BEMUS POINT -Chautauqua County's oldest organization dedicated to preserving local history will be teaming up with the area's newest local history organization later this month. The Chautauqua County Historical Society will continue its 2012 programming series on Tuesday, Aug. 21, with a presentation and facility tour at the Lawson Boating Heritage Center, located on Chautauqua Lake at 73 Lakeside Drive, Bemus Point.
Since its founding in 1918 by David Lawson, Sr., the former Lawson Boat and Engine Company - later renamed L-S Aero Marine - has been associated with boating on Chautauqua Lake. The Bemus Point business was known throughout the Chautauqua Lake region for servicing, storing, building and selling boats at their facility.
In January 2010, David Lawson Jr. donated the property to a group of interested businessmen and residents who, along with Lawson, wanted to create a unique museum on the site to preserve, display and highlight as much of Chautauqua Lake boating history as possible. In May 2012, the renovated facility opened its doors to the public.
"The Lawson Boating Heritage Center has received enthusiastic response from the Village of Bemus Point and the entire Chautauqua County area since our grand opening on May 19," explains William Locke, who serves as a trustee with the Lawson Center. "Attendance during the weekends has been excellent, with many visitors purchasing Lawson Center memberships and giving support through donations."
In an effort to help promote the boat center and the history of boating on Chautauqua Lake, the Chautauqua County Historical Society is inviting the public to attend a presentation on the facility, to be delivered by David S. Lawson, Jr. A tour of the facility will be given afterward. The event will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. and is free and open to members of the historical society and the general public.
