I hail from
Jamestown, NY. We schooled a
Backstreet Boy (one of the blond ones, I don't know his name) and that
Natalie Merchant chick from
10,000 Maniacs. Yet the town's pride and joy seems to be the fact that
Lucille Ball (
I love Lucy)grew up here.
There are two different music scenes here: a rock/punk scene that plays the bars and an underground rap scene that gets around by word of mouth. I'm not talking Limp Bizkit rock bulldada, there are a number of bands that play 80s-style Metallica and classic rock around here. Recently, RATT played a sold-out show at a local club. So anyways, that's the local music scene.
There's not much to do in Jamestown itself, but if you want to go shopping, there's quite a few decent stores west of town in Lakewood, which sits on Chautauqua Lake (Chautauqua is supposedly some Native American dialect for "shitwater") and hosts the Chautauqua Mall and more upscale residents than Jamestown.
Jamestown is a safe place to live. The closest things we have to a ghetto are "the numbered streets", which is the area north of 6th street, between Main and Washington streets, and 2nd Street, where the "ghetto" extends from Foote Ave. to Buffalo St, and a block towards the Chadakoin River, as well. But even in these areas, it's pretty much safe to walk the street at night.
The drugs of choice in Jamestown seem to be marijuana and acid, although acid is much rarer (it's a delicacy for those who use it). Weed prices are low because a lot of the shipments between Buffalo and Pittsburgh, as well as between New York City and Cleveland, pass through Jamestown.
Looking for fun in Jamestown? Good luck. There's a couple of bars and meat markets if you're old enough, and into that sort of thing. The Rusty Nail has a teen night on Wednesdays, which means you have to be at least 18 to get in, but other than that, there's not much else to do except shop in Lakewood and see movies. The Wine Cellar has a 50c draft night on Tuesdays, that's where you'll usually find me. Mad Murdock's usually has a band playing on Saturdays, and 75c draft night on Thursdays. Shawbuck's is the biggest meat market we have, AFAIK. In town there's a strip club called Monday's that I hear is fairly popular, south of town in Busti there's another strip club called Yvonne's Treats. To get there just take Forest St. until you get to Busti, then turn right and keep going until you see it.
Most people who get educated in Jamestown move elsewhere to find jobs because Jamestown is just too boring to them. There's an ice arena being built square in the middle of town, and they knocked down the two most popular clubs and diners to build it. Thats wasn't too bright, as Jamestowners barely use the ice arena we have. If you're looking for culture, we do have the Fenton Historical Society, but for everything else, you have to head out of town. About half-an-hour north is the Chautauqua Institution, which is rich in culture and history. Also in that general area is Lilydale, a world mecca for spiritualists. Southeast of Jamestown is the Audobon Wildlife Preserve, where you can wander on nature trails and see local wildlife.
Jamestown's desperately trying to attract business, but the only drawing points are tax credits, and the fact that it's centrally located between Erie, Pittsburgh and Buffalo. There is an airport (JHW), but it only has two gates, and two runways.
Jamestown is a hole, but at least the denizens are friendly.
Frequently asked questions:
Why is the lake so ugly?
From what I hear, there's been quite a bit of dumping in the lake. Also see the above comment about the meaning of "Chautauqua".
How do I get back on 86?
If you want to get back on 86, ask a local for directions to 17.
What are the favorite midget dyke hangouts? (Seriously, I've been asked this.)
Um.. not sure. Your best bet is probably the bar "Sneakers". If there aren't any actual midget dykes there, the regulars can probably tell you where to find them.
Other information:
Latitude/Longitude: 42 05 49 N/079 14 08W (source: United States Geological Survey)
Estimated Population (1990): 45,344 (source: US Census)
Estimated Population (1994): 34,388 (source: United States Geological Survey)
Estimated Population (now): 43,870 (source: Microsoft Home Advisor)
Airports: JHW
Jamestown, NY – Jamestown (14701)
From Microsoft's Home Advisor:
Median Income: $17,077
People per household (avg.) 2.35
Neighborhood Type Suburban
Median age 36.2
50.97% Female!
(more information at: http://homeadvisor.msn.com/pickaplace/nf_details.asp?search=1&zip=14701 )