The Lawson Center

 

President Gary Padak had the honor of introducing Craig Butler from The Lawson Center.  Craig is a Trustee at The Lawson Center and was pleased to welcome Rotary members to the museum.

 

Craig explained some of the history of The Lawson Center.  Dave Lawson himself was instrumental in making The Lawson Center happen.  In 2008, a group of boat and historical enthusiasts got together to explore the viability of constructing a boating history museum in Bemus Point.  One of the main drivers behind TLC was Bill Baldwin.  Bill was very invested in the project and one of his first tasks was to meet with Dave Lawson and explore the viability of using the Lawson building as a base for the grand plan they envisioned.  After a short courtship, Dave Lawson agreed to donate the building and thus, birth The Lawson Center. Without Dave’s generous donation, the project could not have become a reality.  

 

Armed with the good news from David Lawson, the volunteer group moved forward with plans, grant proposals, and ultimately, renovation work.  TLC officially opened in May of 2012.  The first official event at The Lawson Center was an Antique Auto Club event. Five years later, their history continues to grow!  In fact, TLC will be celebrating their anniversary on June 9 with a Fifth Anniversary Party.  

 

After Craig finished speaking, he introduced Ned Ward.  Ned volunteers his time at TLC and has a keen interest in boating history.  A true legacy of boating history exists at The Lawson Center!  Ned also shared some early history of the Lawson’s and the existence of a Chris Craft dealership in Jamestown, NY. Dave S. Lawson, Dave Lawson’s father, bought the boat livery business in 1918.  The Lawson history extends almost 100 years! Chris Craft was also growing at the time Dave S. Lawson began building his business.  In fact, the business Dave owned at the time, was the sixth largest Chris Craft dealership in the world.

 

After Ned Spoke, Trustee Bill Locke gave the club some more historical perspective on TLC.  Bill was one of the four prime movers who really moved the concept of a boat museum forward along with Bill Baldwin, Anthony Hopfinger, and Marlin Younker.  The group’s main goal was to expand the importance of boating history in Chautauqua County.  The group eventually expanded to 8 people and is now a membership organization of over 450 members and 17 Trustees.  

 

The Lawson Center is doing well and they are still growing.  They continue to receive tremendous support from the community and local foundations.  TLC is a community asset.  After the presentation, the club was welcomed to tour the museum and space.  Some pictures are posted below.  

 

For more information visit The Lawson Center on the web at www.thelawsoncenter.org.