By Mark Stevens
While Jamestown native Lucille Ball and the standing legacy to her highly publicized private life and professional comedic career continue to light the marquee of historical treasures in Chautauqua County, I thought I’d draw your attention to some other historical treasures within our boundaries.
The McClurg Museum
In February 1861, Lincoln made a stop in Westfield aboard a train on his way to his inauguration in Washington, DC. It was there he met 11-year-old Grace Bedell. Prior to his trip, Grace sent a letter to Lincoln pointing out how thin she thought his face was and suggested he grow whiskers. When the two met, Lincoln had taken her advice to heart, or to chin, and sported a beard. There are two larger than life bronze statues in the village depicting the historic meeting. I have visited the area and have seen the life-like representation of the two. It is a certainly a must see Kodak (or iPhone) moment. Interesting to note, President Lincoln’s funeral train stopped in Westfield five years later.
The McClurg Museum is open year round, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Museum hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 10 to 4. It also serves as the home for Chautauqua County Historical Society.
Midway State Park
In addition to the several fun-filled kiddie rides, this summertime must also features a museum, a gift shop, an arcade and food concessions. New this year, a miniature golf course designed to put your putt-putt skills to the test. Located on the waters of picturesque Chautauqua Lake, pavilion shelters and picnic tables are available for family reunions and company get-togethers. My wife and I have enjoyed many corporate outings at Midway, and spent countless hours of fun with both our daughters for the past 12 years. It is a clean, quaint, family-friendly experience that creates long-lasting memories for years to come.
The park operates May through September. Days and hours vary.
Fenton History Center
The Victorian-style villa features a number of hometown exhibits and period rooms. They include, the Underground Railroad exhibit, called Intersections, a look the freedom movement through Western New York. The Fenton History Center also offers a brown bag lunch series, Saturday afternoon historic walking tours through Jamestown during the summer, and cemetery tours in October.
The Center plays host to many school groups and history classes, and is open year-round, from 10am to 4pm, Monday through Saturday.
The Athenaeum Hotel (and The White House)
The Athenaeum has also been the backdrop to a number of historical figures, including several Presidents of the United States. Gracing the steps of the hotel include, Ulysses S. Grant, Gerald Ford, Rutherford B. Hayes, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and William Jefferson Clinton. President Clinton enjoyed a week-long stay preparing for his debate with Republican Senator Bob Dole.
While I’ve never had the chance to stay at the Athenaeum, I have attended many functions there. I must say it’s a very classy and impressive looking piece of American architecture. The hotel operates during the summer and guests must have a valid gate pass during the 9 week Chautauqua season. Group rates and room packages are available.
Bestor Plaza (and the late Jim Roselle)
When not at work, I have had the luxury of spending time on the grounds. I’ve been there in shorts on a hot July day, in a heavy winter coat on a January morning with snow-covered trees, and on a crisp afternoon enjoying the spectacular colors of Autumn.
For more than 40 summer seasons, Jamestown radio legend and another of the area’s historic treasures, Jim Roselle hosted live broadcasts from Bestor Plaza starting in 1974. Jim passed away on March 23, 2016. He was known for his conversational style, as he interviewed such figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton, comedian Mark Russell, Lucille Ball and journalist Tim Russert.
I too, though certainly not the same caliber of guest as the others by far, had been interviewed by Jim on a number of occasions at various community events. He was gracious, friendly and professional and always genuinely interested in what I had to say. His was a legendary radio voice for 61 years, now silenced at the age of 89.
In 2014, he published a memoir co-written with Walt Pickut, titled, The Best Times of My Life -- Sixty Years with a Microphone and a Cup of Happiness at WJTN and Chautauqua Institution. The book was a bestseller at Chautauqua Bookstore, located...where else, on Bestor Plaza.
The plaza, library and bookstore are open year round. Several shops are seasonal.
Lily Dale Assembly
As part of their experience, Lily Dale Assembly visitors can dine and shop right on the grounds, as well as walk the Fairy Trail, attend a service at the tranquil Forest Temple, or take a trip back in time at the Lily Dale Museum. All in all, it’s a once in lifetime experience dedicated to God, Spirit and Mankind.
