J 54: Commemorating the 225th Anniversary of the Town of Champion, New York, in 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 54 BY: Senator WALCZYK COMMEMORATING the 125th Anniversary of the Town of Champion, 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 125th Anniversary of the Town of Champion, New York; and WHEREAS, The Town of Champion was named after General Henry Champion who purchased the land and established the settlement circa 1798; and WHEREAS, General Champion commissioned Noadiah Hubbard to survey the land he purchased; in 1799, the surveyor settled on the land where his family homestead still exists; and WHEREAS, The Town of Champion was established in 1800 from part of the Town of Mexico, which is now part of Oswego County; Champion is recognized as one of the first towns in Jefferson County; and WHEREAS, On Christmas Day in 1816, the Congregationalists of the first church in Jefferson County dedicated their house of worship with a bell which was commissioned by General Champion; and WHEREAS, In 1889, the community of West Carthage was incorporated as a village within Champion; Watertown is to the west, the Black River flows along the town's northern boundary, and the southeastern town line is the border of Lewis County; and WHEREAS, Due to its climate and fertile land, the Town of Champion had been ideal for agriculture until the industrialization of the region rendered the Town a thriving urban center which created factories, mills, and plentiful job opportunities; and WHEREAS, The Town of Champion was the birthplace of George E. Spencer (1836-1893), a Union General in the Civil War who later served two terms as a United States Senator, and Ellen Alida Rose (1843-?), an agriculturist and suffragist; and WHEREAS, A few of the highlights of the Town of Champion are the Hiram Hubbard House, which was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places in 2012, Van Riper State Park, Craig Lake State Park, and the Wawonowin Country Club; and WHEREAS, Of historic origin, and remaining fruitful over the ebb and flow of decades of growth and change, the Town of Champion continues to provide the quintessential quality of life for its residents; and WHEREAS, The residents of the Town of Champion 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 Champion's rich history and enduring contribution to the State of New York, this Legislative Body is proud to pay tribute to this spirited Town upon the occasion of its 125th Anniversary; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Town of Champion, 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 Town of Champion.