The past is a kaleidoscope of images. Memories come into focus, get distorted, then fade as other memories take their place.

A look at the historical record can help clarify the images.

The OBSERVER is starting an occasional series where it looks back at microfilmed copies of its own papers and offers a dive into what was going on in the past. It’s similar to our “Retrospective” feature on the editorial page, only more in-depth.

We’ll start with 50 years ago: the first Saturday in September 1972. What was in the paper that day?

Page 1

The only local story was headlined “11 Held After Drug Raids in Chautauqua Area.” Police seized “a large amount of marijuana, barbiturates, LSD, and various paraphernalia used in the administration of narcotics.”

Because it was the last edition before Labor Day, the OBSERVER did a “Salute To Labor,” teasing it on the front page. We’ll get back to that later.

Page 3

This was a full-page ad for Kobackers. The store was inside the large, stand-alone building at one end of the D and F Plaza. Another department store, Sidey’s, later took that building over. It’s now a Big Lots.

The Kobackers ad noted the store would be open Labor Day and lists a slew of specials. A man’s short sleeve shirt was $1.49. A “fully automatic electric two-slice toaster with a thermostat for color control” was on sale for $7.99 (regular price $9.99). With football season under way, helmets were on sale for $3.88 (regular price $4.99).

Page 4

This was a local news page. The Dunkirk Teachers Association was set to hold an emergency meeting the following Tuesday over its contract. A man got arrested for punching someone at the Range Lite restaurant on Deer Street.

Meanwhile, Koch’s Brewery had three broken windows, after two teen boys shot pellets at them. The kids were caught by the Dunkirk police and unceremoniously marched back to their parents.

A story previewing the upcoming Chautauqua County Legislature meeting was headlined, “Jobs, Salaries Likely Issues For Legislators Next Friday.”

Page 5

More local news: A photo showed a new communications cabinet donated by the U.S. Department of Defense to the Chautauqua County Civil Defense unit.

A column compiled “What’s Going On In Silver Creek.” Tri-County Country Club’s championship was set for that weekend. The following Tuesday would be busy with the Festival of Grapes committee, Loyal Order of the Moose 307, and Hanover Hose Co. No. 1 all listing meetings for that day.

The page also included a story summing up the city of Dunkirk’s summer music program — called, appropriately enough, “Summer ’72.”

Frankenstein Conquers the World had rocked out at Point Gratiot’s main pavilion the previous Tuesday, while Tony Di Russo and his 17-piece orchestra played Washington Park the next day. The final show of the season was set for that Saturday afternoon at Point Gratiot, with a triple bill planned. There was going to be folk rock from the band Woodenship, and “Santana-type rock as done by Brass Beard.” The third performer was guitarist Minda Kirschman, playing traditional folk music.

Page 9

Speaking of music, WBUZ had its “‘ ‘BUZ Top 40 Sound of the 70s Survey” from local listeners. Topping the list was “Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress” by the Hollies. Other acts on the list included the Carpenters, Chicago, the Jackson 5, Jim Croce, the O’Jays and Three Dog Night.

Page 11

Registration at Fredonia State for the 1972-73 school year “will be about 5,300, which is above last fall’s 5,129 figure but somewhat below projections.” The school had hoped for

about 5,400 students.

Page 12

Ads for local movie theaters are here. The Regent had a Charlton Heston flick, “Skyjacked,” while the Cine had the movie adaption of “Fiddler of the Roof.” Van Buren Drive-In had “The Last Picture Show,” nominated for eight Oscars, according to the ad.

Meanwhile, the Westfield Drive-In had decidedly more lowbrow fare. “3 adult hits,” its ad blared. However, in tiny print at the bottom, was the promise of a movie that would outdo even “The Last Picture Show” — and just about every other film ever made — for critical acclaim. That was “The Godfather.”

Also, Rusch’s Restaurant on Route 5 in Dunkirk advertised Sunday dinner specials. A T-bone steak, complete with sides, a trip to the salad bar and a drink, cost $3.95.

Page 13

This is where the Labor Day weekend “Salute to Labor” began. It ran for most of the rest of the paper, which was 24 pages long.

A bevy of local businesses, such as Hayward Motors of Brocton, Rosing’s and the Dunkirk Radiator Corporation, ran ads saluting the local labor force. Five Fredonia firms joined forces for a full-page tribute ad. Those businesses were Mitchell Foods, Fredonia Seed Co., Red Wing, Fredonia Food Specialties and Fredonia Products Co.

Much of the rest of the section consisted of labor union lists for various professions and overhead photos of local businesses. For example, one item noted that union steelworkers were based at seven plants in the area: True Temper, Dunkirk Radiator, Allegheny Ludlum, Marsh Valve, Dunkirk Stamping Plant, Roblin Steel and Plymouth Tube.

Page 24

The closing page of the paper featured an ad for Murphy’s in downtown Fredonia. The department store listed a portable television for $62.44, a pack of Polaroid film for $3.57 and bath towels two for a dollar.