(Seal of Chautauqua County displayed at the New York World's Fair 1939-1940.)
Research by Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian
This week’s historical moments showcase a diverse array of events, from industrial milestones to remarkable acts of philanthropy and intriguing local legends.
January 19
- 1870: Counterfeiters were discovered operating in the area of Panama Rocks, adding to the site’s lore as a place of mystery and intrigue.
- 1889: Construction began on the Sterlingworth Inn in Lakewood. Renamed Waldemere in 1895, it tragically burned down on July 9, 1903.
- 1894: Breed-Johnson Furniture Company was incorporated in Jamestown, marking the growth of local manufacturing.
- 1895: Celoron Park opened its massive ice skating rink, measuring 125 feet by 200 feet, a hub for winter recreation.
- 1955: Herbert A. Philbrick, author of I Led Three Lives, spoke in Jamestown. The former FBI agent exposed domestic Communist cells in his book and a subsequent TV series (1953–1956).
- 1960: Elizabeth Packard, widow of J. Ward Packard of the Packard Motor Company, passed away. The couple were renowned philanthropists in Lakewood's history.
January 20
- 1903: Rumsey Manufacturing Company was incorporated in Ripley to produce stationary gasoline engines. A few of these historic engines remain in existence today.
- 1997: Martin Luther King Jr. Day became an official holiday in Jamestown, 11 years after its establishment as a national holiday.
January 21
- 1845: The first day of a two-day Anti-Slavery Convention took place in Jamestown, underscoring the region's commitment to social justice.
- 1954: St. James School in Jamestown officially opened, expanding educational opportunities in the community.
- 1991: The last westbound train departed from Jamestown, marking the end of an era for local rail service.
- 1998: The Chautauqua Visitors' Bureau relocated from Mayville to Chautauqua Institution, centralizing tourism efforts.
January 22
- 1880: The village of Lakewood officially received its name, becoming the first location in the world with this designation. Previously, it was called Lake View and Cowings.
- 1934: City College (a precursor to Jamestown Community College) held its first night class, laying the foundation for modern higher education in the county.
- 1951: The Chautauqua County Historical Society moved into the McClurg Mansion in Westfield, establishing its first permanent home.
- 1961: A fire devastated the Colonnade at Chautauqua Institution, a significant loss to the historic site.
- 1998: Photos of 31 Brocton school children were launched into space aboard a space shuttle, connecting the local community to the stars.
January 23
- 1856: A major fire struck Fredonia, underscoring the challenges of fire safety in the 19th century.
- 1880: Dr. George E. Bladham of Dunkirk was honored as a fellow of the prestigious Royal Microscopy Society of London.
- 1900: The Columbia Dry Plate Company, specializing in photographic plates, was organized in Falconer.
- 1971: Chautauqua County’s BOCES centers were officially dedicated, emphasizing vocational and alternative education.
- 1988: The historic Kidder barn on South Main and Stillwater Road in Busti was destroyed in a fire.
January 24
- 1888: Jamestown National Bank was organized, solidifying the region’s growing financial infrastructure.
- 1900: Jamestown Gas Company announced plans to cease operations as natural gas became the dominant energy source.
- 1924: Two notable incidents occurred: Young Lee, a Chinese laundryman, was brutally assaulted in Jamestown, and a mysterious female apparition reportedly stopped a trolley car on the city’s north side.
- 1943: A war service honor board was dedicated in Busti, commemorating the local contributions to World War II.
- 1950: The U.S. Naval Reserve Station in Jamestown was formally dedicated, although the building now serves as Schutt's Saw and Mower Service.
- 1953: Roger Tory Peterson Day was celebrated in Jamestown, honoring the renowned naturalist and ornithologist.
- 2011: The main lodge at Cockaigne ski resort tragically burned down, a loss to local recreation.
January 25
- 1897: The Caledonian Society in Jamestown celebrated the birth of Scottish poet Robert Burns, a tradition of cultural pride.
- 1903: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mayville held its first services, marking the occasion with the ringing of its new bell.
- 1937: Temple Hesed Abraham, a Jewish synagogue in Jamestown, was dedicated. Its property was later sold in 2017.
- 1950: A rare warm January day saw girls photographed in bathing suits on Lakewood beach as temperatures reached 72°F.
- 1996: OfficeMax opened its Lakewood location, contributing to the area’s retail landscape.
- 2000: Kim Phuc, the iconic napalm victim from the Vietnam War, spoke in Fredonia, sharing her story of survival and hope.
These moments capture the rich and varied history of Chautauqua County, blending innovation, community spirit, and fascinating tales that continue to shape our identity today.
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