Research by Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian, provides a historical look at significant events in Chautauqua County’s past. This week focuses on events between March 16 and March 22, covering over a century of history.
On March 16, 1885, the Jamestown Bicycle Club changed its name to the Chautauqua Wheelmen. In 1909, residents of Lakewood, Celoron, and Falconer voted against annexation by Jamestown. By 1926, the Busti District #8 (Mill School) Mothers’ Club was formed. Commercial air service began in Jamestown on this day in 1946 with an Empire Airlines flight. Illegal methamphetamine factories were discovered in Forestville and Jamestown in 1999 and 2001 respectively. In 2010, residents of Randolph, East Randolph, and Perrysburg voted to dissolve into their respective towns.
March 17 saw the opening of St. Mary’s Church in Dunkirk in 1854, marking it as the first Catholic church in Chautauqua County. A major flood affected Jamestown in 1865 while a snowstorm hit the area hard on St. Patrick’s Day in 1936. Watts Flats Methodist Church was destroyed by fire in 1951.
On March 18, a fire devastated Main Street in Jamestown in 1837. The Fluvanna Political Equality Club was established for women’s suffrage in 1891. In honor of Calista Jones, a bronze tablet was unveiled at Jamestown High School in 1910. Caryl Vandermolen became the first woman elected to the Lakewood Village Board in 1964. Jamestown signed a sister city agreement with Datong City, China in 1999.
The Lakewood Improvement Society was organized on March 19, 1915. The Portland Historical Society followed suit but later became defunct after its organization date on March 19, 1937.
March 20 saw a fire destroy cottages at Chautauqua Institution in 1887 and Mayville Methodist Church succumbed to flames in1941.
A peculiar article about a prophetic dream concerning the year “2000” appeared on March “21”, “1838”. In “1945”, Busti Bethany Lutheran Church merged with Jamestown Bethel Lutheran Church.
On March “22”, “1836”, Panama Post Office was established while a Fredonia felt factory caught fire on this date”1900″.
Jamestown High School faced evacuation due to bomb scare warnings from local authorities after investigation revealed potential threat presence nearby,”1999″.
