(Seal of Chautauqua County, exhibited at the 1939-1940 New York World’s Fair.)
By Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian
During August, it’s important to reflect on the significant moments that have shaped Chautauqua County’s history. From groundbreaking infrastructure developments to memorable visits by notable figures, these events highlight the county’s rich and diverse history.
18 August 1831
Land now occupied by the Prendergast Library was deeded to Jamestown’s second cemetery
On this day in 1831, the land that would become the site of Prendergast Library was designated as Jamestown’s second burial ground. Once a resting place for the deceased, this site now serves as a learning and community center.
18 August 1861
Excavation work for the laying of the first gas pipelines in Jamestown has begun
On this day, the installation of the first gas lines began in Jamestown, marking the beginning of modern utilities in the region. This development paved the way for the growth and modernization of Jamestown and improved the quality of life of its residents.
18 August 1884
$2,000 reward offered for county treasurer Orrin Sperry
In a dramatic turn of events, a $2,000 reward was offered for the capture of county treasurer Orrin Sperry, who had fled with $80,000. The incident became a major scandal in the county’s history and illustrated the challenges of governance during this period.
18 August 1885
Ashville Union Free School founded by merger of Harmony #3 and Busti #13
The establishment of the Ashville Union Free School was an important milestone in the region’s educational development, pooling resources to better support the community’s students.
18 August 1898
Brooks Memorial Hospital, Dunkirk, Incorporated
On this day, Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk was officially established, laying the foundation for the long-standing health care facility that continues to serve the community today.
18 August 1962
Construction begins on the parking ramp on Main Street, the first ramp in Jamestown
The start of construction on Jamestown’s first parking ramp was a critical step in modernizing the city’s infrastructure and reflected the growing needs of the expanding region.
18 August 1986
Major flooding in Panama and Sugar Grove, 10:30 p.m.
That night, the Panama and Sugar Grove areas were hit by devastating flooding, causing significant damage and highlighting the challenges of natural disasters in the region.
18 August 2001
Gas turbine engine installed at Carlson Power Plant in Jamestown
The installation of a gas turbine engine at the Carlson Power Plant represented a major advance in energy production for Jamestown and demonstrated the city’s commitment to innovation.
19 August 1701
Iroquois transfer Western Beaver Grounds to the British Crown
In 1701, the Iroquois Confederacy ceded the western Beaver lands, including present-day Chautauqua County, to the British Crown. This event was a pivotal moment in the region’s history and marked a significant transfer of land and power.
19 August 1886
John Northrup’s horse was killed in the stable by his bull Busti
In a tragic incident, John Northrup’s horse was killed by his bull in Busti. Such events remind us of the challenges rural communities face in managing their livestock and livelihoods.
19 August 1933
Jamestown’s decommissioned fire bell removed from the tower of the old city hall
The removal of Jamestown’s retired fire bell from the old city hall marked the end of an era. The bell was an important instrument in the city’s fire service system and its retirement was a poignant moment in the city’s history.
19 August 1936
Dedicated to Camp Findley, Findley Lake
The dedication of Camp Findley at Findley Lake was a significant event for the community, creating a place of recreation and spiritual growth that continues to benefit generations today.
20 August 1860
Rev. Patrick Byrnes appointed first Catholic priest in Jamestown
The appointment of Reverend Patrick Byrnes as the first Catholic priest in Jamestown marked an important development in the religious life of the community and provided spiritual guidance and support to the growing Catholic population.
20 August 1870
Storm frightens passengers on the steamship Chautauqua shortly after midnight
A violent storm on Chautauqua Lake terrified passengers aboard the steamship Chautauqua in the early hours of August 20, 1870. This incident was a stark reminder of the dangers of traveling on the lake in stormy weather.
20 August 1880
Truman Downs, colorful hermit from Chautauqua Lake, died in the poorhouse
Truman Downs, known as the “colorful hermit” of Chautauqua Lake, died in the poorhouse that day. His life and death reflect the unique and often difficult lives of those who lived on the fringes of society.
20 August 1894
113 cyclists met for a meeting in Jamestown
The gathering of 113 cyclists in Jamestown on this day in 1894 underscored the growing popularity of cycling as a recreational and competitive sport in the region.
20 August 1897
Construction begins on Welch’s grape juice factory in Westfield
Construction of the Welch’s grape juice factory in Westfield began at 7:25 a.m. that day, marking the beginning of what would become a major industry for the region. The first juice was pressed on October 22 of that year.
20 August 1898
Break-in at post office and shop in Watts Flats
The break-in at the post office and store in Watts Flats on this day in 1898 was a significant event for the small community and highlighted the difficulty of maintaining law and order in rural areas.
20 August 1929
Amelia Earhart in Chautauqua
Legendary aviator Amelia Earhart visited Chautauqua on this day in 1929, bringing excitement and inspiration to the local community. Her presence underscored the area’s connection to national and global events, as well as its role as host to influential figures.
20 August 1933
Spiritualist treasure cave from the 1850s reopened in Kiantone
The reopening of the Kiantone Spiritualist Treasure Cave, originally dating back to the 1850s, was a fascinating event. Owned by Jamestown City Clerk Gerald G. Staples, this cave attracted interest because of its historical and spiritual significance.
20 August 1973
Derailment of seven cars on the Erie-Lackawanna Line in Lakewood, shortly after midnight
On this day in 1973, just after midnight, seven Erie-Lackawanna Railroad cars derailed in Lakewood, causing disruption and drawing attention to the importance of rail safety.
21 August 1969
Meals on Wheels in the Jamestown area has begun delivery
That day, the first Meals on Wheels deliveries were made in the Jamestown area, marking the beginning of an important ministry that continues to support the elderly and homebound in the community.
21 August 1997
Watsons (Afro-Lecon) closed and filed for bankruptcy, Jamestown
The closure and bankruptcy filing of Watsons (Afro-Lecon) in Jamestown that day marked the end of an era of business in the city and reflected the economic challenges of the time.
21 August 2003
12 pillars of the Kinzua Viaduct collapsed in 130 km/h winds
The collapse of twelve pillars of the Kinzua Viaduct during an 80 mph storm on this day in 2003 was a dramatic event that ultimately led to the reconstruction and preservation of the viaduct as a historic site.
22 August 1749
Pierre Joseph Celoron camped with 250 men at Chautauqua Lake
On this day in 1749, French explorer Pierre Joseph Celoron set up camp with 250 men on the shores of Chautauqua Lake as part of his expedition to enforce French claims in the region.
22 August 1831
Founding of the First Presbyterian Church of Sinclairville
The founding of the First Presbyterian Church of Sinclairville on this day in 1831 was a key moment in the religious and community life of the area and established a lasting spiritual presence.
22 August 1886
Buffalo Fire Underwriters had a picnic at the Kent House, Lakewood
The picnic hosted by the Buffalo Fire Underwriters on this day in 1886 at the Kent House in Lakewood was a remarkable social event that reflected the importance of such gatherings in strengthening community ties.
22 August 1894
United Brethren Church in Frewsburg newly consecrated
The United Brethren Church in Frewsburg, originally a Congregational church that was moved here from Busti, was rededicated on this day in 1894, a significant moment in
This look back at the significant events of August offers a glimpse into the rich history that has shaped Chautauqua County. Each of these moments adds to our understanding of the past and enriches our appreciation of the present.
