(Seal of Chautauqua County displayed at the New York World's Fair 1939-1940.)
By Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian
As we look back at the past week in our County’s rich history, several key events emerge that reflect the region's development, culture, and challenges. From religious foundations to engineering marvels, here are some of the most significant moments from October 13-19.
October 13
- 1817: The First Universalist Church of Ellery was organized. This event highlights the growing religious diversity in the region as Universalist beliefs—focused on inclusivity and a liberal approach to faith—took root in the community.
- 1953: The first decorative windmill was dedicated in Clymer. Part of a set of four, these windmills are an iconic symbol of the town, reflecting the Dutch heritage of many of its residents.
- 1954: Groundbreaking began for the Chautauqua County section of the New York Thruway near Dunkirk, with Governor Dewey presiding over the event. This marked a significant step in improving transportation infrastructure, enhancing connectivity across the region.
- 1957: The Concordia Lutheran Church on City View Avenue, Jamestown, was dedicated. While the church was eventually closed in 2012, it remains a part of local history, now serving the New Hope Community Church.
October 14
- 1901: The Jamestown Prohibition Alliance No. 14 was organized. Prohibition was one of the major social movements of the 19th and early 20th centuries, aimed at reducing alcohol-related issues such as domestic violence and poverty.
- 1910: Former President Theodore Roosevelt visited Jamestown and dedicated an elm tree at Jamestown High School. Roosevelt was a regular visitor to the area, and this dedication stands as one of many symbolic gestures he made during his time in public life.
October 15
- 1872: The Mayville Silver Cornet Band was organized. Like many communities in the 19th century, Mayville embraced the formation of brass bands, which became a popular form of entertainment and civic pride.
- 1954: The area was hit hard by Hurricane Hazel, the worst storm to affect Chautauqua County in that era. This event served as a reminder of nature’s power and the resilience of local residents in the face of adversity.
- 1951: "I Love Lucy" premiered on CBS television, starring Jamestown’s own Lucille Ball. Her pioneering work in television and entertainment brought the spotlight to her hometown, making Jamestown proud of its most famous resident.
October 16
- 1861: The first gas lighting was used in Jamestown, illuminating the area and bringing modern lighting technology to the region. This was part of a broader wave of industrialization that transformed everyday life in the mid-19th century.
- 1924: Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., son of the late President, visited Jamestown and spoke at the Car Barns on Washington Street. His presence in the region highlighted the Roosevelt family’s ongoing engagement with the area and their role in public service.
October 17
- 1921: Construction on the Grand Union switch for Jamestown’s trolley system began. This was a major engineering feat for the time, allowing for greater efficiency in the city’s growing public transportation network.
- 1902: The Grand Hotel at Point Chautauqua burned down, in an incident later discovered to be arson. The hotel, known for its elegance and beauty, was the largest ever built on the lake. The arsonist, Laura Allen, became a notorious figure in local history.
October 18
- 1866: The Cornplanter Monument was dedicated in Corydon, PA, commemorating Cornplanter, a Seneca war chief who played a key role in relations between Native Americans and early European settlers. The monument was the first public memorial in the U.S. dedicated to an American Indian.
These events give us a glimpse into the history that has shaped our region. Whether through monumental developments, personal tragedies, or cultural celebrations, Chautauqua County’s past remains a rich tapestry of stories that continue to influence our present.
