December 12 — 1832: Heman Bush secured a 999-year lease on the Busti Mill tail race, ensuring water rights for the mill’s operation. — 1947: The Torch Club of Jamestown, an intellectual society, was formed. — 1997: Weather radio relay station WXL 52 went live near Youngsville, enhancing regional weather updates.
December 9 — 1897: Celoron Post Office was established, enhancing communication and services in the growing village. — 1972: Jamestown’s official seal was updated to remove the depiction of stack smoke, symbolizing a shift in industrial identity. December 10 — 1897: Jamestown Brewery distributed its first beer, marking a milestone in local craftsmanship. — 1908: Chautauqua Union Free School burned down but was later replaced by Chautauqua High School, continuing its legacy in education. - 1918: Jamestown High School’s historic willow tree, cherished in ...
December 6 1859: Abolitionist John Brown’s body passed through Chautauqua County after his execution. 1897: Towns along the Conewango Creek protested against Jamestown dumping sewage into the waterway. 1925: The first church service broadcast in Jamestown aired on WCOL, later known as WJTN. 1962: Lakewood began fluoridating its water supply to improve public health.
December 4 — 1882: The first issue of the Dunkirk Observer was published. — 1904: The Knights of Columbus Council #929 was established in Dunkirk. — 1999: The western portion of Route 17 was officially renamed Interstate 86.
December 3 — 1810: William Peacock opened the Holland Land Company regional office in Mayville, supporting settlement efforts in Chautauqua County. — 1812: Chautauqua County’s first political meeting was held in Mayville by the Democratic-Republicans, the forerunner of today’s Democratic Party. — 1873: Panama Station was renamed Watts Flats, though the origin of the name “Watt” remains a mystery. — 1996: The Stedman-to-Sherman section of the Southern Tier Expressway opened.
December 2 --- 1995: St. Susan’s Soup Kitchen served its 500,000th meal, a testament to its impact on the community. --- 2011: The Cha-Tau-Qua Squares, a western square dance club, held their final dance after 42 years.