SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 55

(By Senators Sypolt, Williams, Prezioso, Stollings and Plymale)

Designating March 11, 2015, as Preston County Day at the Legislature.

            Whereas, Preston County was formed from Monongalia County on January 18, 1818, and was named after then-governor of Virginia James Patton Preston; and

            Whereas, Preston County was developed by a small group of settlers in the mid-1700s and has grown to a present-day population of approximately 34,000 people and continues to grow; and

            Whereas Preston County has a rich cultural heritage and, in the town of Terra Alta, hosts the oldest Independence Day celebration in West Virginia; and

            Whereas, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt served as the force behind Preston County’s Arthurdale, the nation’s first New Deal Homestead Community, which became known as Eleanor’s Little Village; and

            Whereas, Numerous Preston County natives and residents have answered the call for service in World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, Desert Storm, the Iraq War and other duty posts; and

            Whereas, During the Great Depression, Preston County farmers grew buckwheat as an "insurance crop" because of its short growing season and good quality; and

            Whereas, Preston County buckwheat provided sustenance for many citizens throughout the harsh winter months and this harvest has been celebrated since 1938 at the annual Preston County Buckwheat Festival, one of West Virginia’s oldest and most beloved state festivals; and

            Whereas, Preston County offers a dedicated work force and one of the lowest unemployment rates in West Virginia; and

            Whereas, Preston County hosts a great diversity of agricultural, mineral and timber wealth and attracted new business developments in these industries throughout 2014; and

            Whereas, Preston County makes vital contributions to the economy of West Virginia, particularly in agriculture, timber, health care, technology, tourism and historic preservation; and

            Whereas, Preston County businesses and citizens, both past and present, contribute to the heritage and economic success of Preston County; and

            Whereas, The citizens of Preston County travel to the State Capitol on an annual basis during the legislative session to participate in the democratic process, in which they share their accomplishments, aspirations and concerns with lawmakers; and,

            Whereas, It is fitting to recognize Preston County for its history, culture, economy and future development in the State of West Virginia; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate:

            That the Senate hereby designates March 11, 2015, as Preston County Day at the Legislature; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Senate acknowledges the many important contributions the citizens and businesses of Preston County make in the State of West Virginia and encourages those citizens to continue to participate in the democratic process; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives from Preston County.