(Seal of Chautauqua County displayed at the New York World's Fair 1939-1940.)
By Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian
As we look back on Chautauqua County’s rich history, this week’s events offer a glimpse into the unique stories that have shaped our region.
September 8
- 1812: The tiny hamlet of Jamestown, then known as the Upper Rapids, was virtually destroyed by fire.
- 1855: Mayville hosted the first Chautauqua County Republican Convention.
- 1886: The first amateur rowing regatta on Chautauqua Lake opened, marking a two-day event.
- 1924: Lakewood celebrated the opening of its new school with an open house (demolished in 2005).
- 1954: St. James Parochial School in Jamestown officially opened its doors.
- 1986: The first concrete was poured for the new Route 20 bridge in Westfield.
- 1994: A tragic airliner crash near Pittsburgh claimed the lives of 132 people, including Laurie Baer of Ashville and Donna White, formerly of Jamestown.
- 1998: Southwestern School District introduced all-day kindergarten.
- 2000: The Upstate milk processing plant in Jamestown closed its doors.
- 2006: Fugitive Ralph Philips was captured in Akeley, Pennsylvania, ending a tense manhunt.
September 9
- 1835: The Jamestown Journal published the first installment of a two-part series describing wondrous life discovered on the moon – a hoax copied from the New York Sun.
- 1836: Portland Harbor was renamed Barcelona.
- 1889: The Cleveland Gatling Gun battery camped in Lakewood.
- 1935: The first classes were held in the new Jamestown High School.
- 1966: Excavation began for the Busti Art Metal plant, later known as Cummins Engine.
September 10
- 1813: Perry’s victory on Lake Erie during the War of 1812.
- 1906: Elbert Hubbard of Roycroft fame delivered a lecture at the Unitarian Church in Jamestown.
- 1962: The first issue of the Jamestown Star, successor to the Sun, was published.
- 1981: The Palace Theater in Jamestown held its last regular movie screening.
September 11
- 1893: The Congregational Church in Lakewood was organized.
- 1914: The first electric trolley car run between Jamestown and Westfield took place on the Jamestown, Westfield, and Northwestern Railway.
- 1946: Hebner Heights, the first of three post-war veteran family housing units in Jamestown, opened for occupancy.
- 1964: The final graduation ceremony of the WCA School of Nursing was held.
September 12
- 1862: The 112th Regiment left Camp Brown in Jamestown for the Civil War.
- 1888: The first dredging of the Chautauqua Lake Outlet began, finishing on June 12, 1891.
- 1898: Peddling farm produce was legalized in Jamestown.
- 1996: A raccoon rabies immunization drop took place.
- 2012: The AFV food plant, formerly known as Fairbanks Farm, in Harmony closed.
September 13
- 1854: The Clymer Hill Reformed Church building was dedicated.
- 1889: The Jamestown Camera Club formed with 15 members.
- 1982: The Jamestown Furniture Mart held its final day of business.
- 1997: The first Visit-the-Farm-Day was held at Kidder Farm in Busti.
- 2000: Demolition began for the Jamestown ice arena.
- 2004: Southwestern Central School adopted “universal pre-K,” offering education to 4-year-olds.
- 2004: WRFA, the Arts Council’s radio station, began broadcasting in Jamestown.
- 2013: The Lake Erie Concord Grape Center in Westfield held its grand opening.
September 14
- 1875: The first Sinclairville Fair opened to the public.
- 1886: Lake View Seminary in Mayville tragically burned to the ground.
- 1901: The predecessor of the Busti Town Picnic, sponsored by the Rearick Tent of the Knights of the Maccabees, took place.
- 1928: The Busti District 4 Mothers' Club was formed.
- 1937: Famous movie cowboy star Tom Mix made an appearance in Jamestown.
These historical events highlight Chautauqua County's storied past, from significant community developments to tragic moments and cultural milestones. Each event adds another layer to the fabric of our region’s history.
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