J 913: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center of Boonville, New York

 Senate Resolution No. 913 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center of Boonville, New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations of high purpose and worthy accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the citizens of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center of Boonville, New York, to be celebrated at its Open House on Saturday, May 17, 2025; and WHEREAS, In 1974, a dedicated group of civic-minded residents formed a committee to have the beautiful Pratt House become the home of the Art and Community Center; after much planning and repair, the facility was admitted to the National Register of Historic Homes in 1975, governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, In 1875, the house was built by Clark Dodge who was a merchant and one of the founders of the First National Bank; his son, Eugene Dodge, was a banker and sold the house to Charles W. Pratt, who worked in the lumber and wood business, in 1894; and WHEREAS, Charles W. Pratt's son, Walter Pratt, who followed in his father's line of endeavors, left the house to his cousin, Hazel Northam, a Brooklyn undertaker, who died in 1972; before her death, she willed the house to the Erwin Library which still owns it today; and WHEREAS, The beautiful red brick house on a limestone foundation is of Neo-French architecture from the late Victorian period; the interior of the house is virtually the same as it was a century ago; the rooms remain the same, with dark carved woodwork, molded plaster ceilings, and some original wallpaper and carpets; the original drawing of the house by J.B. Lanthrop is displayed by the front entrance; and WHEREAS, The purpose of the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center is to provide area residents with the opportunity to enjoy local, high quality, and affordable cultural programs; and WHEREAS, Strong community support given to the Center is very much appreciated and serves as an important indicator of the cultural pride and vitality of the people of the North Country; throughout the year, the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center offers programs, classes, and workshops for adults and children; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center has been a vital part of the community, providing resources, culture, and education to the residents of the region; the Center will serve as an inspiration to all individuals who visit Boonville for generations to come; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center of Boonville, New York, and to honor its members, past and present, who have labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of life for the members of the community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center.