100 Years Ago
In 1912, without a doubt more new sidewalks had been laid in the village of Falconer than in any season for a long time. The work had been done in a manner pleasing to everyone and it was seldom that better walks were laid anywhere. The walks were wide and laid to the new grade on the streets that had been recently paved. While at present this might cause a small inconvenience to certain residents, the matter would soon be overcome and everyone would be satisfied to have the walks placed permanently where they belonged and where they furnished the proper drainage.
The choir of the Swedish Baptist Church in Jamestown, assisted by other talent, gave an interesting concert and entertainment in the church on Friday evening. There was a large audience and a substantial sum was realized as a result of the affair. The feature number on the program was an address by Rev. A.U. Kawaguchi, delegate from Japan to the Baptist world congress at Philadelphia. His subject was the Social Life of the People of Japan and his remarks were interesting in showing the great difference between the life of the people of the far east and those of this country. He explained that the young people did not select their own wives and husbands as was done here but this matter was arranged for them.
75 Years Ago
In 1937, Reichsfuehrer Adolph Hitler and Premier Benito Mussolini had made friendship with England the cornerstone of their European policy. The two Fascist leaders met at a very private luncheon at the summer home of Co. Gen. Hermann Goering, just outside Berlin, for an across the table talk before their world-wide broadcast - an appeal for peaceful collaboration with other nations. The Fascist chiefs agreed, well informed spokesmen said, to what might be termed a four-power pact by stages - to include England now and later, France.
Lucille Ball, former Jamestown girl, who had appeared in many Hollywood productions during the past two years, played one of the leading roles in the new RKO production, "Stage Door." Ginger Rodgers was the featured player. In a New York Journal listing of the cast, Miss Ball's name appeared after that of Katherine Hepburn and before Gail Patrick, Adolphe Menjou and Ann Miller. Miss Ball was the granddaughter of Mrs. Sophie Peterson, 20 Twelfth St.
50 Years Ago
In 1962, use of illicit leisure gained by "skipping school" to pilfer money and other articles from local homes during the absence of their occupants was the undoing of two Lakewood juveniles. The boys, one 12 years old and the other 11, when questioned by Lakewood police the previous day, admitted that they had sneaked into four local residences within the past two weeks and had stolen money amounting to approximately $53, a transistor radio and a gold souvenir key. Investigation of one of the reported larcenies gave strong indication that it had been committed by juveniles. Because the thefts had taken place during school hours, police checked school records and discovered the two boys had both been absent at the time without satisfactory excuses.
A portrait of the late Lee L. Ottaway, former Supreme Court justice, would be presented to Chautauqua County in ceremonies at the Court House in Mayville in conjunction with opening of the October term of Supreme Court. Arrangements for obtaining the portrait and making the presentation were planned by members of Jamestown and Northern Chautauqua County Bar Associations. The painting was by Lee S. Trimm, Syracuse, well-known portrait painter.
25 Years Ago
In 1987, the average Jamestown homeowner would pay about $14 more in property taxes under a proposed budget outlined by Chautauqua County Executive John A. Glenzer. The budget was subject to review and approval of the County Legislature. In Dunkirk, the average residential tax was expected to increase by $13 to $15.
An estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people flocked to Mayville over the weekend to catch a glimpse of the first I Love New York Balloon Rally, said Peter Wiemer, rally chairman. "It was really a family oriented event." he noted. Wiemer said 21 hot air balloons participated in the weekend of events, with all 21 taking off in a simultaneous liftoff at dawn on Sunday. "It was spectacular," Wiemer said.