August 14:

— 1871: A tragedy struck when the steamer Chautauqua exploded at Whitney’s Bay on Chautauqua Lake, killing eight people. This event was a somber reminder of the dangers associated with early steam technology.

— 1875: President Ulysses S. Grant visited the Chautauqua Assembly, underscoring the institution’s significance as a gathering place for the nation’s leaders.

— 1889: Jamestown Business College was incorporated, contributing to the education and professional development of the area’s residents.

— 1936: President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke at Chautauqua, delivering one of his famous speeches and reinforcing the institution’s role in shaping national discourse.

— 1946: The Busti panther scare began, with reports of a large feline roaming the area, causing fear and fascination among locals.

— 1996: The statue of Robert H. Jackson was dedicated in Jamestown, honoring the hometown hero who became a Supreme Court Justice and Chief U.S. Prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials.

– 1997: The Chautauqua County Reptile Society held its first meeting at Bethel Lutheran Church in Falconer, reflecting a unique local interest in reptiles.

– 1999: The first Babe Ruth 12 and Under Softball World Series began in Jamestown, highlighting the area’s commitment to youth sports.

– 2002: At 2:30 PM, the new Jamestown ice rink was first put into use, providing a new venue for community recreation and athletic events.