(Seal of Chautauqua County displayed at the New York World's Fair 1939-1940.)
Research by Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian
This week in Chautauqua County history highlights a blend of milestones—from the establishment of key institutions and unexpected disasters to cultural shifts and unforgettable moments in local history. Here’s a look at significant events that shaped our region between April 13 and April 19.
April 13
- 1871 – Chautauqua Lake Camp Meeting Association incorporated, marking the beginning of what would later become Chautauqua Institution.
- 1920 – Celoron auditorium destroyed by fire.
- 1925 – Groundbreaking for the original Third Street Bridge in Jamestown.
- 1973 – Explosion at Jones Bakery in Jamestown.
April 14
- 1823 – Saint Paul's Episcopal Church was organized in Mayville.
- 1852 – Blacksmith John Chase introduced “spiritual springs” to Thaddeus Sheldon, a wealthy Randolph Spiritualist. This marked the start of the peculiar episode of Kiantone Harmonia.
- 1924 – The last livery stable in Jamestown burned.
- 1958 – Demolition began on the original Saints Peter and Paul School in Jamestown (built in 1903).
- 1971 – Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood officially opened.
- 1974 – A small tornado struck French Creek.
- 1985 – Ritual destruction of 200 rock-and-roll records took place in Jamestown.
- 1995 – Belknap Business Forms in Westfield was destroyed by fire.
April 15
- 1791 – Col. Thomas Proctor, a federal Indian negotiator, visited Kiantone.
- 1814 – New York State's common school system was formally established by law.
- 1853 – Kiantone's "Spiritualist Springs" was officially dedicated.
- 1870 – Bathing in the Chautauqua Lake Outlet, geese running free, and speeds over 8 mph were outlawed in Jamestown.
- 1898 – The second annual Police Department Ball was held in Jamestown.
- 1906 – Prayer meeting led to the formation of Kidder Memorial Methodist Church in Jamestown.
- 1947 – Jamestown Boxing Association was incorporated.
- 1955 – The first shipment of Salk polio vaccine arrived in Jamestown.
- 2010 – Quality Market store in Lakewood closed its doors.
April 16
- 1836 – Jamestown Academy was chartered as a private secondary school.
- 1878 – Fredonia Grange #1 was organized, becoming the first Grange in New York State.
- 1900 – Charles Matteson opened a meat market in Busti.
- 1948 – The Busti Baptist (Federated) church house burned.
- 1999 – Chautauqua County experienced its first anthrax scare in Dunkirk.
- 2003 – Ethan Allen furniture plant in Mayville closed its doors.
April 17
- 1898 – Otis Pillsbury survived a fall of 75 feet.
- 1963 – Liberace, the flamboyant pianist, performed in Jamestown at 8:30 p.m.
- 2000 – The Town of Busti officially took over Wellman Road Cemetery.
April 18
- 1831 – Chautauqua County Bank was chartered in Jamestown, becoming the first bank in Chautauqua County.
- 1876 – Third Street in Jamestown, from Prendergast east to Second Street, was officially laid out.
- 1900 – The Jamestown chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized.
- 1901 – A fire in Mayville destroyed St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the east side business district.
- 1904 – Samuel M. Porter Camp #45 of the United Spanish War Veterans was formed in Jamestown (Camp #2 had formed in February 1899).
- 1968 – The Jamestown Little Theater was dedicated (formerly known as the Allen Opera House, later Shea’s, now the Lucille Ball Little Theater).
- 1972 – A gambling raid took place on Frewsburg and Falconer American Legion posts.
April 19
- 1851 – The Erie Railroad was completed with a spike driven near Cuba, N.Y., connecting the Hudson River to Dunkirk.
- 1881 – A banquet and formal opening of the Sherman House (hotel) took place in Jamestown.
- 1886 – Jamestown’s government was formally converted from a village to a city.
- 1969 – The Little Theater opened in its current building, the former Shea’s Theater.
- 1997 – The Tops supermarket opened its doors in Jamestown.
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