The period from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s is fondly remembered as the heyday of the Chautauqua Lake region in southwestern New York State. It was a wondrous era, when railroads, steamboats, and trolleys transported local residents as well as wealthy and socially prominent families from Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Cincinnati, and St. Louis to their summertime destinations around Chautauqua Lake.

Showcased in Chautauqua Lake Region are not only adjacent lakeside communities, industries, and occupations of the residents but also the exceptional natural beauty of the...

The Chautauqua Institution, located on Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State, is both a cloistered community and a world-renowned educational establishment. Founded in 1874 as a summer camp for Methodist Sunday school teachers,
Chautauqua is synonymous with the ideas of spiritual growth, educational study, and intellectual stimulation in conjunction with recreation in an outdoor setting. For over 125 years, Chautauqua has
remained an educational and cultural mecca for the common man. Chautauqua Institution, 1874-1974 is a compendium of Chautauqua's growth from its inception...

The town of Westfield was the genesis of Chautauqua County: it boasts the county's first permanent settlement (1802), first post office, first school, and first church. Formerly known as the Crossroads, the town lies on the
southern shore of Lake Erie and includes the village of Westfield and Barcelona Harbor. Westfield offers some 200 images from historical repositories and private collections, providing insight into daily life and special moments over a 175-year period beginning with Native American and French explorations. It features pioneer portraits, prominent national figures,...