LAKE PLACID, ADIRONDACKS USA —What do New York, Florida and libraries throughout the world have in common?

[img:LPMayor.jpg]In an official Proclamation that that ties them all together, Mayor John Holbrook of Lake Placid, Florida, Mayor Craig Randall of Lake Placid, New York and Town of North Elba Supervisor Roby Politi declared the two Lake Placid communities Sister Cities this month.

Residents and visitors have been playing in the snow in Lake Placid, New York since long before it hosted the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games. Though the Adirondack village had become a popular summer destination for Northeast city dwellers in the late 1800's, Lake Placid's winter sports history began with Melvil Dewey, of Dewey Decimal System fame and founder of the Lake Placid Club. Dewey refused to listen to skeptics, extending the Lake Placid Club's season through the winter of 1904-'05. By 1914, Dewey had garnered the support of the community as he succeeded in creating America's First Winter Resort.

In 1926, Dr. Melvil Dewey moved to Florida to establish a new branch of the Lake Placid Club. He renamed the town of Lake Stearns, Florida, Lake Placid, Florida in 1927. Today, Lake Placid, Florida holds the distinction of being the Caladium Capital of the World and The Town of Murals.

"Melvil Dewey and his Lake Placid Club had an historically significant impact in both of our towns, by forever cementing Lake Placid, New York's place as a winter destination, and sharing the Lake Placid Club legacy in his Florida home," said Lake Placid, New York Mayor Craig Randall. "I'm pleased to be part of this auspicious moment as we officially commemorate our connection as Sister Cities."

Dignitaries from both Sister Cities signed two copies of the Proclamation, and the document will be placed proudly on display in both the New York and Florida locations.

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