J 36: Commemorating the 135th Anniversary of the Village of Poland, New York, in 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 36 BY: Senator WALCZYK COMMEMORATING the 135th Anniversary of the Village of Poland, New York, in 2025 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 135th Anniversary of the Village of Poland, New York; and WHEREAS, Circa 1800, the Village of Poland, New York, located in western Herkimer County, was first settled on land owned by Mr. Samuel Wright; the parcel was initially called "Maple Valley" and "Russia Flats"; it was officially incorporated on May 10, 1890; and WHEREAS, The Village is known as Poland due to its southwest proximity to the Town of Russia, New York, mimicking the placement of the two European countries; it is the only place in the United States definitively named after a country with the rest named after individuals or of obscure origin; and WHEREAS, West Canada Creek, a tributary of the Mohawk River, forms Poland's southwestern boundary; slightly more than half of the Village lies in the southern corner of the Town of Russia, and the remainder of the Village extends south into the northwestern corner of the Town of Newport; and WHEREAS, The first President, the equivalent of Mayor, was Charles Bowen; in 1838, the first post office, was established; it was named after Nahum Daniels who owned a large amount of land in the Village; the first Postmaster, Joseph Benchley, soon changed the name to avoid confusion with Dansville in western New York State; and WHEREAS, The Village of Poland is home to the Poland Volunteer Fire Company which has the largest fire protection district in New York State; and WHEREAS, Of historic origin, and remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of growth and change, the Village of Poland continues to provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents; and WHEREAS, The residents of the Village of Poland 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; and WHEREAS, In recognition of Poland'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 135th Anniversary; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 135th Anniversary of the Village of Poland, New York, 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 Poland.