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This Week in Chautauqua County History: July 13 - 19

Submitted by Justin Gould on
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(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.

 

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