The first item is a section of a 1881 map of Dunkirk and its harbor. The reproduction is a high quality print that is 16 by 26 inches in size, and it serves as a reflection of Dunkirk’s history at that time. The map shows the four docks that existed then, as well as the Erie Railroad running from its own dock to the main trunk line on Third Street. Also present on the map are the old Depot and Erie Hotel, St. Mary’s and St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum, the Episcopal church, schools that include the Dunkirk Academy and Schools 1, 3, 4 and 6 and Washington Square, as it was then known.

Of special interest are the old estates that lined Central Avenue, and these properties highlight the families of influence in the city at that time. To the east of the home of Horatio Brooks on the corner of Central and Sixth can be seen an empty plot of land that would become Dunkirk’s library, and to the sorth of his house the home of Frank May, builder of many homes in Dunkirk. Along a section of Central Avenue referred as the “Dunkirk and Fredonia Horse Railroad” (for the early horse-drawn trolley system) is the property owned by the Williams family, the founders of the OBSERVER.

Nearby is the Charles Hequembourg home. He was a contractor by trade who designed and built the present Presbyterian Church and who also served as village engineer. After a period of time in Bradford, he returned to Dunkirk. He became part of the Young Men’s Association and helped in the creation of the Hotel Gratiot and Brooks Hospital. He became mayor of the city in 1894. The Hinman family home, which became the Gross mansion, then rectory for Cardinal Mindszenty, and presently serves as offices of the STEL program), is present. Hinman was vice president of Brooks Locomotive Works. Louis Heyl’s family home is there (he owned and operated a store on what became known as the “Heyl Block”) and other preeminent names.

At that time East Front Street lined the lake (it would be renamed Lake Shore Drive later), and Washington Avenue is still named Buffalo Street and Park Avenue still named Elk Street. Old and long gone businesses such as the Dotterweich Brewery, Dunkirk Iron Works, and Brooks Locomotive Works appear on the map as well. The cost of each reprint is $35.

A sketch of the city.

Another item for sale is a re-print of an 1882 sketch of Dunkirk. The sketch focuses on the waterfront and is 21 by 36 inches in size. It is graced by the words “Dunkirk, NY 1882” beneath the drawing. The sketch reveals individual and recognizable buildings including the Brooks Locomotive Works. Four docks with ships at each dock are shown, along with the home of Horatio Brooks, the Dunkirk Academy, and other recognizable buildings. The Erie Railroad cuts through the city along Third Street, with a locomotive and cars seen on the tracks. This print has a sepia tone and is a very attractive item depicting our city in a unique way. Each print costs $55.

The final reprint for sale is that of the sketch of the ALCO-Brooks plant of 1918. It is available as a 24×12 costing $30, 16×8 at $15 and 12×6 for $8. The largest size of this sketch must be preordered by Wednesday as they will be printed as ordered.

Photo notecards with the Neptune Fountain on the front are also available for sale. These cost $3 per card

The large prints are not matted and are not framed. There are a limited number of reprints available so do not delay if you are interested in any. Cash or check may be used for payment.

The images seen accompanying this article bear a watermark across the center that will not be present in your purchased print. Each reproduction does bear a small notation in a corner stating that it is a reprint created by the Dunkirk Museum and may not be copied, reproduced, or be used on social media. The Museum is open Mondays and Fridays from one to four and is located at 513 Washington Avenue.

Pictured is the ALCO-Brooks plant from 1918.

You may call 366-3797 if interested in an item but cannot come in during those hours.