Senate Resolution No. 3340
BY: Senator GRIFFO
COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of
Hemstrought's Bakeries of Utica, New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
businesses and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize
and commend those who work to better their local community and work hard
to keep a local tradition alive; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Hemstrought's Bakeries of Utica,
New York; and
WHEREAS, For 100 years, Hemstrought's Bakeries has offered its loyal
Utica area customers the finest quality foods and products, and the
highest standards of service; and
WHEREAS, Located at 900 Oswego Street in South Utica, Hemstrought's
Bakeries is the "Home of the Original Halfmoon Cookie"; and
WHEREAS, Hemstrought's Bakeries was started 100 years ago by Harry
Hemstrought, affectionately known as H.B. to many; after working in a
bakery, he established his own place on Genesee Street in Utica and
created the original halfmoon cookie; and
WHEREAS, In the late 1940s, H.B. turned the business over to his
son, Robert Hemstrought and son-in-law, Richard Morgan, after they
returned from World War II; however, H.B. continued to work there up
until six months before his passing in 1970; and
WHEREAS, After the business was sold in the 1980s, it experienced a
period of flux until it was purchased by Dan Dowe, a native of Utica;
under his helm, the bakery has thrived and flourished and has never
forgotten the legend of its famous halfmoon cookie; and
WHEREAS, During its Centennial year, Dan Dowe and his staff have
been reintroducing some favorites from the original Hemstrought
cookbook, including cinnamon buns, the old fried cakes, butter cookies,
apple rolls and marble cake, as well as its famous halfmoon cookies;
with a recipe that has not changed in 100 years, Dan estimates they turn
out two million annually; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Dan Dowe plans to launch Hemstrought's a la
mode, which are ice cream cookie sandwiches, and his staff is creating
many different varieties of their halfmoon cookie; and
WHEREAS, Prior to purchasing Hemstrought's Bakeries, Dan Dowe
graduated from Fordham Law School and became a lawyer in New York City;
however, he soon found himself following in his father's footsteps and
become more and more involved with the food industry, establishing
companies and handling the financial aspects, and serving as chairman of
the Specialty Food Association; and
WHEREAS, Dan Dowe eventually took over Hemstrought's Bakeries,
consolidated its 12 retail stores and sold its products wholesale
through supermarkets and the storefront on Oswego Street; and
WHEREAS, In the future, Dan Dowe plans to continue to utilize the
internet to promote his products, enlarge the Oswego Street site and
expand into the growing European bread and artisan cheese market; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the
local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to
enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Hemstrought's Bakeries of Utica,
New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dan Dowe, Owner, Hemstrought's Bakeries.
