(Seal of Chautauqua County displayed at the New York World's Fair 1939-1940.)
Research by Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian
From presidential visits to community firsts, natural disasters to cultural milestones, this week offers a fascinating look back at the people, places, and pivotal moments that helped shape Chautauqua County.
June 1
1829 – The Barcelona Lighthouse was officially put into operation.
1869 – The Holland Land Company legally ceased to exist.
1871 – Railroad track was laid from Dunkirk to Sinclairville on the Dunkirk, Warren & Pittsburgh Railroad.
1893 – Orrin Sperry, former county treasurer and fugitive since 1884, surrendered after embezzling over $89,000.
1909 – Jamestown Ice Cream Company began operations.
1928 – Samuel G. Love Elementary School was formally opened in Jamestown.
1962 – Direct distance dialing was introduced in Jamestown.
1962 – The second Pier Ballroom in Celoron burned down.
1981 – Franciska Safran, later a noted SUNY librarian, arrived at the Amsterdam Archives, initiating the documentation of Holland Land Company records.
2010 – Quality Markets stores in Jamestown South Side Plaza, Frewsburg, and Falconer were rebranded as Tops, ending a local brand that dated back to 1913.
June 2
1826 – First Baptist Church of Sinclairville was organized.
1888 – Mary Blowers, the first child born in Jamestown, passed away in Illinois.
1897 – The Wood Seat Chair Company in Jamestown was destroyed by fire.
1925 – At 10:35 a.m., the first train passed over Jamestown’s new Main Street viaduct, replacing the street-level crossing.
1929 – The Erie Limited passenger train made its first run, passing through Jamestown on its New York–Chicago route.
1936 – A wood alcohol drinking party on Monroe Street in Jamestown led to six deaths.
1983 – A Saddlebred mare, Anaconcho Megan of Busti, gave birth to twin foals, both of which survived—a rare occurrence.
1996 – A fire broke out at Nellie’s Deli on Main Street, Jamestown.
June 3
1805 – Joseph Ellicott received permission to name Mayville after his wife’s maiden name, May.
1889 – The Gerry Home for Orphans was first occupied; it is now The Village at Heritage Ministries.
1915 – The Jamestown Automobile Club was reorganized.
1931 – Jamestown adopted daylight savings time for the first time.
1952 – A retirement celebration honored Lee R. Mathewson, a pivotal figure in Lakewood school history.
1997 – First public school budget votes were held in Dunkirk and Jamestown following changes to New York State law. Dunkirk's budget was defeated.
June 4
1825 – General La Fayette visited Fredonia during his tour of the United States. The event was re-enacted in 1975 and is scheduled again for 2025.
June 5
1827 – Election held for the first Jamestown village government. Jamestown became a city 59 years later.
1901 – Death of Alton C. Lindsey, Busti-born impersonator, poet, and educator, in Beaumont, California.
1914 – The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument was dedicated in Sherman village park.
1950 – The last Buffalo-to-Jamestown passenger train made its run.
2002 – Congressional redistricting moved Chautauqua County from the 31st (renumbered 29th) to the 27th District.
June 6
1848 – John R. Robertson began work at a Busti store owned by Valentine C. Clark. He would later take ownership.
1875 – Plans were laid for the Fenton Guards, a Jamestown military reserve unit.
1906 – Grand opening of Abrahamson-Bigelow's department store in Jamestown.
1910 – A Vocation Bureau was established at Jamestown High School—an early guidance and placement office.
1922 – Jamestown Lions Club was organized at Hotel Samuels.
1987 – Bigelow’s Department Store closed its doors in Jamestown after 81 years.
2001 – The Jamestown city flag was raised for the first time.
2004 – The first Busti Bluegrass Festival was held (one of only two).
2014 – The Jamestown Farmers’ Market began its new location on Cherry Street, having moved from Foundry Alley.
June 7
1902 – The Busti baseball team defeated Watts Flats, 17–8.
1913 – 300 Boy Scouts camped at Allen Park, Jamestown.
1917 – The Northern Chautauqua County Red Cross Chapter was organized.
1950 – Davidson’s Restaurant opened in Lakewood.
1973 – The Lakewood Rotary Club was officially chartered.
1997 – Lori Bova disappeared, a case that remains part of local lore.
2001 – A Tibetan Buddhist Seminar was held in Lakewood.
2002 – The Southern Tier Astronomy Recreation Society hosted its first event at Long Point State Park.
