July 2, 2021
Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:
Happy Independence Day on Sunday, the anniversary of our great nation’s democratic experiment. We should all be proud to be American on this day – and every other day. Keep in mind that while fireworks are postponed until next year, the IDC will still hold some 4th events, to include the Pet Show on Saturday, and Sunday’s parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. -- as opposed to its usual 5:00 p.m. start. Let celebrate our nation and the long-awaited return to some post-pandemic normalcy together as friends and neighbors.
Reminder that July’s work session and business meeting of the Board of Trustees will be conjoined and held on Monday, July 26th. Our meeting protocol now includes livestreaming, 24/7 availability, on our YouTube channel (link posted at a future date).
If you happen to walk or drive past Village Hall, you might notice the emplacement of our Village seal on the building’s exterior. Photos attached. Let us know what you think.
One of the long-range items I have asked Jeanne Mahoney, our Village Clerk, to tackle is a review of Cornwall-on-Hudson business meeting agendas and minutes dating back to 1885. Our plan is to identify and compile a comprehensive listing of all Village leaders -- Did you know that before the Village had a mayor, there was a president? We must keep track of our history. It is far too easy to forget it and then it becomes lost to the ages.
Here are a few other historical morsels Jeanne uncovered:
- The Town used to be referred to as “the Upper Village.”
- In 1897 – taxes were $1.061 per $100.00 (budget was 0.226 for “ordinary expenses”, 0.375 for “extraordinary expenses”, and 0.46 for “highway.”
- Also, in 1897, the Village Board entered into a 3-year contract with Cornwall Electric Lighting & Power Co. for 110 street lamps to be placed along “streets, avenues, squares, and public parks”. Lamps would be lit from “dusk to dawn except on nights and parts of nights where the moon unobstructed by clouds is of sufficient brightness to render artificial light unnecessary.”
- April of 1899 – The position of Highway & Water Superintendent was established and Adam Jager was appointed to the position. Later that same month, Supt. Jager was also “authorized to perform police duty”.
Stay tuned for more COH history soon.
James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
