Assembly Resolution No. 270
BY: M. of A. Blankenbush
COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the opening
of Constable Hall as a house museum on July 14, 2019
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by
its exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the opening of Constable Hall in
Constableville, New York, as a house museum, to be celebrated at an
Event on Sunday, July 14, 2019; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will also mark 70 years that
Constable Hall has been open to the public for tours, events, and
educational opportunities; for seven decades, local volunteers have made
it possible for Constable Hall to be known as "Jewel of the North
Country"; and
WHEREAS, Constable Hall is a historic house museum located on a
hillside overlooking the Black River Valley in the Adirondack Tug Hill
Region of Lewis County, New York; this Federal style limestone mansion
was constructed between 1810 and 1819 by William Constable, Jr., various
talented artisans, and local Oneida Indians; and
WHEREAS, The residence is perfectly symmetrical and fronted with a
two-story portico and four Doric columns, and the rear of the house is
three stories, with a full-length verandah; today, Constable Hall is
remarkably intact with few alterations visible; and
WHEREAS, Constable Hall contained a working farm with four horses,
40 cows, 18 other animals, and 200 acres of fertile land used to grow
oats, barley, potatoes and hay; there were about 19 structures on the
estate and five employees; and
WHEREAS, On December 17, 1948, Constable Hall Association, Inc. was
chartered by the Board of Regents to hold, maintain, and preserve
Constable Hall and grounds; acquire, collect, exhibit, and preserve
articles of historic interest used in or related to Constable Hall;
maintain a memorial to those persons who fought to preserve our country
as a free and united nation; and promote interest in the history of
Lewis County in cooperation with others; and
WHEREAS, Constable Hall opened its doors for tours on July 19, 1949,
and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, Constable Hall is fortunate to have retained much of its
original furniture and to have remained unchanged in plan and
architectural detail through the passing years; it still houses much of
the Constable Library, containing many original papers and smaller
articles; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Constable Hall Association has
diligently worked to preserve the atmosphere of the era in which it was
constructed and lived it; for two centuries, the Hall has stood, remote
and undisturbed, in the beautiful setting chosen for it so many years
ago; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of President John P. Constable
III, Constable Hall strives to provide a forum for the public to
realize, interact with and appreciate the Tug Hill Region of Lewis
County's shared past and unfolding present to help shape a better
future; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized and applauded 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 200th Anniversary of the opening of Constable Hall as a
house museum on July 14, 2019; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John P. Constable III, President, Constable Hall
Association, Inc.
