By CHARLES ST. GEORGE
The Elderly Mens Cockeye Association recently held their annual picnic luncheon at the home of James and Lisa Andin on Swede Road, Brocton. The special occasion was to celebrate Nicholas (Nick) Andin's 86th birthday. Nick is one of the longest members of the association that was started back in 1926.
Present for the occasion were Elderly Mens Cockeye Association members, William Cambria, Russ Dalby, Fred Gregory, Charles Hassett, Frank Hoffman, James Lyons, Bruce Robins, Charles St. George, William Warmbrodt and also members of the Andin family.
Mr. Andin gave the group a bit of the history of the association dating way back to 1926 (the year Nick was born). He told us of the many prominent members that were associated with the organization and the places where the luncheons were held such as the Dunkirk Club that was located on Central Avenue, the Vineyard Restaurant on Vineyard Drive and now meet every Saturday for lunch at the Central Station on Central Avenue.
This club is unique. Because of their ages, many of the discussions deal with the past 60, 70 and 80 years history of the city of Dunkirk and village of Fredonia and how things have changed since the depression. For example, when the trains were on road level and running along the Third Street and the C.B. Moon Construction Company doing the elevation work. Other subjects discussed are the many industries that were here. To mention a few, Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corp., Brooks Locomotive U.S. Radiator Corp. that made boilers and radiators for homes, the Van Raalte Silk Mill that made women's lingerie, Marsh Valve, Alco Products, Fred Koch Brewery and Kraft Food Products, all in Dunkirk.
In Fredonia, there were the Red Wing Co., American Grape Juice, Fredonia Salsina Canning Co., Gervas Canning Company, The Farm King Canning Factory, Brocton Preserving Co., Sunset Canning Co., Fredonia Seed Co., Hygrade Seed Co. and to also mention the several greenhouse business located in the village. Many of the members remember the old trolley days from Fredonia to Dunkirk.
At present there are 25 members who pay 15 cents per week dues with monies going toward purchasing a book in a deceased members name and given to either Dunkirk or Fredonia libraries.
In closing, I remember joining and now am the third oldest member in age. Anyone in their 60s, 70s, 80s and even in their 90s are welcome to join us and share their life experiences with the rest of us "old codgers."
Charles St. George, age 87, is a Fredonia resident.
