28 Nov Bemus Point, NY Real Estate For Sale | $500,000 and up
Bemus Point, NY Real Estate For Sale | Over $500,000 | Michael McVinney | www.michaelmcvinney.com
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3325 Route 430, Ellery
4326122
Immaculate one owner lakefront home up for sale! Exterior is Cedar siding with c …more
Century 21 Turner Brokers
$695,000
194 Lakeside Drive, Ellery
54.152182
Large Center Hall Colonial remodeled to the hilt. Spectacular chef’s kitchen w/ …more
Century 21 Turner Brokers
$2,200,000
3325 Route 430, Ellery
194 Lakeside Drive, Ellery
Geography
Bemus Point is located along the southwestern edge of the town of Ellery, on the eastern shore of Chautauqua Lake.
The village is immediately north of the location where Interstate 86 crosses Chautauqua Lake. Access to the village is from exits 9 and 10.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.44 square miles (1.13 km2), all of it land.[3]
Community
Bemus Point is home to many restaurants including the See Zurh House, The Fish, Ellicottville Brewing on Chautauqua and the Village Casino. Bemus Point also has a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, basketball courts, park and free boat launch. The village’s school district, Bemus Point Central School District, recently won its second New York State football championship. It is also proud to have three-time defending state champions in women’s cross country (2010, 2011, 2012).
History
The area currently known as Bemus Point was first settled by William Bemus in 1806. Bemus had purchased land on both sides of Chautauqua Lake from the Holland Land Company in 1805 at a cost of $1.50. He moved his family to the east side of the lake (in the area now known as Bemus Point) on March 9, 1806. The Bemus family lived in a log cabin approximately 500 to 660 feet (150 to 200 m) northeast of the current ferry landing site. Bemus descendants still reside on original family property along Lakeside Drive north of Bemus Street.[5]
The village of Bemus Point was incorporated in 1911.
A ferry connecting Bemus Point and Stow was founded in 1811 by Thomas Bemus. The original ferry was a raft built by Thomas, and had to be poled across the lake.[5] Today, a cable-drawn ferry exists in its place and is operated by the Sea Lion Project.[6] Until the nearby bridge (now part of I-86) opened October 30, 1982, the Bemus-Stow Ferry was the only way to cross Chautauqua Lake. When closed for the winter months, motorists had to travel northwest to Mayville, or southeast to Jamestown to reach Stow. Either way was a 19-mile (31 km) round trip. Local residents often purchased a seasonal pass to use the ferry, commuting to Lakewood, Sherman, or other areas west of the lake.
Throughout the 1800s, Bemus Point gained popularity as a tourist destination, which promoted its growth and development. By the early 1900s, a dance hall known as the Casino, which still exists under the same name, became a well-known venue for entertainment, particularly big band music.[5]
Bemus Point hosted the “Bemus Bay Pops” concert, which involved many local musicians, and was also host to the “Chautauqua Lake Voices”, similar to American Idol.
The village volunteer fire department was chartered in 1920, and began its operations with a Model T fire truck. Today the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department continues to serve the residents of the village and the surrounding community.
Today Bemus Point is still a popular summer tourist destination, with a large influx of summer population.