LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the Duanesburg Historical Society
upon the occasion of celebrating its 70th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts
of those organizations who seek to bring recognition to historical plac-
es within the State of New York, and in doing so, help to ensure that
the complete history of our State and Nation is preserved and shared
with present generations of citizens; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the Duanesburg Historical Society in Duanesburg, New York, upon
the occasion of celebrating its 70th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, With 25 enthusiastic charter members, the Duanesburg Histor-
ical Society was organized in April of 1944, as a branch of the venera-
ble Schenectady Historical Society; and
WHEREAS, Duane Featherstonhaugh, President of the Schenectady Histor-
ical Society and a Duanesburg resident, facilitated the start-up of this
new organization; as the great, great, great grandson of Judge James
Duane, the 18th century founder of Duanesburg, he took a special and
personal interest in the Society's success, and provided knowledgeable
leadership as needed; and
WHEREAS, For 70 years, this organization has been supported by a
continuous vital, engaged membership connected to the land, its people,
its stories, its history, its folklore, its visible and invisible past,
evincing a willingness and interest in presenting the knowledge of
Duanesburg's rich history; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Duanesburg has long been defined as a crossroads,
beginning from a time when only Indian trails crisscrossed the forests
of the interior to arrive at Fort Orange on the Hudson, a port for the
lucrative beaver pelt trade; and
WHEREAS, Primitive roads stretching westward from both Albany and
Schenectady toward vague and future destinations, were the early routes
to the frontier, which lay at first just beyond the waters of the Scho-
harie Creek; these were followed by more dependable roads and bridges
over which drovers moved livestock and produce to market, and supported
by a string of inns and taverns, some of which are still standing along
what is now known as Route 20; and
WHEREAS, In the 19th Century, one of Duanesburg's towns, Delanson,
became a thriving rail center, bustling with trade, boasting hotels, a
roundhouse, and the largest coal yard in the world; following the world
wars, the crossroads at Duanesburg became something of a tourist hub as
families piled into automobiles, setting off to see the United States of
America, requiring food and lodging along the way, all of which Duanes-
burg worked hard to supply; and
WHEREAS, As in many communities across the great State of New York,
remnants of the past lie all around; the Duanesburg Historical Society
quietly honors its mandate to proclaim and preserve their significant
realities of Duanesburg's illustrious history; and
WHEREAS, The Duanesburg Historical Society provides its community with
monthly programs, special events, the encouragement of student projects,
and through the years, producing available print materials including
bulletins, newsletters, and newspaper articles; and
WHEREAS, In 2005, the Duanesburg Historical Society, in collaboration
with the Town of Princetown, published a Pictorial Directory of historic
photos, and beginning in 2009, three volumes of collected memories,
stories, and researched history of the township were gathered,
published, and made available to the public; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for the Duanesburg Historical Society,
and for all of the individuals who have worked to bring proper attention
to a place and time which merits recognition in the grand panorama of
the history of our State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be 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 Duanesburg Historical Society upon the occasion of cele-
brating its 70th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Duanesburg Historical Society.