By Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian
As we move through the first days of September, it’s fascinating to look back at the significant moments that have shaped Chautauqua County’s rich history. From landmark dedications to memorable events that left their mark, these stories remind us of our community’s lasting legacy. Here’s a look at what happened this week in history:
September 1, 1886: A log cabin was dedicated at Marvin Park in Jamestown, the new site of the Chautauqua County Fair Grounds. This dedication marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition in the area.
September 1, 1886: A vote was held to merge the schools of Ashville (Harmony No. 3) and Boomertown (Busti No. 13), one of the most bitter disputes in the history of the Busti School. The outcome of this vote would shape the educational landscape of the region.
September 1, 1887: Free door-to-door mail delivery was introduced in Dunkirk. Letters were delivered twice a day. This service was a great relief for the residents and a sign of the growing infrastructure.
September 1, 1929: The steamship City of Buffalo was intentionally burned off Celoron Park to create a spectacular spectacle that drew crowds and marked the end of an era for the once thriving steamship industry.
September 1, 1932: The last tent, hiking, or touring Chautauqua, a cultural and educational movement, closed in New England. Chautauquas with a small “c” were modeled after the larger Chautauqua institution, and their demise marked a significant cultural shift.
September 1, 1933: Theodore Sundell of Celoron had a horrific encounter when he was bitten by a muskellunge in Sherman’s Bay and nearly bled to death, highlighting the dangers to local wildlife.
September 1, 1936: The compulsory school age in New York State was raised from 14 to 16, reflecting a broader commitment to education and child welfare.
September 1, 1955: New York State introduced mandatory auto inspections to ensure that vehicles met safety standards and reduce the risk of accidents on the road.
September 1, 1956: The Grandin Milling Company in Jamestown went bankrupt. This company was the successor to James Prendergast’s mill, a fundamental part of the community’s early industry.
September 1, 1968: Chautauqua County adopted a three percent sales tax, in addition to the four percent state tax that had been in effect for two years, marking a significant change in the county’s financial landscape.
September 1, 1996: Saint Peter and Paul Catholic School in Jamestown was renamed Holy Family, continuing its tradition of educational delivery under a new name.
September 1, 1998: A significant incident occurred at the Busti Firemen’s Grounds where 3,000 marijuana plants were burned, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking in the area.
September 1, 2002: The sale of WJTN, a well-known Jamestown radio station, to out-of-town owners was completed, marking the end of an era of local broadcasting.
September 1, 2014: The Jamestown Jammers baseball team played their final games at Diethrick Park, ending a beloved community sports tradition.
September 2, 1803: In Chautauqua County, the first funeral and sermon for Andrew McHenry took place in Westfield, a somber but important moment in the county’s early history.
September 2, 1847: Famous circus man Dan Rice made his first appearance in Jamestown, bringing entertainment and wonder to the community.
September 2, 1852: A tragic boating accident on Lake Cassadaga left eight young people drowned, a heartbreaking event that left a lasting impression on the community.
September 2, 1897: Jamestown became the center of agricultural trade when 500 calves were shipped from the city to Iowa, reflecting the region’s role in the overall economy.
September 2, 1898: The first performance took place at Samuels’ Opera House in Jamestown, adding a new venue for culture and the arts to the community.
September 2, 1901: The Jamestown Morning Post published its first issue and became an important source of news and information for residents.
September 2, 1905: The first streetcar from Warren arrived in Jamestown, ushering in a new era of transportation and connectivity for the region.
September 2, 1982: A storm with wind speeds of 195 km/h was recorded at Jamestown Airport, a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to the forces of nature.
September 2, 1988: Jamestown General Hospital closed, ending decades of service to the community and marking a significant change in local health care.
September 3, 1924: Washington Junior High School in Jamestown opened its doors to students, beginning a new chapter in the education of local youth.
September 3, 1932: Vincent Lopez and his Hotel Street Regis Orchestra performed at the Bemus Point Casino, bringing big city entertainment to the lakefront community.
September 3, 1946: The final issue of the S NEWS ER, a ditto-copied newspaper for World War II soldiers in Findley Lake, was published, ending a unique chapter in local publishing history.
September 4, 1828: The first building of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mayville was dedicated, creating a place of worship that would serve the community for generations to come.
September 4, 1846: Raymond and Waring’s “Immense Menagerie,” a traveling exhibition, opened in Fredonia, bringing exotic animals and excitement to the town.
September 4, 1967: Demolition of the long-unused Busti Swedish Covenant Church building began, a poignant moment as the congregation bid farewell to part of its religious heritage.
September 5, 1859: Extensive repairs and reconstruction were made to the wooden Main Street Bridge in Jamestown, an important project to maintain the city’s infrastructure.
September 5, 1884: Sugar Grove Seminary (United Brethren) was dedicated. Although it closed in June 1914, its influence on education in the region was lasting.
September 5, 1996: Five swimmers made history by swimming the length of Chautauqua Lake – a testament to both their endurance and the beauty of the local surroundings.
September 5, 2002: Classes began at the new Southwestern Elementary School on Central Campus, marking the beginning of a new era in education for local children.
September 6, 1857: A religious tent meeting at the Ellington Center attracted 5,000 people, highlighting the area’s strong spiritual community.
September 6, 1878: The Frewsburg Cornet Band held its first annual ball at Raskin’s Hall, establishing a tradition of music and festivities.
September 6, 1882: Jumbo the elephant, one of the biggest attractions, visited Jamestown, drawing crowds eager to see one of the world’s most famous animals.
September 6, 1898: Jamestown troops (Company E) returned home from Camp Alger at the end of the Spanish-American War and received a warm welcome that reflected the patriotic spirit of the city.
September 6, 1900: The first oil well was developed in Busti, marking the beginning of the region’s involvement in the oil industry.
September 6, 1900: The second (and current) Kinzua Bridge was completed, becoming a major transportation link and engineering marvel.
September 7, 1846: Raymond and Waring’s Immense Menagerie was exhibited in Jamestown and continued its tour, delighting audiences with its collection of exotic animals.
September 7, 1954: Persell Elementary School opened in Jamestown, providing the city’s children with a new educational facility.
September 7, 1981: Rock band 10,000 Maniacs made their first public appearance at Mother’s Bar in Jamestown, marking the beginning of their rise to fame.
September 7, 1996: The WJTN Breakfast Party, a popular local radio show, moved to the Holiday Inn and continued its tradition of entertaining the community.
These events, September 1-7, offer a glimpse into Chautauqua County’s living history and reflect the community’s resilience, innovation and perseverance.
