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Bob Johnston, founding father of the Jamestown Avenue Railway Trolley Automotive No. 93 Restoration Challenge, has lately printed two books.
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Bob Johnston, founding father of the Jamestown Avenue Railway Trolley Automotive No. 93 Restoration Challenge, has lately printed two books to assist increase funds for the undertaking.
Again in 1996, the unique trolley automobile was pulled out of the woods in Dewittville. An endowment fund was then arrange with the Chautauqua Area Group Basis to help the undertaking’s purpose of restoring and preserving the trolley automobile. Restoration formally started in 2014.
Johnston reported a superb yr for the undertaking general.
“Trolley vans or wheels have been delivered from the Seashore Trolley Museum, and our annual fundraiser, the Chautauqua Area Classic Ebook and Paper Present introduced in over $3,000 for the trolley constructing fund,” he stated. “The present is all set once more for the primary Saturday of August, Aug 3, 2024 on the Chautauqua Suites in Mayville.”
Johnston stated that historic preservation is more durable as of late as it’s more durable to get the youthful technology . He added that the vehicles are just about full however now they want someplace to name residence.
“Initially of the undertaking, I believed, ‘Who wouldn’t be excited by seeing these previous trolley vehicles?’” Johnston stated. “Today, I’m working to get individuals locally.”
As a part of attempting to pique curiosity, Johnston lately accomplished his reference guide, “Early Chautauqua County New York Brewers and Bottlers.” The guide is a reference for many each county entity that was within the enterprise of brewing and bottling earlier than prohibition, together with photos and a set of knowledge.
“That is one thing I did by myself and put collectively so that individuals can use it to look issues up if they’re so inclined,” Johnston stated.
Since Johnston graduated from school within the Seventies, he stated he developed an curiosity in native historical past, whether or not that was simply previous pictures and postcards or discovering Trolley Automotive No. 93 within the woods and beginning the restoration undertaking.
A couple of years in the past, he discovered an curiosity in early brewing and bottling companies when he noticed bottles that have been embossed and got here from Boat Touchdown Bottling in Jamestown, Nickel Plate Bottling in Dunkirk, and Jamestown Brewing Firm, together with many others.
Johnston stated they tied in along with his native historical past curiosity.
“Outdated native pictures, postcards, ephemera and now vintage bottles have offered the impetus to not solely write this guide, however to replace and reprint, along with her permission, Alberta Oonk’s ‘Milk Bottles of Chautauqua County and Their Tales,’ guide,” Johnston stated. “Each books can be found for buy, presumably as a present for the vacations.”
The reprinted guide on milk bottles is $15 and the 140-page guide brewers and bottles is $25. Proceeds go instantly into the Trolley No. 93 Non-Endowed/Jim Mitchener Memorial Fund with the Chautauqua Area Group Basis.
“Cash on this fund is used for restoration prices, however primarily is used to develop our constructing fund to sometime home No. 93 and protect it for future generations,” Johnston stated. “The books can provide you extra info on historic points of the county, so you possibly can help the undertaking whereas additionally getting one thing in return.”
For extra info on the restoration undertaking, go to jamestowntrolley.org. Johnston stated there may be extra info on methods to donate to the undertaking on the web site as properly if anybody is . To buy a guide, study extra concerning the undertaking or share info, contact Johnston at 716-338-5051. Donations can be made by contacting the Chautauqua Area Group Basis instantly at 716-661-3390.
Johnston added that guests are welcome to come back see the trolley with advance discover, together with teams and college students eager to see and listen to concerning the space’s trolley historical past.