Reenactment of historic ride
On Saturday, the Dun-kirk Lighthouse, the Dunkirk Historical Museum and the Village of Fredonia's History Days are collaborating to portray "Widow Cole's ride," an interesting piece of local history relating to the beginning of the War of 1812. There is no charge to the public and all interested are encouraged to attend the event.
It is said Celia Sampson Cole, the widow of early Dunkirk settler Seth Cole, called for help in July of 1812 when a salt boat chased by a British cruiser came into the mouth of the Canadaway Creek near her homestead for protection. She rode to Fredonia on her horse to rally men to the mouth of the creek. This encounter is sometimes called the first naval skirmish of the War of 1812.
The reenactment will begin at the Historic Lighthouse in Dunkirk at 9:15 a.m. Period music will be performed. The Star Spangled Banner, which dates from later in the War of 1812, will be sung. In addition, James Leworthy from the Chautauqua County Fair will be bringing the fair's cannon to begin the event. The widow should leave for Fredonia at about 10 a.m.
Laura Hayes will portray Widow Cole and ride to Fredonia on horseback. Organizers estimate that she will arrive in the village at about 11 a.m. and those attending Fredonia's History Days will be able to meet her.
Garden Walk Saturday
The Dunkirk Garden Walk will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. City volunteers will be overseeing the event. Free maps will be available at the Boardwalk. In addition, T-shirts can be purchased. The proceeds from the T-shirts will benefit the garden walk.
Electronic recycling event in Gowanda Saturday morning
The village of Gowanda will have an electronic recycling event Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The event will be held at the water treatment plant located on Aldrich Street. All residents are encouraged to drop off their electronics for recycling. The event is sponsored by Rochester Computer & Recycling.
Please water the trees
City residents, especially those in the Academy Heights neighborhood where 265 trees were planted last year, are encouraged to water the trees. Those planted last year are now at serious risk from the drought.
