(Seal of Chautauqua County displayed at the New York World's Fair 1939-1940.)
Research by Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian
Each week is rich with moments that shaped Chautauqua County’s legacy—from infrastructure and civic developments to cultural milestones and curious happenings. Here is a look back at notable events that occurred between May 18 and May 24 over the years:
May 18
- 1858 – The Methodist Episcopal Church of Mina Corners was formed.
- 1868 – Last liquor license issued in the Town of Sherman, preceding a dry era that lasted until the "wet" vote on November 8, 1938.
- 1898 – Alice Thompson became Jamestown’s first streetcar fatality.
- 1954 – Chautauqua County BOCES was officially chartered. (Buildings constructed starting in 1967.)
- 1975 – Historical marker unveiled at the grave of Jeremiah Griffith, a Revolutionary War veteran, in Fluvanna Cemetery.
- 1988 – Kathy Wilson disappeared; her murder remains unsolved to this day.
May 19
- 1851 – The Erie Railroad opened for regular business in Dunkirk.
- 1889 – The Ford Block, the first major building in Brooklyn Square, was destroyed by fire.
- 1922 – Masonic Temple in Jamestown was dedicated.
- 1938 – First airmail flown from Jamestown by Ken Schroeder.
- 1955 – Peggy Thompson became the first Jamestown resident to receive the Salk polio vaccine.
- 1967 – The last baby of over 35,000 births was delivered at the maternity ward of Jamestown General Hospital.
- 1972 – The first Dunkirk antique car show and flea market opened. (No longer held.)
- 1994 – Sheriff John R. Bentley passed away.
- 1995 – Astronaut William G. Gregory visited Jamestown.
- 1996 – Carroll Rod and Gun Club shut down for unlicensed gambling and liquor sales.
May 20
- 1842 – The Supplemental Treaty of Buffalo Creek returned the Cattaraugus and Allegany Reservations to the Seneca Nation.
- 1867 – The first train arrived in Mayville, carrying 103 passengers.
- 1889 – The Chautauqua Tribe of Improved Order of Red Men was formed, part of a national fraternal organization.
- 1898 – Charles Samuels purchased the former Allen Opera House in Jamestown.
- 1898 – Broadhead and Sons acquired the Grandin Mill property on First Street, Jamestown.
- 1922 – The Soldiers’ Circle at Lake View Cemetery in Jamestown was dedicated by Maj. Gen. Charles J. Bailey.
- 1924 – Several thousand dollars' worth of narcotics were seized in Jamestown.
- 1924 – Jamestown High School Band gave its debut performance.
- 1926 – The Holland Purchase Historical Society presented early maps to Chautauqua County Government.
- 1930 – County’s first miniature golf course installed at Wahmeda.
- 1947 – A small tornado struck Ashville.
- 1972 – The cornerstone was laid for the current Salvation Army building in Jamestown.
May 21
- 1900 – The bath house at Celoron Park was destroyed by fire.
- 1984 – The Sea Lion was launched, later becoming a regional attraction.
- 1994 – Gerald Haglund received the Order of the Polar Star for his promotion of Swedish culture in Jamestown.
May 22
- 1869 – Dr. William B. Martin’s buggy overturned in Farmington; he and two blind singers were injured. His daughter May was unharmed.
- 1875 – The Nettie Fox, the largest steamer on Chautauqua Lake, was launched. Later renamed Jamestown (not to be confused with the modern vessel).
- 1886 – Kate Stoneman, born in Busti, became the first woman lawyer in New York, admitted to the bar by the state Supreme Court.
- 1886 – The Jamestown Bar Association was organized.
- 1954 – Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr. spoke at the Viking Temple in Jamestown.
- 1964 – The Town of Busti acquired the Busti Mill from Clarence Andrews; now operated by the Busti Historical Society.
- 1965 – The first Demonstrating Traditional Crafts Show took place in Madison County, inspired by David Goff. Served as a prototype for the Busti Apple Festival and similar local events.
- 1969 – Demolition of Brooklyn Square began under urban renewal. The Gifford Building was among the first to go (it had replaced the earlier Ford Block).
- 1995 – Red Lobster restaurant opened in West Ellicott.
- 1996 – The Ironstone Restaurant in Jamestown reopened.
- 1997 – A two-headed calf was born in Russell, PA at 9:30 PM; it died the next day.
May 23
- 1609 – The Second Charter of Virginia claimed lands westward, possibly including Chautauqua County.
- 1849 – George Stoneman Sr. launched his horse-powered boat on Chautauqua Lake.
- 1885 – The Women’s Christian Association (WCA) was chartered in Jamestown; the foundation of WCA Hospital.
- 1923 – The Pennsylvania Railroad station in Mayville was destroyed by fire.
- 1927 – A tornado struck Busti.
- 1934 – The Robert P. Illig Chapter #47 of the Disabled American Veterans was chartered in Jamestown.
- 1941 – Ingjald Lodge #65 of the Vikings acquired the Fraternal Order of Eagles building in Jamestown for $25,000.
- 1956 – A dramatic manhunt ended at 11:30 AM with the capture of James T. Carter on Leslie Barton’s farm in Busti.
- 1991 – The first Lucyfest was held in Jamestown, celebrating Lucille Ball.
- 2005 – Jamestown Savings Bank was absorbed by Northwest Savings.
May 24
- 1826 – The first stagecoach route from Dunkirk to Warren passed through Jamestown.
- 1900 – Construction began on the present Kinzua Bridge (completed September 6, 1900).
- 1917 – A Red Cross auxiliary chapter was formed in Lakewood.
- 1942 – The first meeting of Community Baptist Bible Church was held in Fluvanna, a forerunner of Bethel Baptist Church.
- 1980 – The Dunkirk Historical Museum was officially dedicated.
- 1991 – The Little Theater was renamed the Lucille Ball Little Theater.
- 1994 – Demolition began on the Cherry Street parking ramp in Jamestown.
- 2006 – The Super Wal-Mart in Lakewood held its grand opening, replacing the earlier smaller store.
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