West NY News

This week in Chautauqua County’s history spans significant milestones in community development, transportation, and moments of natural intrigue. Here are key events from September 22 to September 28.

On September 22, 1883, construction began on the Gustavus-Adolphus Children's Home in Jamestown, also known as the Lutheran Home. In 1906, the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce was officially organized. By 1963, the steamboat City of Jamestown made its final voyage.

On September 23, 1759, Charles Lee and his group stopped at what would later become Dunkirk. In 1983, the Chautauqua County Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution was officially installed.

September 24 saw several notable events: In 1872, Walter Sessions delivered a speech advocating for Ulysses S. Grant's presidential election. The Pomona Grange was organized in 1875 to support local farmers. Regular trolley service between Mayville and Westfield began in 1906. In 1919, Jamestown opened its first polio clinic. Nancy Roosevelt married William E. Jackson in a notable family wedding in 1944. A mid-afternoon darkness occurred due to high-altitude smoke from Canadian fires in 1950. A giant fiberglass statue was removed from Tom Conti’s beer distributor in Brooklyn Square in 1977.

On September 25, significant developments included the surveying of Baker Street Extension's east end in West Ellicott (1813), dedication of Sinclairville's Congregational Church (1845), an early baseball game loss for Jamestown (1861), burning of steamboat P.J. Hannour (1874), organization of Busti Grange (1901), establishment of Gurney Ball Bearing Company (1909), murder case involving George Klinger (1920), work commencement on Jamestown Ski Slope (1955), first I Love New York balloon rally held in Mayville (1987), and an earthquake felt throughout Chautauqua County with an epicenter in Sharon, Pennsylvania (1998).

On September 26: Jumbo visited Jamestown leaving a lasting impression on residents (1882). The cornerstone for a previous Y.M.C.A building was laid down (1908). The Jamestown Area Safety Council was formed promoting public safety and accident prevention (1944). Warner Sallman visited Jamestown drawing attention for his iconic religious artwork Head of Christ painting(1949).

September27 marked several key moments: First Masonic meeting took place establishing a Masonic presence(1817). First day Chautauqua County Fair held showcasing agricultural achievements(1853). Natural gas piped to Jamestown marking major advancement(1885). Electric lights used first time bringing modern marvel electricity(1888). Twelve skulls unearthed providing glimpse into ancient past(1898). Cornerstone laid down starting construction important civic structure Federal Building Post Office now Lynn Building(1960). Hotel dedicated elderly housing making it first hotel-to-housing conversion nation-wide(1969) .Demolition began urban renewal project reshaping parts city Institute Street Bridge(1971).

September28 included: Public debate reflecting heated discussions abolitionist doctrines injurious country topic held evening hours(Jamestown1836) .Cornerstone laid City Hall stood until demolition year nineteen seventy-one city hall structure marks beginning another chapter history building(Jamestown1895) .First airplane flight piloted Calbraith Perry Rodgers marking milestone aviation county region overall history county landscape industries communities shaped through series developments noteworthy nature events altogether .

Chautauqua County's history is filled with events that shaped its landscape industries communities from early transportation developments local celebrations each moment provides window past overall significance cannot understated particularly considering impact various aspects daily life historically speaking.