CATTARAUGUS COUNTY
Bicentennial Wagon Train on a roll
SALAMANCA — A large crowd is anticipated here today for the arrival of Cattaraugus County’s Bicentennial Wagon Train and Stagecoach Run on the 12th day of its 180-mile tour of the county. The celebration continues through Friday.
Up to 20 wagons and other riders on horseback are making the celebration run with overnight and lunch stops at various communities.
All along the route, groups of people have turned out to welcome the wagon train, curious to see the old-fashioned way of traveling on the historic Chautauqua Trail.
The idea for the wagon train grew from old news accounts of the 1908 Centennial Celebration when an ox cart made a 250-mile journey to promote the celebration.
Wagon Master Holly Parry of Salamanca, speaking from her cell phone at an overnight stop, said the trip has been “so much better than anticipated.”
Passengers have joined along the route paying $10 to ride to the next stop. Nathan Williams, 10, of Hinsdale, joined the wagon train in Hinsdale for its 10-mile ride to Portville.
Nathan said he liked “seeing all the people going about their activities. It was like way back then. They made coffee in a metal pot and let the horses graze in the field.”
After breakfast today in Allegany, the wagon train will stop for lunch at Seneca Junction along Route 417, connect with Route 219 and enter the Allegany Territory of the Seneca Nation of Indians.
Prior to the wagon train’s arrival in this city, ceremonies will be held at 3 p. m. on Main Street at the Citizens Arch featuring city, state, county and Seneca Nation officials.
Under the direction of former Mayor Ronald J. Yehl, volunteers worked to nearly duplicate the 1908 arch that welcomed thousands to the city Aug. 4-6, 1908, for a centennial celebration.
The Rev. Mike Lonto of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church will greet the crowd when the wagon train arrives, followed by remarks from Salamanca Chamber of Commerce President Ann Smith, Seneca Nation of Indians President Maurice John Sr. and state representatives.
Current Mayor Jeffrey Pond will recite a brief city history and return a silver key to the city found earlier this year in county archives.
The wagon train is expected to roll through the ceremonial arch on Main Street at about 4:30 p. m.
The wagon train will set up camp across the street on the former Erie Railroad lands.
Following breakfast Thursday, the wagon train will head out around 10 a. m. and follow Route 353 to Little Valley for a day of events and a final ceremony and fireworks Friday.
