Fenton History Center

05/31/2026

May 30, 1930 was the formal opening of the Bemus Point Casino, seen here at the end of Lakeside Drive. Despite its name, it has never been a gambling facility. Originally built by Pittsburgh industrialist James Selden, it has transitioned through several eras to become a beloved local waterfront restaurant and entertainment venue. From live bands in the 1930-1940s to a summer gathering point today, what are your memories at the Casino?
No year on the photograph.

05/29/2026

John F. Barry was the first Chautauqua County NY casualty of the Vietnam war. He was killed on May 29, 1966. He was from Busti.

05/29/2026

Registration for our historic walking tours is open! Check them out and register here:

Below you will find all of our available tours for the 2026 season!

05/29/2026

Local radio station WJTN aired its final Swedish music broadcast, "The Swedish Hour", on this date, 5/28/2000. The historic local program, famously hosted for many years by Gerold Heglund. The Fenton History Center's newest exhibit is about King Carl XVI Gustaf's 1976 visit to Jamestown.

Plus if you are looking to tune into local Scandinavian and Swedish programming today, you can find The Swedish Hour on Jamestown's WRFA 107.9 FM, which continues the tradition of playing traditional music on Sundays and Tuesdays.

05/27/2026

May 27, 1936 Milton J. Fletcher School was named to honor Mr. Fletcher who served as the Superintendent of the Jamestown Public Schools from 1919 to 1932. You can see the cornerstone being placed. The building opened for classes in 1937.

05/25/2026

Please take a moment this Memorial Day to remember those lost during the 250 years of battles fought by our brave men and women.
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WWI Jamestown Boys in the 8th Contingent, 1918 91.82.1
WWII Company D at Camp Barkley, Texas, Medical training 2003.41.6
WWII Nurses taking a break; local Anne McEvry is in the group, which is unknown 91.3119.1

05/25/2026

05/22/2026

More about Kate Stoneman

05/22/2026

Kathryn Stoneman of Busti, born in 1841, was admitted to the NYS Bar Association on May 22, 1886. “No Precedent. No English Precedent. No Necessity.”
With those words, Katherine Stoneman’s application for admission to the Albany bar in May 1886 was denied. In looking at the entire journey of Miss Stoneman’s years – this was a pivotal point in her significant life.

Katherine, “Kate”, Stoneman (1841-1925) was born at a time when women were not necessary for most professions. By the time her life came to a close she had broken through many of the major barriers to women. She was the first woman admitted to the Albany Bar, the first woman to graduate from Albany Law School as well as the first woman to receive a bachelor’s degree from any department of the University, and a leader in the NY Suffrage movement. She also had great interest in the temperance and peace league movements. She was unconventional in a very conventional way.

05/22/2026

Happy International Tea Day! 🫖

Did you know that you can book experiences like tea parties and more with us?

Our dining room can be rented out for group tours, small parties, showers, weddings, and more! We’d love to share our space with you!

The RHJ Elementary 4th graders spent a day touring with us, and got to experience this fantastic tea party complete with tea cup decorating, a lesson on trade and etiquette, and so much more earlier this week! A wonderful day was had all around!

Be sure to message to see what kind of experiences we can plan for you!

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