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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Chautauqua or "the Place of Easy Death"

While doing research for the Bicentennial Biographies project,  I was reading Andrew Young's "History of Chautauqua County, New York" (1875). The opening chapter, which was written by historian Obed Edison, tells of Chautauqua County's history prior to settlement by the white man. The entire section is fascinating, but I was especially intrigued by telling of the origin of "Chautauqua" - so intrigued that I figured I'd share it on my blog. Enjoy.

Vintage Map of "Chautauque" County

The name Ohio, or La Belle Riviere, was applied by the French to that portion of the Allegany, extending up from Pittsburgh as far, at least, as Franklin, as well as to the Ohio proper. It is probable that the Connewango, Chautauqua lake and outlet, and perhaps that part of the Allegany below the mouth of the Connewango to Franklin, were called by the French the Tchadakoin, as inscribed upon this leaden plate [see 'Lead Plate Expedition' in this link], and that, in process of time, this appellation was retained only by the lake. The word underwent various changes in its orthography also, until it came to be spelled "Chautauqua."