(Seal of Chautauqua County displayed at the New York World's Fair 1939-1940.)
By Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian
As we continue to reflect on the fascinating history of Chautauqua County, the events of this week offer an eclectic mix of milestones, from foundational developments to cultural landmarks and personal stories.
September 15
- 1797: The "Treaty" of Big Tree was signed, transferring Western New York land from the Seneca Nation to the Holland Land Company. Despite its name, this agreement was more of a property deed than a treaty.
- 1879: The private Mary Washington Episcopal girls' school opened in Mayville, offering education to young women.
- 1886: A tragic train collision in Silver Creek claimed 14 lives.
- 1920: The Scottish Rite Masonic organization took possession of the historic Kent Mansion in Jamestown.
- 1936: Johnny's Lunch, famous for its Texas Hots, opened its original location in Brooklyn Square, Jamestown. It has since relocated to West Ellicott.
- 1937: The Celoron-West Ellicott Library opened, though it has since closed.
- 1953: Jim Roselle, beloved radio host, began his long and storied career at WJTN, where he worked until his passing in 2016.
- 1957: Donald L. Warner of Jamestown was convicted of murdering his wife. He was sentenced to 20 years to life on January 17, 1958.
- 1981: The Palace Theater in Jamestown officially closed after showing its last film on September 10.
- 1999: Jamestown police officer David Mitchell was shot by James Earl Lewis, Jr., a harrowing event in local law enforcement history.
September 16
- 1813: The first road survey through the hamlet of Busti, running north to south, marked an important step in regional development.
- 1909: Tree surgeons operated on the famous willow tree at Jamestown High School, a tree featured in the school’s Alma Mater.
- 1966: The Kinzua Dam was formally dedicated at 2:30 PM, marking a significant engineering achievement.
- 1972: The Busti Pioneer Crafts Festival began, one of the earliest craft festivals in the region, still celebrated today.
September 17
- 1922: The Zion Mission Church old people’s home was dedicated in Frewsburg, later known as the Frewsburg Rest Home.
- 1932: The first reunion of Busti District 11 schoolgirls from the classes of 1899-1909 was held, later expanding to include all Busti Rural Schools.
- 1944: The first combat use of the Jamestown-developed drone bomb, the TDR-1, occurred in the Solomon Islands during World War II.
- 1947: Two diesel locomotives were put into service on the Jamestown, Westfield & Northwestern (J.W. & NW) Railroad, transitioning from the all-electric system.
- 1951: Jamestown’s First Colored Baptist Church officially changed its name to Emanuel Baptist Church.
September 18
- 1925: The Busti Board established a lighting district, bringing electric service to the hamlet of Busti.
- 2006: The Dalai Lama of Tibet began a three-day visit to Buffalo, his nearest approach to Chautauqua County.
September 19
- 1858: A controversial speech on women’s rights and the abolition of family and marriage drew a crowd of 5,000 in Kiantone.
- 1865: George Pullman, born in Brocton, was awarded a patent for his revolutionary folding upper berth, transforming rail travel.
- 1873: Warren and John Packard arrived in Lakewood, beginning the serious development of the area.
- 1883: Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show made its first appearance in Jamestown, bringing a taste of frontier life to the area.
- 1924: Lincoln Junior High School was formally opened in Jamestown.
- 1992: The last issue of the Buffalo Courier-Express was printed, marking the end of an era.
- 2003: Jamestown City Council president Michael J. Mistretta was charged in a morals offense.
- 2005: The “Portage” sculpture, dedicated at the keelboat landing in Jamestown, commemorated the region’s historical connection to transportation.
September 20
- 1831: A meeting in Jamestown advocated for a Southern Tier railroad, a dream that was realized on August 25, 1860.
- 1898: Groundbreaking for the Lake View Rose Gardens in West Ellicott took place, which became the largest greenhouse in the state.
September 21
- 1901: Chautauqua County’s first automobile accident fatality occurred when Robert M. Johnson of Westfield lost his life.
- 1907: The Minerva Free Library opened in Sherman, providing a vital resource to the community.
- 1909: A corporation was formed in Jamestown to manufacture Primus washing machines, bringing industrial growth to the region.
- 1928: The Jamestown Consistory of the Masonic Scottish Rite was chartered, continuing a long tradition of Masonic service in the community.
- 1955: The Fox Cottage, birthplace of Spiritualism, burned down after having been transported to Lily Dale in 1916.
- 1959: Jamestown’s new First Methodist Church opened its doors, with 3,000 attendees for the opening services.
These events provide a rich tapestry of Chautauqua County’s past, illustrating the wide-ranging developments and personal stories that have shaped the community. From early land deals and industrial advancements to cultural milestones and personal achievements, our county’s history is filled with moments worth remembering.
