Out to Lunch

I've been focusing my attention on my new job at WRFA-LP, which I started on July 18. Things are going well but between the job and various other side projects, I don't think I'll have time to keep up with this blog for at least the rest of this summer. More details as they are available.


Thanks for stopping by!

-jason

Chautauqua Star Column: Bemus Point - Stow Ferry

Here is the latest column I wrote for the Chautauqua Star and Bulletin Board newspaper. It involves the Bemus Point - Stow Ferry on Chautauqua Lake, which is celebrating its 200th year of service this year. Don't forget, If you have an entertainment story you'd like to promote in my column, feel free to contact me. Otherwise, here is this week's column.

Gravitations: 200 Years of Ferry Service on Chautauqua Lake

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, NY, July 7, 2011 - This weekend is the bicentennial celebration of the Bemus Point – Stow Ferry, so I thought it would be a good time to share my experience in learning about the history of the ferry.

It was two years ago this month that I was working on a story about the ferry for the Chautauqua Star. It was meant to be part of a series of articles we were writing featuring various destinations and attractions from throughout Chautauqua County.

It was mid-July and I went to the town office of North Harmony (were Stow is located) and asked the clerk if she knew were I could get my hands on a couple of past images of the vessel. Eager to help out, she said that not only could she show me a few photos, but she would also introduce me to the man considered the foremost expert of the ferry - Arthur Thomas, who happened to be working at his desk in the building that day.

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The Chautauqua County Silk Industry

Here's something interesting from the history books: for about 30 years, Chautauqua County had a flourishing silk industry. Apparently silk production in Chautauqua County began in the late 1820s by a man who is more famous for his role in grape production. Within ten years a "cocoonery" was in operation along the Chadakoin River in Dexterville (East Jamestown). A detailed history of the Chautauqua County silk industry can be found in a book entitled "The Conquest of Chautauqua" (1932) by Arthur Wellington Anderson - County Historian.

The raising of silk worms, and the reeling of silk was introduced in this county by Elijah Fay, of Brockton, in 1827, when he brought from the East the mulberry trees, prepared for the production of silk. The industry spread slowly at first, but rapidly over the county in the 30's and 40's. About the year 1845, it began to decline, and was probably nearly extinct by 1860.

- Chapter XII: Highlights in County History -The Silk Industry in Chautauqua County (p. 357)