West NY News

The second week of December has been marked by significant events in Chautauqua County's history, encompassing advancements in transportation and education, cultural achievements, and community challenges.

On December 8, 1885, the Jamestown Street Railway began year-round service with horse-drawn omnibuses during winter and rail cars in summer. In 1892, A. B. Bottini became the first recorded Italian birth in Jamestown, highlighting the area's growing cultural diversity. By 1894, John Philip Sousa was at the peak of his popularity in Jamestown. In 1909, a meeting on tuberculosis drew 1,511 residents in Jamestown, showing public health concerns. The current Jamestown Post Office building opened on this day in 1960 and is now known as the Lynn Building. The last naturalization ceremony was held in Jamestown in 1972. In 1989, a new Sixth Street Bridge replaced the original from 1937. Tragically, Robert J. Olds was murdered near the Kiantone-Busti border in 2000.

On December 9, Celoron Post Office was established in 1897 to improve communication services. Concordia Lutheran Church began construction on City View Avenue in Jamestown in 1956 but is now defunct. That same year saw an update to Jamestown’s official seal to remove stack smoke imagery.

December 10 marked the formation of Busti School District No.12 (later Curtis School) in 1824, emphasizing early public education efforts. The first beer from Jamestown Brewery was distributed in 1897. Chautauqua Union Free School burned down in 1908 but was succeeded by Chautauqua High School. In 1918, a historic willow tree at Jamestown High School was cut down.

On December 11, George Washington arrived at Fort LeBoeuf near Chautauqua County during a diplomatic mission to the French in 1753. The Falconer Chronicle published its first issue as a weekly newspaper in 1903. Woolworth’s department store opened its doors on this day in Jamestown in 1936 and WIHR-LP radio station went live there in 2003.

December 12 saw Heman Bush secure a long-term lease for water rights at Busti Mill tail race back in1832; Grace United Brethren Church's cornerstone laid down for construction occurred here too - that happened around late nineteen-oh-nine timeframe (1909). Additionally notable events include recognition given officially towards founding date associated with Lakewood PTA happening about nineteen-sixteen (1916), formation Torch Club society circa late forties ('47), local Christmas celebration hosted by Busti Mill sometime mid-seventies ('76); promotional song released supporting St Susan Center ('96); weather radio relay station WXL52 launched nearby Youngsville ('97).

In closing out week-long historical recountings come December thirteenth when closure involving "4-in-1 Screwdrivers" factory signifies end era hand tool manufacturing industry within town limits dated nineteen-ninety-six ('96).

Finally reaching fourteenth where debates conducted between Dunkirk-based Fredonia Normal School & Lyceum Debate Team representing high school students took place amid fire tragedy resulting loss seven lives during very same year - all these transpired throughout turn century milestone moment two-thousand (2000).

These stories reflect Chautauqua County's rich history of industrial changes alongside cultural milestones while navigating periods both adversity resilience alike.