While I have never had the opportunity to visit Lily Dale, or have a reading done, several friends and members of my family have. They are always amazed at the accuracy of the information shared through the spirits and strongly believe that many relatives have “come through” during the readings. Audio tape recordings of the sessions are allowed to give one the opportunity to go back and listen to it over and over and share it as well. While the practice is not without its skeptics, it is my belief that one should try it at least once. There are a number of Lily Dale New York Hotels available for an extended visit.
Again, the season runs June through September.
Gerry Rodeo
It all started in 1945 when a cowboy named Jack Cox moved from the West to Gerry and suggested a rodeo as a way to raise funds for the department. Though not everyone was on board, the dream became a reality and has been entertaining audiences for decades. The Gerry Rodeo welcomes more than 130 professional cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country who compete for tens of thousands of dollars in prize money. The rodeo includes several events like bareback bronc riding, tie down roping and bull riding. There are also a number of kids events, as well as concessions and souvenirs. Bring your appetite as the rodeo offers some authentic Texas barbecue in addition to fun fair-type food favorites.
For almost 15 years, I have sat in the bleachers during several rodeos with my family and have found the event very entertaining. Don’t get me wrong though, the rodeo is serious business, as it takes great skill to master the artistry of the ride. I have also witnessed the volunteer fire department in action rescuing victims from dangerous situations, and know firsthand the importance of this much-anticipated summer fundraising event.
The Chautauqua Belle
In addition, the Belle offers a number of specialty voyages, including lunch, dinner and evening cocktail cruises, as well as fireworks, fall foliage and private charter adventures. According to its website, the cruise schedule runs June through September.
The Dunkirk Lighthouse and Veterans Park Museum
Interesting to note, several notable shipwrecks have been spotted off the waters of Lake Erie in Dunkirk. Lake Erie is just as historic, known as the last of the Great Lakes by the Europeans in 1669.
The first shot of the War of 1812 was fired near the west bank of the Lighthouse, the first soldier killed in the Civil War was from Dunkirk, and in World War II, twelve active Coast Guard personnel were stationed at the lighthouse, along with the lighthouse keeper. Speaking of the keeper, the Dunkirk Lighthouse features an extensive collection of military artifacts displayed in the keeper’s home and includes a gift shop. The stately navigational beacon also provides the perfect backdrop for tour groups and weddings.
I took my first tour of the lighthouse and museum back in in the early 2000’s and I am due for a return trip. It is an impressive sight full of such historic character and grandeur. Let the Dunkirk Lighthouse be your beacon to fun and excitement this summer. The attraction is open 7 days a week, from May to October, times vary.
The Robert H. Jackson Center
Robert H. Jackson was born and raised near Jamestown and served as a writer, lawyer and judge. He served as a Supreme Court Justice from 1941 to 1954. Prior to that, he served as Chief U.S. Prosecutor at Nuremberg. The Center plays host to a number of programs throughout the year and takes part in several historical annual events including the International Humanitarian Law Dialogs at Chautauqua Institution.
Walking into the Jackson Center is like taking a trip back in time. Part of the classic interior fashions a timeline of Jackson’s life and career. The Center also features a knowledgeable and friendly staff, as well as a section dedicated to the U.S. Supreme Court. I find the concept very fascinating as well as the various exhibits and artifacts eye-opening and inspirational. What a local treasure Jamestown has to be able to showcase and celebrate a man so steeped in history and prestige as Robert H. Jackson. It is open year round, Monday through Friday, 10am-4pm and Saturday by appointment.
There are many more historical sites in Chautauqua County, including the Lawson Center dedicated to the history of boating on Chautauqua Lake and a soon to be created bronze statue memorializing Brad Anderson, creator of the comic strip Marmaduke, who was born in Brocton. For more information on these and other historic treasures in Chautauqua County visit the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau.
Originally from New England, Mark Stevens is a writer and journalist who lives in Jamestown, NY with his wife and three children. He enjoys travelling and spending time with family and friends.