Commentary

County history this week

June 29

-- 1930 - The Goodyear Blimp Defender landed at Celoron Park and Jamestown, offering rides to the public.

-- 2001 - Empire Specialty Steel in Dunkirk closed.

-- 2003 - The first performance was held on Bemus Point's floating stage.

June 30

-- 1802 - The Senecas sold their Canadaway Reservation, a strip along Lake Erie from Canadaway Creek to Cattaraugus Creek.

-- 1825 - The Dewittsville (now Dewittville) post office was established.

-- 1841 - The first photograph in Chautauqua County was taken in Fredonia.

-- 1887 - An elephant escaped at Long Point.

-- 1897 - Starring's stepladder factory in Silver Creek burned.

-- 1905 - The Fredonia National Bank closed due to scandal.