Research by Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian, highlights a series of historical events that took place in Chautauqua County during the week of June 22–28. The timeline spans from early infrastructure developments to cultural milestones.
On June 22, several notable occurrences were recorded. In 1818, Lawson Road in Busti was surveyed and laid out by Thomas Bemus. The first passenger train ran over the Dunkirk, Warren & Pittsburgh Railroad from Dunkirk to Falconer in 1871. Additionally, the Erie Railroad converted its track to standard gauge in 1880. In 1967, Chautauqua County’s Conservative Party was formally organized.
June 23 marked the organization of the Congregational Church of Sherman in 1827 and the laying of the first paving brick on Jamestown streets in 1894. In more recent history, an earthquake shook Jamestown on this date in 2010, leading to an evacuation of City Hall.
The Chautauqua County Medical Society was organized in Mayville on June 24, 1818. Other significant events include the opening of Cherry Creek Depot as a gift shop in 1989 and the display of a moon rock at Chautauqua Institution in 2013.
A ferry license for Bemus Point–Stow crossing was granted on June 25, 1811. The day also witnessed Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show performing in Jamestown in 1910 and Garrison Keillor broadcasting A Prairie Home Companion live from Chautauqua Institution in 1994.
On June 26, the first Crosscut Railroad train passed through Chautauqua County in 1867. In more contemporary times, McDonald’s opened a new restaurant in Westfield on this date in 1998.
The establishment of Lily Dale post office occurred on June 27, 1888. Another event includes voters approving the creation of Chautauqua Central School fifty years later.
Finally, on June 28, Clymer Hill Reformed Church was organized in 1847. In another historical highlight from this date, Camp Merz was donated to the Boy Scouts in 1932.
