Twenty years ago — 1998

The Pro Challenge Exhibition, held recently at Lucky Lanes, raised more than $400 for the Grape Belt Bowling Educational Fund. Professional Bowlers Association tour members Tim Criss and Brian LeClair attended the event and demonstrated to their skills to a crowd approaching 100 people. “This is the nicest exhibition I’ve ever been a part of, anywhere,” LeClair said. The organization of the event was tremendous and the fans are very supportive. I will recommend this event to other players on tour.” The OBSERVER, Fredonia Beaver Club and WDOE radio were among the sponsors.

Thirty years ago — 1988

“Amelia,” a one-woman show written by Jim Fox of the OBSERVER Mayville bureau, a show based on the life and writings of Amelia Earhart, has won plaudits after a recent workshop presentation on stage in Charlotte, N.C., with the role of Amelia performed by Barbara Hird. According to reviewer Perry Tanebaum, “Watching Amelia Earhart being brought to life through her exploits and writing — so plucky, so gloriously American — you can only marvel that theatrical producers have left her buried so long.”

Forty years ago — 1978

Fredonian Paul Cambria, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cambria, 42 Cottage St., Fredonia was in Lawrenceville, Ga., when Hustler magazine owner Larry Flynt was shot on the afternoon of March 6. Mr. Cambria, a 1969 graduate of Fredonia State University College and a 1973 alumnus of the University of Toledo College of Law, is an associate of Buffalo lawyer Harold Price Fahringer, who was representing Flynt in the Georgia case. Mr. Fahringer and Mr. Cambria were in the witness room of the courthouse when the incident occurred.

Fifty years ago — 1968

A 1943 “Do You Remember?” photo shows the forerunner of what today is a large supermarket on West Lake Road — the A. Sam and Sons Store — as well as the members of the family of the founder of the store, the late Albert Sam. Family members shown include Mary Sam Catalano, Helen Sam and the late Mrs. Albert Sam. During the summer months, the roadside stand would remain open and later, a glass enclosed front was added for winter trade. This building was razed later on and replaced with the present modern market.