West NY News

This week, Chautauqua County reflects on its rich history with a series of events from December 22 to 28. These historical moments span cultural achievements and significant incidents that have left a mark on the region.

On December 22, 1927, Jesse Martin from Frewsburg played the dulcimer at a Henry Ford dance in Dearborn, Michigan. Martin's performance on the hammer dulcimer highlighted Chautauqua County's contribution to folk music traditions. The county was known for its production of hammer dulcimers in the 1850s.

In 1939, Samuel L. Willard, Jamestown’s last Civil War veteran, passed away. His death marked the end of an era for many locals who honored his service.

The urban renewal project began in Jamestown on December 22, 1970, with the demolition of the Broadhead Building on South Main Street. In Cherry Creek in 2006, authorities seized 200 fighting birds as part of efforts to promote animal welfare.

December 23 saw a banquet at Armstrong's Hotel in Fredonia in 1835 celebrating the proposed city of Van Buren. This speculative venture was part of a financial bubble that burst in 1836 leading to the Panic of 1837.

On December 24, several events occurred: Robert Morris deeded land to the Holland Land Company in 1792; a new dam built in Jamestown required repairs in 1856; and Prospect Station near Mayville experienced the county’s worst rail disaster in 1872 with thirty-two fatalities. Additionally, an influenza epidemic struck Jamestown in 1898 and WDOE radio station began broadcasting from Dunkirk in 1949.

December 25 marks early tragedies and community developments: Joseph Thayer drowned in Chautauqua Lake in 1808; The First Freewill Baptist Church was organized on Chautauqua Hill in 1852; North Clymer welcomed its first train via Cross Cut Railroad expansion in1866; Weeks House opened publicly before being renamed Humphrey House until its closure later; and Jamestown's Islamic Center opened after years of organization since1984 fostering cultural diversity.

The Dunkirk Post Office robbery took place on December26in1897 while other dates likeDecember27highlighted organizational milestones such as founding Universalist Society Ellicott (1817), Thule Lodge #127 Vasa Order America(1907), Countess Primo Magri visit(1912), first county radio station broadcast(1924)and opening replacement parking ramp downtown Jamestown improving access services businesses2004).

Finally,onDecember28,Susan B.Anthony visited Mayville marking her first trip there eventually becoming leading women's suffrage movement figure1884 witnessed introduction polo sport region culture fabric through game played Jamestown Wonderland Museum Warner Block private exhibit collection public viewing years1995 property dispute Rails Trails Carroll resolved favor farmer reverting original deed specified non-railroad usage land ownership back farmer involved case outcome legal resolution regarding rights related agricultural concerns impacted area decisions affecting future development planning considerations