The Fenton History Center remembers Peter C. Flagg, who passed away unexpectedly at his home in Dewittville, NY, on March 5, 2025, at the age of 85.
Peter was born on June 7, 1939, in Jamestown, NY, the son of Charles and Mildred Wheeler Flagg. A 1957 graduate of Chautauqua Central School, Peter began his college studies at Hamilton College before transferring to SUNY New Paltz, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts. During his younger years, he worked alongside his parents on the “Flagg Farm” on West Lake Road (Route 394) near Chautauqua Institution.
Peter had a longtime interest in history and photography. In the mid-1980s, he worked in the photo department at the Fenton under Candy Larson, alongside Norman Carlson. Together, they undertook the meticulous task of organizing and classifying the Fenton’s historic photograph collection using the Jean Lawson system.
Peter was also an active member of the Chautauqua Township Historical Society and dedicated many hours supporting the Mayville Depot Museum. He combined his love of photography and history in two notable books: Town of Chautauqua: Journey Through Time and Chautauqua Remembered, Then and Now. These volumes pair historical images with modern-day photographs taken from the same vantage points, offering readers a visual timeline of the region’s transformation.
Peter also enjoyed traveling and classical music. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Morris of Hillsborough, NJ, and a niece, Sarah Hernandez of North Brunswick, NJ.
