Seal of Chautauqua County displayed at the New York World's Fair 1939-1940.
By Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian
July is a month rich in historical significance for Chautauqua County. As we delve into the past, we uncover a tapestry of events that have shaped our community. Here's a look at some notable occurrences from this week in history:
July 14:
- 1790: Explorers Samuel Maclay, Timothy Matlock, and two others embarked on a journey from Chautauqua Lake to Lake Erie, spending the night in an Indian cabin.
- 1838: The Holland Land Company closed its Chautauqua County sub-agency, selling remaining holdings to W. H. Seward and others.
- 1886: The Busti Farmers' Club advocated for members to write Congressman W. L. Sessions regarding the oleomargarine bill.
- 1892: The Hotel De Celoron opened its doors.
- 1941: The first weed cutting in Chautauqua Lake took place.
- 1963: Jamestown High School's willow, cut down on December 10, 1918, was featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not.
- 1972: Psychic Jean Dixon visited Chautauqua.
July 15:
- 1882: The first Lenhart Hotel opened in Bemus Point.
- 1886: A fistfight erupted at the Boomertown Hotel between Rial C. Wemple and Marion Rice over a calf.
- 1890: The Cherry Creek Fire Department was organized.
- 1908: Allen Park was deeded to the City of Jamestown.
- 1944: A military plane crash north of Blockville resulted in six fatalities.
- 1976: Lightning struck and killed 11 cattle in Bruce Kidder's pasture in Busti.
- 1978: The Bratt Agricultural Center in Ellicott was dedicated.
July 16:
- 1749: Pierre Joseph Celoron's forces arrived at Barcelona, marking the first exact date in Chautauqua County history.
- 1827: Acrobatics, plays, and performances were prohibited in Jamestown, with a fine of $5 for violations.
- 1832: A rhinoceros was exhibited in Jamestown as the "unicorn" of the Bible.
- 1862: A mowing machine contest was held in Panama.
- 1939: Paul Whiteman performed at Chautauqua.
- 1886: The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was organized in Jamestown.
- 2000: The Sea Lion was refloated in Buffalo.
July 17:
- 1861: At 7:20 PM, the first balloon ascension took place in Jamestown.
- 1886: A large barn, 100 feet by 60 feet by 28 feet, was raised at W. H. White's property in Busti (burned down on January 21, 1988).
- 1919: The Jamestown Rotary Club was chartered.
- 1927: Laura Belle Cooper was selected as the first Miss Jamestown at Celoron Park.
- 1970: The Hall R. Clothier Building in Mayville was completed.
- 1988: Jamestown experienced a record high temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2001: East First Street in Jamestown saw its last day as a two-way street.
July 18:
- 1831: Land that now holds the Prendergast Library was deeded for Jamestown's second burial ground.
- 1861: Digging began for the installation of Jamestown's first gas pipes.
- 1884: A $2,000 reward was offered for County Treasurer Orrin Sperry, who absconded with $80,000.
- 1885: The Ashville Union Free School was formed by merging Harmony 3 and Busti 13.
- 1898: Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk was incorporated.
- 1962: Construction began on the Main Street Parking Ramp, the first of its kind in Jamestown.
- 1986: A great flood struck Panama and Sugar Grove at 10:30 PM.
- 2001: A gas turbine jet engine was set in place at the Carlson Generating Station in Jamestown.
July 19:
- 1701: The Iroquois deeded western beaver grounds, including Chautauqua County, to the British crown.
- 1886: John Northrup's horse was killed in the barn by his bull in Busti.
- 1933: Jamestown's retired fire bell was removed from the tower of the old City Hall.
- 1936: Camp Findley was dedicated in Findley Lake.
July 20:
- 1860: Rev. Patrick Byrnes was appointed as the first resident Catholic priest in Jamestown.
- 1870: A storm terrified passengers on the steamboat Chautauqua just after midnight.
- 1880: Truman Downs, a colorful hermit of Chautauqua Lake, died in the poorhouse.
- 1894: A meet was held in Jamestown, assembling 113 bicyclists.
- 1897: At 7:25 AM, construction of the Welch's Grape Juice plant in Westfield began, with the first juice pressed on October 22.
- 1898: The post office and store in Watts Flats were burglarized.
- 1929: Amelia Earhart visited Chautauqua.
- 1933: A spiritualist treasure cave in Kiantone was re-opened.
- 1973: A seven-car Erie-Lackawanna train derailment occurred in Lakewood just after midnight.
These events are just a glimpse into the rich history of Chautauqua County. Each date reminds us of the diverse and dynamic past that continues to shape our present and future.
