Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The official “board cutting” by co-founders Melva Shick and Arlon Shick took place recently during the Grand Re-opening of the Chautauqua Brick Company. Also participating were William Briggs, corporate president; Robert Briggs, corporate secretary; and local dignitaries and friends. The all-new showroom has expanded lines of hardware, plumbing and electrical departments, plus the latest addition of the Lawn and Garden Dept. They also offer a complete and increased line of lumber and building materials.
Thirty years ago – 1983
The closed-door state Board of Elections inquiry into irregularities in the Dunkirk city Democratic Party primary of last fall has resumed in Mayville. It has been learned by the OBSERVER that the main focus of the inquiry is Ward 1, District 3 in Dunkirk, where there were reports that independents had been allowed to vote in the Democratic primary last September.
Forty years ago – 1973
A special meeting for all persons interested in organizing a senior citizens group in Sheridan will be held this afternoon in the Sheridan Town Hall.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Brocton High senior Eileen Pratt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Pratt of Webster Road, Portland, was crowned “Miss Port-land 1963” at a contest sponsored by the Portland Sesqui-Centennial Committee.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Dunkirk Mayor Margaret Wuerstle this morning said there was “absolutely no truth” to reports circulating around the city that she plans to resign in June to accept a job elsewhere. Wuerstle explained she had been looking at jobs to get a feel for what is out there as this is an election year. She added, however, that she made a two-year commitment to the city and she intended to see that through to the end.
Thirty years ago – 1983
The congregation of Grace Lutheran Church, West Sixth Street, Dunkirk celebrated its 80th anniversary this month. The church was incorporated on April 15, 1903. In honor of the occasion, the congregation held a day of rededication and celebration. The Bishop of the Upper New York Synod of the Lutheran Church in America, the Rt. Rev. Edward K. Perry, DD, of Syracuse delivered the sermon and helped the parish pastor, the Rev. N. Jerge, celebrate the anniversary.
Forty years ago – 1973
Dunkirk city officials participated in grand-opening ceremonies at the administration building at the Dunkirk Municipal Airport off Middle Road in the town of Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The Manufacturers and Traders Trust Co. today announced the appointment of Marlin R. Hemphill, general manager of the Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corp., Dunkirk as a member of the advisory board of the Dunkirk office.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Phil D. Julian Sr. of Dunkirk has found a unique way to deliver a message to his state legislators. In response to what he believes to be inexorable state tax rates, a dying economy and a series of layoffs from his job at a local steel plant, Mr. Julian decided to share his sentiments with all residents of the Empire State, or as he prefers to call it, the Vampire State. He turned his truck into a traveling billboard about three weeks ago. The painted-on message? “Taxed to Death in the Vampire State.”
Thirty years ago – 1983
A book-length manuscript on Georgian architecture by Dr. Daniel D. Reiff, professor of art history in the Fredonia State University College art department, has recently been awarded a $2,500 prize in a competition held by the University of Delaware Press for the best manuscript on early American culture prior to 1840. It is scheduled to be published by the press in the fall of 1984.
Forty years ago – 1973
Clifford Borst has been provisionally appointed as chief of police in the village of Brocton. His appointment fills the vacancy left by the resignation of Spencer Kirschman.
Fifty years ago – 1963
A. Rubenstein & Sons, 202 W. Second St., Dunkirk has been awarded a safety achievement certificate for its no-accident record during the 1962 safety contest conducted nationally by the institute of Scrap Iron & Steel.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Seven candidates will compete for the two five-year terms on the ballot this year for the Dunkirk School Board election. Superintendent Terry Wolfenden said nominating petitions from Keith Ahlstrom, April Brown, Luz DeJesus, Roosevelt Haynes, Charles Marvin, Michael Mitchell and John Murphy were received prior to the deadline. Board members Carole Jakubczyk and James Webster, whose terms expire this year, will not be seeking re-election.
Thirty years ago – 1983
A new “tearless” variety of onion means cooks won’t have to embarrass themselves by weeping over their cutting boards any longer, researchers at Cornell University say. The new variety – called the Sweet Sandwich Onion – is less pungent than other types and can be peeled, cut, diced and eaten without much show of emotion.
Forty years ago – 1973
Gracia M. Nash and Corrine B. Willsey, members of the Benjamin Prescott Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution in Fredonia, have returned to Fredonia after attending a national DAR convention in Washington, D.C.
Fifty years ago – 1963
One of the largest collections of boats, motors and water sports equipment ever to be displayed in this area is open to the public today during a free boat show sponsored by Joe’s Sports & Marine Center in Dunkirk.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Trinity United Church of Christ recently installed the Rev. Dr. Louis H. Eason III as pastor. Rev. Eason retired in September 1992 from the U.S. Air Force after a 30-year career. The last 15 years were spent as chaplain. He succeeds the Rev. Richard Heiman, who retired in 1992 after 27 years as pastor there.
