(Seal of Chautauqua County displayed at the New York World's Fair 1939-1940.)
Research by Norman Carlson, Chautauqua County Historian
Each week, we take a journey through time to reflect on the moments that shaped Chautauqua County. From business milestones and historic firsts to tragic events and cultural highlights, our county's past provides a fascinating glimpse into how our community has evolved.
March 23
- 1825 - The first recorded marriage in Sherman took place between Lester Dewey and Fanny Patterson.
- 1866 - Jamestown Academy was absorbed by the Union School, creating the Jamestown Union School and Collegiate Institute, which later became Jamestown High School in 1886.
- 1871 - Ellington Academy, a private institution, was absorbed by the Union School, an early form of public secondary education.
- 1877 - An oil well in Jamestown reached its first "sand," but the attempt was unsuccessful. However, it did produce mineral water that was piped to a gazebo in Brooklyn Square from 1881 to 1891.
- 1925 - The American Aristotype Company in Jamestown closed.
- 1925 - Westminster Presbyterian Church on West Third Street in Jamestown was dedicated.
- 1976 - The Indian Room at the Fenton Historical Society was officially opened.
March 24
- 1909 - The Jamestown Institute of Hydrotherapy, known as a "water cure" facility, opened.
- 1936 - World-famous violinist Jascha Heifetz performed in Jamestown at 8:30 p.m.
- 1958 - New faces and hands were installed on the St. Luke's tower clock in Jamestown.
March 25
- 1898 - Oscar Rice murdered his wife in Westfield.
- 1909 - The Jamestown Metal Furniture Company factory was completed.
- 1945 - Busti Bethany Lutheran Church merged with Bethel Lutheran Church of Jamestown.
- 1968 - The first exhibit room at the Fenton Historical Society was opened, following the earlier opening of its library.
- 1987 - Part of the Frewsburg Middle School roof collapsed.
- 1995 - A triple-fatality shootout occurred on the Seneca Cattaraugus Reservation, just over the Erie County line.
- 1999 - The George Washington inaugural Bible was displayed in Jamestown, returning again on October 17, 2003.
March 26
- 1947 - The Ellington Free Methodist Church was dismantled.
March 27
- 1894 - The steamboat Vincent burned in Mayville.
- 1897 - B.J. Cheney was arrested in Jamestown for selling oleomargarine, which was illegal in New York State at the time.
- 1905 - Dr. Andrew J. Bennett's creamery in Busti, originally built in 1886, was reconditioned and reopened for business.
- 1907 - The Bemus Point camp of the Order of the Golden Seal was established.
- 1938 - Famed Swiss balloonist Jean Piccard visited Jamestown.
- 1956 - Walter Sweeney's barn near the state line in Busti was destroyed by fire.
- 1963 - A bomb threat was reported at Dunkirk High School.
- 1963 - The first meeting leading to the formation of the Fenton Historical Society was held.
- 2006 - The Farm Fresh Foods store opened in the West Third Street Plaza in Jamestown.
March 28
- 1905 - Bell Telephone installed an exchange at the home of Jasper Ball in Busti, providing service to 100 customers. Jasper Ball was the grandfather of Lucille Ball.
- 1928 - The temperature in Jamestown dropped 51 degrees within 24 hours.
- 1976 - The Busti Historical Society held a Maple Festival, a one-time event.
March 29
- 1899 - Unity Lodge No. 29 of the Scandinavian Brotherhood of America was organized in Jamestown.
- 1901 - Rearick Tent, a chapter of the Knights of the Maccabees, was organized in Busti. This fraternal organization was popular in the area at the time.
- 1924 - Gurney Ball Bearing was taken over by the Marlin-Rockwell Corporation of New York City.
- 1928 - Broadhead Mills, located on First Street in Jamestown, had been idle for a year and was auctioned off.
Each of these historical moments contributes to the rich and diverse history of Chautauqua County. From major fires and business developments to cultural milestones and fascinating events, our past continues to shape our community today.
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