Did you know that the Casino on the waterfront at the ferry crossing was built in 1930 by Pittsburgh industrialist James Selden as an entertainment and recreation center for the Village of Bemus Point? In the early years, it featured big band era entertainment and was equipped with bowling alleys on the second floor. The Casino sits alongside the Village Park which was created in 1926 on land formerly belonging to the Lenhart and Johnston families, owners of the Hotel Lenhart. Bemus Point continues to own The Casino and Village Park and it remains today as a popular dining, recreation and entertainment venue during the summer months on Chautauqua Lake.

Reference Credit: Mary Jane Stahley.

Photo Courtesy of Chautauqua County Historical Society.