LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Ty Llwyd Farm upon the occasion of
being named a Historic Site by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the preser-
vation of historical landmarks which served to enhance the growth of the
State of New York, ensuring that the complete history of our State and
Nation is shared with present and future 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 congratu-
late Ty Llwyd Farm in Riverhead, New York, upon the occasion of being
named an Historic Site by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo; and
WHEREAS, Ty Llwyd Farm, formerly called Harrison Downs House and Farm,
was one of 19 landmarks that Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently identi-
fied as helping define what it means to be a New Yorker; and
WHEREAS, A national designation is expected to soon follow New York's
designation; historic sites can qualify for matching grants and state
and federal rehabilitation tax credits; and
WHEREAS, The 37-acre farm's history exemplifies the arduous nature of
farming and the area's transition from raising potatoes; today, it is
certified to sell raw milk produced by a herd of Jersey cows, as well as
free-range eggs and organic vegetables; and
WHEREAS, Richard Wines, whose brother, David Wines, runs the farm with
his Welsh wife, Elizabeth, and son, Christopher, grew up nearby and
worked on the farm as a youth; currently, he chairs the Riverhead Land-
marks Preservation Committee, and last year, wrote the application for
the state designation; and
WHEREAS, In 1871, Richard Wines' great-great-great-uncle, Joshua
Harrison Downs, a New York City patent lawyer, bought the land for a
gentleman's farm; a native of Riverhead, New York, he graduated from
Yale and earned a law degree from Columbia University; and
WHEREAS, Ty Llwyd Farm is comprised of a two-story, shingle-clad home
which features rooms with 10-foot ceilings on both floors, and a ball-
room on the second floor as well as many historic buildings which still
stand on the property, including the main English-style barn; and
WHEREAS, Joshua Harrison Downs' choice of the 1873 Italianate-style,
derived from that nation's square, flat-roofed country villas, might
have been influenced by his travels abroad; and
WHEREAS, After Joshua Harrison Downs died in 1912, his heirs converted
it to a working farm, relying on potatoes, an often volatile crop; and
WHEREAS, According to a journal written by his grandmother, Mary
Downs, the family bought cars and tractors when potato prices were high,
but needed a mortgage when they fell; in lean times, Mary had to raise
money by selling baked goods at Iron Pier Beach in Riverhead, New York;
and
WHEREAS, New York State's agricultural industry is part of the founda-
tion upon which our distinct American heritage is built; is a signif-
icant local resource that represents Riverhead's agrarian past and
important farming legacy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Ty Llwyd Farm upon the occasion of it being named a Histor-
ic Site by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ty Llwyd Farm, Riverhead, New York.