Senate Resolution No. 2304

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

        COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of the Village
        of Sleepy Hollow, New York, on May 20, 2024; and

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  intent  of this Legislative Body to honor and
commemorate  the  distinguished  histories  of  the  communities   which
comprise the noble body of this great Empire State; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
commemorate  the  150th Anniversary of the Village of Sleepy Hollow, New
York, on Monday, May 20, 2024; and

  WHEREAS, The Village of Sleepy Hollow's name  is  Dutch  in  origin,
believed  to  denote a description of a cove; the bordering Hudson River
contributed to the flourishing of the Village; and

  WHEREAS, On May 20, 1874, the local government was established by  a
group  of  concerned  citizens, and their commitment is still sustained,
meeting the needs of the residents of the community; and

  WHEREAS, The history of the Village  of  Sleepy  Hollow  dates  back
farther than 1874 with The Old Dutch Church, built by Frederick Philipse
in  1685,  recognized  as  one  of the oldest churches in New York State
still holding worship services; this national landmark  is  the  setting
for  Washington Irving's short story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", and
General George Washington and his Continental Army rested at the  church
on  July  2,  1781, on their way to meet the French Army in Dobbs Ferry;
and

  WHEREAS, Through preserving the  natural  beauty  of  the  area  the
residents  have  created  a  charming  atmosphere and contributed to the
captivating history which has made Sleepy Hollow a popular  destination;
with  picturesque  sights  including  lush  parks, The Old Dutch Church,
Sleepy Hollow  Cemetery,  Sleepy  Hollow  Lighthouse,  and  Kykuit,  the
Rockefeller Estate; and

  WHEREAS,  Being  tied  to one of the oldest American horror stories,
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," the village has a  historical  connection
to  Halloween;  an estimated 100,000 tourists visit the village annually
to celebrate the holiday and discover the area's legends of lore; and

  WHEREAS, There is a range of famous figures who rest in  the  Sleepy
Hollow  Cemetery,  including  Washington  Irving,  Andrew  Carnegie, and
Elizabeth Arden; and

  WHEREAS, The Village of Sleepy  Hollow  offers  a  wide  variety  of
outdoor  adventures  and activities, with parks, forests, rivers, lakes,
streams and trails along one of the most scenic stretches of the  Hudson
River;  it  also offers many programs for all residents from the seniors
to the youngest generations; and

  WHEREAS, Of historic  origin,  the  Village  of  Sleepy  Hollow  has
remained fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of growth and change,

and will continue to adapt for the challenges of the future while always
remembering the history and tradition that has led its community to such
an exceptional milestone; and

  WHEREAS, The residents of the Village of Sleepy Hollow have a bright
outlook  for  the  future  of  their community which remains a beautiful
place in which to live, raise a family, conduct business, and enjoy  the
natural  beauty  and  historical sites that make this sector of New York
State a charming and welcoming community, its population growing to more
than 12,000 residents who are grateful to call it home; and

  WHEREAS, In recognition of  the  Village  of  Sleepy  Hollow's  rich
history  and  enduring  contribution  to  the  State  of  New York, this
Legislative Body is proud to pay tribute to this spirited  village  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 Village of Sleepy  Hollow,  New
York,  on  May  20,  2024,  recognizing  the significance of the role it
continues to play in the life of the communities of  the  State  of  New
York; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Village of Sleepy Hollow.