In October, I will return to Jamestown, where my story began. It has been over six decades since my family moved to Ann Arbor. I was just 14, but my childhood memories of growing up in Jamestown remain vivid and cherished. As the leaves start their symphony of colors, in addition to retracing my young steps, I look forward to photographing Chautauqua County’s autumn beauty.

I remember Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and school. Seeing them again will undoubtedly evoke memories of my early education with the Sisters of Mercy (and the wonderful Mrs. Hewett), WJTN’s Jim Roselle broadcasting live from Saturday dances in the gym, and my days as an Alter Boy. I will never forget the time, after serving 5:45 Mass with my brother David, Father Joe said, “Okay boys, let’s go to your house, wake up your mom and dad, and have them make us some breakfast!” On other Sundays, after Mass and breakfast, I remember drives around the lake and the crossings on the Stow-Bemus Point ferry. On the way home, we would stop at Jenkins. The taste of orange sherbert remains vividly delightful!

I remember the summer when our street was blocked off for traffic and we had a Block Party on Hall Ave. That was the summer (1960) when my dad grew a beard, and it was okay to take wooden nickels!

I remember when travel baseball meant hopping on my one-speed, green JC Higgins and peddling 5 miles each way to play Little League and Babe Ruth baseball out on the fields off Baker St. Extension. When I wasn’t playing, I was dreaming of hitting home runs and throwing nothing but strikes! Watching the Jamestown Falcons play baseball on our Field of Dreams was a highlight that inspired my dreams of one day stepping onto the diamond in The Bronx as a pitcher for the Yankees!

I remember the thrill of visiting Midway and Celeron amusement parks, with their rides and games. It is a sensation that never fades (sometimes, all you needed were Coca-Cola bottle caps).

I remember the days spent swimming and ice skating on Chautauqua Lake, where summers and winters were filled with laughter and adventure. And I remember sledding down Stadium Hill during snowy winters, feeling the rush of cold air and the excitement of speed. Pure joy!

I remember Allen Park and the pony rides, skating rink, school picnics, and catching crayfish in the stream (Watch out for the pinchers!).

I remember pancake breakfasts at Bender’s after Mass, the warm, sweet taste of syrup lingering long after the meal was over. Sometimes, it was breakfast at the Ritz for a three-stack of heavenly delight and a side of link sausage. I remember the Tastee Freeze at 3rd and Hall, The Spudnut Shop just before/after the 3rd St. bridge, Lisciandro’s when Mary and I were classmates at St. Pete’s, and having lunch at the Kaffestugen with my mom. Umm, Ummm, Ummmm!

I remember the Wintergarden and Palace theaters were places of magic, where stories came to life on the big screen, transporting me to different worlds. And, of course, watching drive-in movies at Pic17 out on Fluvana Avenue. Each of these memories is a thread in the rich tapestry of my childhood.

As I prepare for my journey back to Jamestown, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia, respect, and gratitude for the generations of those who came before me. I will personally thank them when I visit the three generations of Irish Catholics residing at Holy Cross and the three generations of Swedish Lutherans resting in eternal peace at Lakeview.

The town may have changed, but the essence of those formative years remains. This visit will be a time to reconnect with my roots, walk the streets of my past, and savor the beauty of autumn in a place that will forever be a part of who I am.

Michael Hayes Samuelson is a former Jamestown resident.