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Short move for a business with a long history

MILLERTON — It wasn’t the most difficult of moves, but relocating William J. Cole, a local insurance agency in the village, up one floor at the building known as One Smith Court was a welcome change and a handy opportunity for some spring cleaning, said company President Vicki Benjamin.

Benjamin, who has been with the company for 20 years, took advantage of the space that opened up when the law firm Downey, Haab & Murphy moved to the top floor of the new Salisbury Bank & Trust building. William J. Cole doesn’t occupy that entire first floor, as the law firm did, but there’s definitely a little more leg room for Benjamin and Nicole Dewitt, the company’s customer service representative.

“It gives us more space and a pleasant environment,� Benjamin said about the April 5 move. “The building is actually quite large.�

William J. Cole was started by Cole, from Amenia, after World War II. The business used to be located on Century Boulevard.

The insurance agency sells policies of all shapes and sizes, including automotive, home, motorcycle, boat, contractor, farm-owner, ATV vehicle and mobile home, among others.

Benjamin, who has been president of the company for 15 years, is a figure in the community as well, serving as treasurer for the Harlem Valley Rail Trail and as a board member for the Indian Rock Schoolhouse Association and the Harlem Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Moving upstairs from the basement level it previously shared with Dutchess Oil, William J. Cole is now handicapped accessible, and Benjamin hopes that the remaining rooms on the first floor will be rented out soon.

The insurance agency is technically located at 1 John St. in the village, although the building itself says One Smith Court. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the business can be reached at 518-789-4657.

Lakeville Journal

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