West NY News

Research conducted by Norman Carlson, the Chautauqua County Historian, highlights significant events in the county's history from February 16 to 22. These events reflect progress, perseverance, and community changes over the years.

On February 16, 1861, Abraham Lincoln's inaugural train made a stop in Dunkirk during his journey to Washington D.C., where he addressed the gathered crowd. In 2002, Philip Morris ended his 25-year tenure as director of the Arts Council of Chautauqua County.

February 17 marked important transitions and authorizations. In 1911, Chautauqua Union Free School became Chautauqua High School as part of a broader educational shift. In 1938, dynamite was used to demolish remnants of a washed-out dam at Busti Grist Mill. The Jamestown Board of Health was reorganized in 1953.

February 18 witnessed both tragedy and determination. In 1873, Phillip Hemsteder murdered John Flanders in Brocton amid economic hardship. A driver with transmission trouble drove his truck in reverse for 30 miles from Jamestown to Salamanca in 1978. Bobby Schnars was inducted into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

On February 19, several notable developments occurred: Jamestown’s first brass band debuted in 1841; Dunkirk transitioned from a village to a city in 1880; and Aldi’s opened a store in West Ellicott in 1999.

February 20 saw advances and debates within the community. Jamestown tested its high-pressure steam-powered water system for fire protection in 1874. Chiropractors were barred from practicing at Jamestown General Hospital in 1924 due to ongoing legitimacy debates.

Local governance and cultural activities were highlighted on February 21 when Kiantone held its first town meeting in 1854. The first Mayville Ice Castle was constructed as part of a new winter tradition starting in 1987.

Finally, on February 22, Alvin Cornell committed Jamestown's first recorded murder by killing his wife in an event that also marked the county’s second-ever murder case back in1843.

These historical events offer insight into how various aspects have shaped Chautauqua County over time through education milestones or infrastructure upgrades like those initiated with the closure of Washington Street Bridge for replacement works started back on this date back then just fifteen years ago now - specifically back during early days month-wise within year two-thousand-and-ten itself originally!