Senate Resolution No. 1036
BY: Senator GRIFFO
COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the
Carpenter House on May 13, 2023
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to support the
preservation and commemoration of historical landmarks which express and
preserve the social and cultural origins of this great 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 100th Anniversary of the Carpenter House, to be celebrated
at the Grace's Tea event on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Rome Art and
Community Center; and
WHEREAS, Built in 1923, the Carpenter House was the home of Arthur
F. and Grace Carpenter, prominent citizens and one of the most
successful industrialists of Rome, New York; today, visitors from both
far and near marvel at the English Tudor styled home's beauty, its
attention to detail, and its extensive grounds full of expansive lawns
and home to exquisitely designed gardens; and
WHEREAS, The main building achieves its singularity through many
carefully designed architectural innovations; the carefully placed
chimneys were purposefully made crooked, and every single brick in its
exterior was a "reject", and their imperfection, when massed, provides
the building with its color and texture; and
WHEREAS, The leaded diamond-paned windows are in style of English
manor houses of the Elizabethan Era, and the relief fireplaces,
ceilings, and carvings over the oak stairs are richly ornamented with
symbols that represent English crests and coats of arms, such as the
greyhound, which can be spotted secretly throughout the home in special
details; and
WHEREAS, After the construction of the house was completed, Arthur
F. and Grace Carpenter hired the world-famous art collector, Joseph
Duveen, to appropriately furnish its interior which included priceless
court cupboards, 17th Century chairs, wall hangings, floor coverings and
other antique furnishings and art treasures from New York; and
WHEREAS, Surrounding the Carpenter home were well-planned gardens
and lawns where Grace Carpenter loved to throw parties for the local
children; she was also a talented artist and wrote two small books,
Friends of the Road and The Besieging Spirit; and
WHEREAS, After the deaths of Arthur F. and Grace Carpenter, the City
of Rome bought the property at a reasonable sum, which was requested by
Grace, in 1966, for the purpose of housing the Rome Art and Community
Center (RACC); and
WHEREAS, RACC is Rome's only multi-arts facility, offering both
cultural and community programming at little or no cost to the public;
this exceptional art center welcomes almost 5,000 visitors annually,
including visitors from all over the United States; and
WHEREAS, Highly committed to making programming accessible to all,
regardless of age, race, economic status or physical ability, this
center continues to be a true asset to its community and in addition, is
also a home away from home for hundreds of artists each year, whether
they exhibit their engaging works in the galleries or are featured
performers; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the Carpenter House's rich history and
enduring contribution to the heritage of the State of New York, it is
the intent of this Legislative Body to join in the celebration of its
100th Anniversary so that present and future generations may come to
appreciate the unique significance which its history plays in the
progression of our State and Nation's evolution; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Carpenter House on May 13,
2023; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jason Tockey, Executive Director, Rome Art and Community
Center.
