira; to recognize this auspicious milestone, a celebration will be
held at The Clemens Center on Saturday, January 18, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Elmira, New York has always been a place with a vast and rich
history; it has also been the home of many famous people; and
WHEREAS, Known originally as the Township of Chemung, in 1808 the
village officially changed its name to the Town of Elmira at a town
meeting held at Teal's Tavern; according to legend, Elmira is named
after the tavern owner's daughter; known as "The Queen City," Elmira was
incorporated in 1864; and
WHEREAS, By the late 19th Century, Elmira was a major transportation
hub, connecting commercial centers in Rochester and Buffalo with Albany
and New York City; this was made possible by the construction of the
Chemung Canal (completed in 1833), Junction Canal connecting Elmira and
Corning, and the New York and Erie Railroads; and
WHEREAS, Due to its close proximity to Canada, Elmira played an impor-
tant role in the Underground Railroad; during the Civil War, Elmira
hosted a prisoner-of-war camp, dubbed "Hellmira" by the inmates due to
poor living conditions; and
WHEREAS, Some notable people who have lived in Elmira are John W.
Jones, who was a key player in the Underground Railroad and buried the
deceased inmates of the POW camp; Samuel Clemens, also known as Mark
Twain, was married to a local Elmira woman and wrote many of his books
there; and Ernie Davis, the first African-American athlete to win the
Heisman Trophy; in addition, Elmira has been the home of Eileen Collins,
Tommy Hilfiger, Hal Roach and Brian Williams; and
WHEREAS, Elmira has always been on the forefront of industry and
education; Elmira College, ID Booth, Chemung Canal Trust Company and H.
Strauss Clothier as well as others have been here from the beginning;
and
WHEREAS, Of historic origin, and remaining fruitful over the ebb and
flow of decades of growth and change, the City of Elmira continues to
provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents; and
WHEREAS, The residents of the City of Elmira have a bright outlook for
the future of their community, which remains a beautiful place in which
to live and raise a family; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the City of Elmira's rich history and
enduring contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is
proud to pay tribute to this spirited city upon the occasion of its
150th Anniversary; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the City of Elmira, and to enthusi-
astically salute its residents as they celebrate this auspicious occa-
sion; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the City of Elmira.