West NY News

As we reflect on Chautauqua County's rich history, this week marks significant events that shaped the community and its development. Here are some notable historical moments from September 29 to October 5:

On September 29, 1834, the First Christian Church of Fluvanna was organized, known today as the Disciples of Christ. This establishment contributed to the spiritual and social fabric of the community. In 1862, the 154th Regiment departed from Camp Brown in Jamestown, a major local Civil War unit representing the county's dedication to service.

In 1889, an incident occurred when 18 prostitutes were fined in Jamestown city court. "This event remains shrouded in mystery," said Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian. In 1933, the new New York State Armory in Jamestown was formally opened. By 1971, Jamestown's new city hall was dedicated. In 1990, Strider Field was dedicated in Jamestown.

On September 30, 1851, Harrison Williams, a fugitive slave, was captured in Busti by his owner from Virginia. In 1909, the new Y.M.C.A. building opened in Jamestown until its demolition. In 1943, the first test flight of the drone bomber TDR-1 took place at Jamestown Airport. By 1985, Busti town government offices relocated to Lakewood. In Dunkirk on this day in 1991 marked the last home milk delivery.

October 1 saw Sir William Johnson visiting Barcelona in 1761 and a smallpox outbreak beginning at Dewittville’s poorhouse in 1852. The Home Telephone Company of Jamestown was organized in 1902. Jesse Martin passed away in 1938; his performances helped promote hammer dulcimer music heritage locally. The first issue of the merged Post-Journal newspaper came out on this day in1941 while Lakewood Story's first issue appeared by1970.

On October2,the steamboat Jamestown burned at its boat landing site backin1875.The Fentonville depot also burned downonthisdayin1894.JamestownAirportwasformallydedicatedin1939.

October3markedtheopeningofFredoniaAcademyin1826andtheformationoftheJamestownBicycleClubby1884.In1922,theUnionofBustiMethodistandBaptistChurchesbecameoperationalastheFederatedChurch.

On October4,FredoniaAcademyopeneditsdoorsforthefirsttimein1826becomingthefirstacademyinChautauquaCounty.ThefirstelectricgeneratorarrivedinJamestownduring1881withWarrenMallholdingitsgrandopeningby1979.

Finally,onOctober52001,aFrewsburgbankwasrobbed.By2009,BusticaféreopenedastheBoomerangshowcasinglocalevolutionindiningestablishments.

These events reflect Chautauqua County’s vibrant tapestry over time as we celebrate contributions and challenges faced by those before us shaping today’s community.

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