March 5 — 1884: A corporation was formed in Ohio to build the Beta Theta Phi clubhouse, Wooglin on Chautauqua Lake. — 1899: Brooks Memorial Hospital opened in Dunkirk. — 1949: The last passenger train departed from Mayville. — 1958: Duplex Manufacturing in Sherman burned down, leaving 33 workers unemployed. It was the only manufacturing plant in Sherman at the time.
February 25 — 1870: Albert Root, formerly of Ripley, was killed and scalped in Pine Bluff, Wyoming while attempting to recover stolen cattle. — 1964: Work was abandoned on Chautauqua County’s deepest well in Ellery, which had reached a depth of 7,692 feet. February 26 — 1896: The Swedish Sisterhood of Jamestown was organized, reflecting the area’s rich Scandinavian heritage. — 1969: Demolition began on the old City Hall in Jamestown. The new Municipal Building was dedicated on September 29, 1971. — 2016: Southern Air Express replaced Sun Air as the commercial ...
February 18 — 1873 - Phillip Hemsteder, a transient laborer, murdered John Flanders in Brocton during the economic downturn known as the Panic of 1873. — 2002 - Busti stock car racer Bobby Schnars was inducted into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, along with three other distinguished individuals. February 19 — 1864 - Castle Hall No. 284 of the Knights of Pythias was organized in Brocton, reflecting the popularity of fraternal organizations at the time. — 1880 - Dunkirk officially transitioned from a village to a city, becoming the first of two cities in Chautauqua ...
Feb. 12 — 1836 - Cornplanter, a significant Native American leader, passed away near Chautauqua County at the Cornplanter Grant. — 1897 - Summer cottages at Lakewood were burglarized, highlighting early crime concerns in the area. — 1907 - Jamestown’s black pioneer and underground railroad activist, Catharine Harris, died, leaving behind a lasting legacy of courage and activism.
February 11: — 1873 - Quince Converse pushed a barrel of flour in a wheelbarrow from Jamestown to Frewsburg after losing a bet, creating a humorous local legend. — 1924 - Jamestown held a memorial service for former President Woodrow Wilson at Wintergarden Theater, honoring his legacy. — 1947 - Leonard Lee brutally beat his housekeeper, Mrs. Dorothy Ware, to death in Kiantone. — 1957 - A referendum in Dunkirk resulted in the approval of the sale of the municipal electrical distribution system to Niagara Mohawk. — 1973 - The notorious Hallet murders occurred in Busti, ...
February 5 — 1818 – Dunkirk’s post office was established, enhancing mail service in the growing village. — 1896 – The United Brethren Church in Lakewood was organized. — 1900 – The Jamestown Electricians Union (Local 106) held its first meeting, advocating for workers’ rights. — 1905 – A fire destroyed Husband’s store at Busti Five Corners, a significant loss for the small community. — 1923 – The Palace Theater in Jamestown opened as a venue for movies and vaudeville. Today, it is known as the Reg Lenna Theater. — 1957 – Sarah Paterniti was ...