Assembly Resolution No. 810
BY: M. of A. Levenberg
COMMENDING the Julia L. Butterfield Memorial
Library upon the occasion of hosting its
Bicentennial celebration on December 19, 2023
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across the great
State of New York is reflective of certain exemplary organizations whose
purpose is dedicated to serving the community and the needs of its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library upon the occasion of
hosting its Bicentennial celebration on Tuesday, December 19, 2023; and
WHEREAS, The Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library and Putnam
History Museum organized the Julia L. Butterfield Bicentennial to honor
Julia's 200th birthday on December 19, 2023; and
WHEREAS, This is the latest in a series of events and activities to
commemorate her remarkable life and enduring legacy in Cold Spring, New
York; her legacy positively impacts the Cold Spring community to this
day as her last wishes included bequests for the construction of a
library (Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library), a hospital (Butterfield
Hospital), and the St. Mary's Church parsonage; and
WHEREAS, The Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library was established
through the will of the late Julia L. Butterfield who died on August 6,
1913, at the age of 90; and
WHEREAS, Julie L. Butterfield was born on December 19, 1823, on St.
Marks' Place in New York City; she moved to Cold Spring in 1852 with her
first husband Frederick James; and
WHEREAS, Until her death, she spent a large portion of her time at
her beautiful Cold Spring residence known as Cragside which was located
on the site of the new Haldane Central School District's high school
building; the gatehouse to Cragside still stands today on the corner of
Route 9D (Morris Ave) and Craigside Drive; and
WHEREAS, Julia L. Butterfield loved to entertain, and her frequent
guests included the Grand Duke of Russia, the Count of Paris, presidents
of the United States, several governors, famous generals, and bishops;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, many of the paintings that hang in the Library
today once hung in Cragside; the most famous, "A Pic-Nic on the Hudson,"
was painted in 1863 by Hudson River School artist Thomas Rossiter who
also lived in Cold Spring and was a friend of Julia L. Butterfield; and
WHEREAS, Today, a vital part of its community, this remarkable
institution has continually strived to provide outstanding service,
focusing on education, recreation, and social inclusion, to a diverse
population of neighborhood residents; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by the Julia L. Butterfield Memorial
Library is in direct correlation to the efforts of the Board of Trustees
and many individuals who have supported the development of the library
over the years; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Julia L.
Butterfield Memorial Library may take just pride in its purposeful
growth, as it looks forward to continuing to serve the educational,
cultural and intellectual needs of the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library upon the occasion of
hosting its Bicentennial celebration on December 19, 2023; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library, Cold Spring,
New York.
