October 27, 2026
State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats), Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning), and Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski (R,C-Canisteo) made two stops in the city of Hornell on Monday to present Legislative Resolutions they sponsored this year commemorating milestone anniversaries for two of the city’s historical landmarks. The area legislators were joined by Hornell Mayor John Buckley at the Hornell Erie Depot Museum on Loder Street followed by a visit to Davidson’s Furniture on Main Street.
175th Erie Railroad
The group’s first stop was at the Hornell Erie Depot Museum to present copies of a Legislative Resolution they sponsored commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the inaugural trip of the Erie Railroad through Hornell (see the attached photo of the legislators with board members and volunteers of the Hornell Erie Depot Museum). The resolution (J2277/K1505) was unanimously approved by the state Senate and Assembly in June during the closing weeks of the State Legislature’s 2026 legislative session. The resolution reads, in part, “The observance of this 175th Anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect upon the enduring contributions of railroad workers, civic leaders, historians, preservationists, and community members whose efforts have preserved Hornell’s unique transportation heritage for future generations.” In a joint statement, O’Mara, Palmesano, and Sempolinski said, “We appreciate and welcome these opportunities to help celebrate and showcase the city of Hornell’s rich and varied history. It’s a chance to highlight the city’s long and storied history as a railroad town, which remains such a foundation of Hornell’s culture and economy to this very day with Alstom Manufacturing standing as one of the nation’s centers of modern, high-speed railcar manufacturing and refurbishing. The Erie Depot Museum does a remarkable job of preserving, honoring, and celebrating this history and we are proud this year to help celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the inaugural trip of the Erie Railroad through the city.” Mayor John Buckley said, “The arrival of the Erie Railroad in Hornell 175 years ago was a defining moment in our community’s history. It helped transform Hornell from a small agricultural community into a major railroad center, shaping our local economy and identity for generations. That legacy remains an important part of who we are today and it’s fitting that we take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, innovation, and hard work that helped put Hornell on the map. We are proud of our railroad heritage and grateful for the lasting impact it continues to have on our community.”
150th Davidsons’s Furniture
The legislators then paid a visit to Davidson’s Furniture, founded in 1876, to present copies of their Legislative Resolution paying tribute to the store’s 150th Anniversary (In the attached photo, from left to right: Senator O’Mara, Barbara McCarthy, Mike Davidson, Assemblyman Sempolinski, Assemblyman Palmesano, and Mayor Buckley). This resolution (J2274/K1494) was also unanimously approved by the state Senate and Assembly in June. It reads, in part, “Davidson’s Furniture has been a staple in the Hornell community since its inception, and it is the oldest store in Hornell; it is believed that Davidson’s Furniture is one of the oldest continuous family-owned furniture stores in New York State, signifying its endurance and decades of success.” In a joint statement, O’Mara, Palmesano, and Sempolinski said, “We’re proud to help pay tribute to another cornerstone of the Hornell community, Davidson’s Furniture, which has earned its recognition and reputation as one of the longest continually operating, family-owned furniture and home design operations in New York State. Over more than four generations, the Davidson family has offered the community of Hornell a trusted place for dependable, excellent, high-quality craftmanship and service. Davidson’s Furniture represents a proud and amazing chapter of Hornell’s history, rooted in family tradition, and we are grateful to help celebrate its 150th Anniversary!” Mayor John Buckley said, “Davidson’s Furniture reaching 150 years in business is truly something special, and I think it says a lot about the people behind the business and the relationships they’ve built with generations of families here in Hornell. It takes a tremendous amount of hard work, dedication, and commitment to serve a community for that long. I’m proud to have a business like Davidson’s in our community, and I sincerely appreciate everything they’ve done over the years to make Hornell a better place to live and do business. Congratulations to Davidson’s Furniture on this incredible milestone, and I wish them continued success for many years to come.” Mike Davidson, Owner, Davidson’s Furniture said, “I am honored and sincerely grateful for this recognition of our 150 years in business. I would like to thank our elected officials for acknowledging this important milestone, and express my deepest appreciation to our loyal customers, the local community, and my family for their continued support over the years. This achievement would not have been possible without their trust and encouragement. I am proud of our history and thankful to everyone who has been part of my life and my family’s.”
