(Seal of Chautauqua County displayed at the New York World's Fair 1939-1940.)
Research by Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian
From eccentric brawls and biblical "unicorns" to civic milestones and early resort life, this week in Chautauqua County history highlights a rich tapestry of colorful characters, foundational developments, and moments that echo through time.
July 13
1823 – Ellington Christian Church was organized, tied to the Stone-Campbell (Restoration) Movement. The church’s denominational identity remains complex and historically fluid.
1836 – The Fluvanna Temperance House opened, becoming the first resort hotel on Chautauqua Lake.
1881 – Ten human skeletons were discovered beneath the Chautauqua Institution auditorium, a mystery still noted by local historians.
1897 – The National Association of Photographers held its meeting in Celoron.
1934 – The contract to construct the current Jamestown High School was awarded.
1963 – The Grandin Milling Company in Jamestown was lost to its final fire.
July 14
1790 – Explorers Samuel Maclay, Timothy Matlock, and two others hiked from Chautauqua Lake to Lake Erie, spending the night in a Native cabin.
1838 – The Holland Land Company closed its Chautauqua County sub-agency, selling its remaining lands to W.H. Seward and others who formed the Chautauqua Land Company.
1886 – The Busti Farmers' Club moved to petition Congressman Walter L. Sessions to oppose the oleomargarine bill, which imposed taxes harmful to dairy farmers.
1892 – Hotel De Celoron officially opened.
1941 – The first aquatic weed cutting in Chautauqua Lake took place.
1963 – The old Jamestown High School willow (cut down in 1918) was featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not.
1972 – Nationally recognized psychic Jeane Dixon made an appearance at Chautauqua Institution.
July 15
1882 – The first Lenhart Hotel opened in Bemus Point, marking a new chapter in lakefront hospitality.
1886 – A fistfight broke out in the Boomertown Hotel between Rial C. Wemple and Marion Rice—over a calf.
1890 – The Cherry Creek Fire Department was organized.
1908 – Allen Park was officially deeded to the City of Jamestown.
1944 – A tragic military plane crash north of Blockville claimed six lives.
1976 – Lightning struck and killed 11 cattle in Bruce Kidder’s pasture in Busti.
1978 – The Bratt Agricultural Center in Ellicott was dedicated. It was vacated in 2019.
July 16
1749 – Pierre Joseph Céloron’s expedition arrived at Barcelona. This is the earliest precisely known date in Chautauqua County history.
1827 – Jamestown banned acrobatics, plays, and performances, imposing a $5 fine.
1832 – A rhinoceros was exhibited in Jamestown as the “unicorn” referenced in the Bible.
1862 – A mowing machine contest was held in Panama.
1886 – The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was organized in Jamestown.
1939 – Legendary bandleader Paul Whiteman performed at Chautauqua, ten years after bridging jazz and Big Band music.
2000 – The Sea Lion, a replica historic ship, was refloated in Buffalo.
July 17
1861 – The first balloon ascension in Jamestown took place at 7:20 PM.
1886 – A massive 100'x60'x28' barn was raised at W.H. White’s farm at Lawson and Busti-Sugar Grove Roads in Busti. It later burned down in 1988.
1919 – The Jamestown Rotary Club received its charter.
1927 – Laura Belle Cooper was crowned the first Miss Jamestown during festivities at Celoron Park.
1970 – The Hall R. Clothier Building in Mayville was completed.
1988 – Jamestown recorded a scorching 100°F temperature.
2001 – East First Street in Jamestown had its final day as a two-way street.
July 18
1831 – Land currently occupied by the Prendergast Library was deeded for Jamestown’s second burial ground.
1861 – Excavation began for Jamestown’s first gas pipes, carrying manufactured gas for street lighting.
1884 – A $2,000 reward was offered for County Treasurer Orrin Sperry, who vanished with $80,000 in public funds.
1898 – Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk was officially incorporated.
1962 – Construction began on Jamestown’s first parking ramp on Main Street.
1986 – A major flood hit Panama and Sugar Grove around 10:30 PM.
2001 – A gas turbine engine was installed at the Carlson Generating Station in Jamestown.
July 19
1701 – The Iroquois deeded their western beaver hunting grounds, including present-day Chautauqua County, to the British Crown.
1886 – In Busti, John Northrup’s horse was killed in its barn by his own bull.
1933 – Jamestown’s retired fire bell was removed from the old City Hall tower.
1936 – Camp Findley was officially dedicated in Findley Lake.
