Senate Resolution No. 4290

BY: Senator YOUNG

CONGRATULATING Fredonia Grange No. 1 upon the
occasion of its 150th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
organizations and businesses of this great Empire State who make
significant contributions to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Fredonia Grange No. 1 upon the occasion of its 150th
Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Oliver Hudson Kelley is considered the "Father of the
Grange" Movement, with its origins dating back to his idea that a
fraternal organization, composed of farmers from all sections of the
United States, would help heal the scars caused by the Civil War, as
well as improve both the economic and social position of the farm
population; and

WHEREAS, Oliver Hudson Kelley worked closely with friends in
government service and enlisted their support; in the office of William
Saunders in Washington D.C., on December 4, 1867, the National Grange
was formally organized; and

WHEREAS, Oliver Hudson Kelley would resign his position in the
Department of Agriculture and left Washington, D.C. on April 3, 1868, to
establish the new organization throughout rural districts; on April 16,
1868, he founded Fredonia Grange No. 1; before the end of 1872, more
than one thousand Granges were located and organized in more than half
of the states of the Union; and

WHEREAS, Fredonia Grange No. 1 was the first community grange
established in the world during the mid-19th Century, with it being the
home of the first dues-paying grange; the United States first grange
hall was built in Fredonia during the late 1860s, and established on
April 16, 1868; the original building still stands to do this day on
Main Street; and

WHEREAS, Fredonia Grange No. 1 has demonstrated an outstanding
dedication to its community through its devotion to local citizens and
providing an organization to help farmers with any issues they may be
facing; and

WHEREAS, Observing that special recognition should be given to those
organizations and businesses that work assiduously for the betterment of
their communities and should be acknowledged publicly for the good works
they do for the families and neighbors of the area; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Fredonia Grange No. 1 upon the occasion of its 150th
Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Fredonia Grange No. 1.