Senate Resolution No. 1610
BY: Senator BORRELLO
RECOGNIZING February 12-18, 2024, as Jell-O Week
in the State of New York
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to support and
promote the historic and significant observance of Jell-O Week in 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
recognize February 12-18, 2024, as Jell-O Week in the State of New York,
in conjunction with the observance of National Jell-O Week; and
WHEREAS, Jell-O, as it was originally called, has existed as a
product since 1897, when a carpenter from Le Roy, New York, named Pearle
Wait experimented with gelatin and came up with a fruit flavored dessert
which his wife, May, named Jell-O; and
WHEREAS, In 1899, Jell-O was sold to Orator Francis Woodward, whose
Genesee Pure Food Company produced the successful Grain-O health drink;
succeeding years saw Jell-O change from a hand-packaged business to a
highly mechanized factory, and one of Le Roy's most important
industries; and
WHEREAS, On December 31, 1925, the Jell-O Company was sold to the
Postum Cereal Company, Inc., thereby becoming the first subsidiary of a
large merger that would eventually become General Foods Corporation; and
WHEREAS, The first four Jell-O flavors were orange, lemon,
strawberry and raspberry, with lime introduced in 1930; and
WHEREAS, The Jell-O Company left its hometown of Le Roy in 1964, yet
remains a vital component of the town's distinguished history; today, a
Jell-O Museum, located on East Main Street, displays the company's
original advertising art, molds, spoons, toys, collectibles and recipe
books; and
WHEREAS, Known as America's Most Famous Dessert, the Jell-O brand is
currently owned by Kraft/General Foods in Dover, Delaware, and sells
more than 300 million boxes each year; and
WHEREAS, Officially declared by the Utah Legislature in 2001, the
second week of February is National Jell-O Week and is celebrated by
various communities throughout the country; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
applaud the leaders of commerce and industry whose accomplishments
contribute to the economic health and prosperity of the communities of
the State of New York and to the quality of life of its people; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize February 12-18, 2024, as Jell-O Week in the State of New York;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Greg Rogers, Mayor, Le Roy, New York.
