Bemus Point, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bemus Point, New York
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From right to left: Village Casino, Stow Ferry landing, The Fish Restaurant
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| Motto(s):
Meet Us in the Middle
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 Bemus Point, New York
Location in New York
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Chautauqua |
| Town | Ellery |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.42 sq mi (1.09 km2) |
| • Land | 0.42 sq mi (1.09 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,322 ft (403 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 306 |
| • Density | 730.31/sq mi (281.72/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
14712
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| Area code(s) | 716 |
| FIPS code | 36-05848 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0943649 |
Bemus Point is a small village in New York, located in Chautauqua County. It sits right on the eastern shore of Chautauqua Lake. In 2020, about 306 people lived here. The village is part of the larger town of Ellery.
Contents
Geography of Bemus Point
Bemus Point is found on the eastern side of Chautauqua Lake. It's just north of where Interstate 86 crosses the lake. You can get to the village from exits 9 and 10 of this highway.
The village covers a total area of about 1.09 square kilometers (0.42 square miles). All of this area is land.
History of Bemus Point
The area where Bemus Point is today was once home to the Erielhonan, also known as the Erie People, an Indigenous tribe. The first European settler, William Bemus, arrived in 1806. He bought land on both sides of Chautauqua Lake in 1805.
William Bemus moved his family to the east side of the lake on March 9, 1806. They lived in a log cabin near where the ferry landing is now. Some of his family members still live on the original land today. The village of Bemus Point officially became a village in 1911.
The Bemus Point Ferry
A ferry service began in 1811, started by Thomas Bemus. This ferry connected Bemus Point with Stow on the other side of the lake. The first ferry was a simple raft that had to be pushed across the water.
Today, a modern cable-drawn ferry operates in its place. It is run by the Sea Lion Project. For a long time, this ferry was the only way to cross Chautauqua Lake. This was true until a bridge, now part of I-86, opened in 1982. When the ferry closed for winter, people had to drive a long way around the lake.
Growth as a Tourist Spot
Throughout the 1800s, Bemus Point became a popular place for tourists. This helped the village grow and develop. By the early 1900s, a dance hall called the Village Casino became famous. It was a well-known spot for entertainment, especially for big band music. The Village Casino still exists today.
Bemus Point has also hosted music events like the "Bemus Bay Pops" concert. This event featured many local musicians. It also hosted "Chautauqua Lake Voices," which was similar to the TV show American Idol.
Community Services
The village's volunteer fire department started in 1920. They began with a Model T fire truck. Today, the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department still serves the village and nearby communities.
Bemus Point remains a popular summer tourist spot. Many visitors come to enjoy the area during the warmer months.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1920 | 227 | — | |
| 1930 | 280 | 23.3% | |
| 1940 | 290 | 3.6% | |
| 1950 | 424 | 46.2% | |
| 1960 | 443 | 4.5% | |
| 1970 | 487 | 9.9% | |
| 1980 | 444 | −8.8% | |
| 1990 | 383 | −13.7% | |
| 2000 | 340 | −11.2% | |
| 2010 | 364 | 7.1% | |
| 2020 | 312 | −14.3% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 310 | −14.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Bemus Point has changed over the years. In 2000, there were 340 people living in the village. By 2010, the population had grown to 364 people. The most recent census in 2020 showed a population of 306 people.
Education in Bemus Point
The village is part of the Bemus Point Central School District (BPCSD).
Schools in the District
- Bemus Point Elementary School
- Maple Grove Junior Senior High School (MGHS)
Community Activities
Bemus Point offers several fun activities. There is a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, and basketball courts. The village also has a park and a free boat launch for the lake.
The local school district, Bemus Point Central School District, is home to the Maple Grove High School Red Dragons. Their football team has won two New York State championships. The women's cross country team also won three state championships in 2010, 2011, and 2012.
Notable People from Bemus Point
- Kevyn Adams – A retired NHL player who is now the general manager for the Buffalo Sabres.
- Bill Baldwin – A science fiction writer.
- Jorn Barger – A well-known blogger.
- Bainbridge Colby – A former United States Secretary of State. He had a home north of the village where he passed away in 1950.
See also
In Spanish: Bemus Point para niños