Thirty years ago – 1983
April in Paris (and England) was the recent experience of 33 Dunkirk High School French students who traveled to France and England with their teacher, Edward Kolodziej, and 12 other adult chaperones. While on the 11-day trip, the group visited Dunkerque, France (sister city of Dunkirk, NY) where they were greeted by the deputy mayor, toured the waterfront and accepted gifts on behalf of the sister cities.
Forty years ago – 1973
Eleanor Reilly recently presented 4-year-old Susan Briggs of 710 Central Ave., Dunkirk with a free five-foot high plush stuffed bunny given away for Easter by the West Drug Co. Inc. in Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Jack Maloney, proprietor of the White Inn in Fredonia, received a surprise this morning when the entire U.S. Navy Band, which is en route to Chicago, stopped off unexpectedly for breakfast at the inn.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The trembling hand shown on the late night “infomercial” touting Dura Lube belongs to Pete Millspaugh of Angola. He owns Nu-Tech Competition Engines, the small machine shop on Route 5 in Angola where the commercial was filmed in April 1992. His trembling hand is shown on camera seconds after an oil-free engine treated with Dura Lube reaches full power.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Julia Krzal, one of the first employees hired at the M. Wile Co. in Dunkirk, was honored at a retirement party held at the Town and Country Restaurant. She was presented with a variety of gifts by Gloria Borrello, ACTU president; Theresa Pencek, banquet chairman; and Barbara Petz, supervisor. Ms. Krzal, who resides at 130 Ocelot St., Dunkirk says her retirement plans include “relaxation and a trip to Poland in the near future.”
Forty years ago – 1973
Esther Lack and Irene Drag of Dunkirk and Norma Bolivard and Margaret Crowell of Forestville, have just completed a 60-hour Nurse’s Aide Training Program co-sponsored by Lake Shore Hospital in Irving and Silver Creek Central School.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Richard J. Boorady left today with his family for Erie where he will attend a two-day international Trade Bureau conference and educational program for advanced study of exportation at Gannon University.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The Dunkirk Urban Renewal Administration held its first meeting in over a year to discuss the last few remaining items of agency business and to make plans for abolishing the agency. DURA no longer owns any property in the city and just about has all its business wrapped up.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Bicycling is only one exercise enjoyed by LaMar Schnur, OBSERVER photographer for 43 years. Now semi-retired, he remains at the newspaper as part-time photographer which affords him time for such exercises as biking, bowling, walking and weightlifting. “The weights are very light and I have no special program,” says LaMar, one of the area’s most popular and best-liked personalities.
Forty years ago – 1973
Arthur Bock, master, presided at the meeting of the Hanover Grange, which won the dartball championships in Chautauqua County.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The White House confirmed rumors today by announcing that the First Lady, Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy, was expecting her third child in August. The wives of President Kennedy’s brothers, U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and Sen. Edward Kennedy, are also expecting.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Details released today on plans for a major downsizing of Niagara Mohawk’s fossil generation department indicate that the company’s Dunkirk plant will be spared from the brunt of the cuts. While about 13 of the plant’s 188 jobs will be lost by 1995 – primarily through attrition – all of its units will remain in operation, according to company spokesman Steve Brady.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Salvatore “Sam” Tabone of S. Tabone Construction Co. Inc., recently welcomed James Stelmach as a full and equal partner in the firm. Jim is a lifelong resident of this area and he brings 14 years of experience as an engineer and construction superintendent into the new partnership. The firm is located at 17 Central Ave., Fredonia.
Forty years ago – 1973
James Wheeler was recently appointed historian of the town and village of Westfield at a gathering of 30 Chautauqua County historians at The White Inn in Fredonia.
Fifty years ago – 1963
During a luncheon event in New York City, Park Shoe Store of Dunkirk was awarded a certificate of distinction in the Retailer-of-the-Year competition, shoe stores category, sponsored annually by the Brand Names Foundation.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Awards for valor have been presented to two Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies, Lawrence S. Klajbor of Dunkirk and James Rensel, both of whom risked their lives to save citizens from possible death. Deputy Rensel helped save residents of a burning apartment house in Jamestown while Deputy Klajbor rescued a victim from a burning car following an accident on Pecor Street in the town of Portland. Both officers received bound certificates and special bars to wear on their uniforms.
Thirty years ago – 1983
The fate of the Westfield Depot on English Street was decided at a meeting of the Landmarks Society. The society, a recently formed, Westfield-based organization, announced its decision to sell the 79-year-old depot to John Sarfar Jr. of Westfield, who will be converting the abandoned railroad station into a restaurant. Mr. Sarfar is the current owner of Sarfars’ Antiques, on East Main Road, Westfield and the former owner-operator of the Lockport Depot Restaurant.
Forty years ago – 1973
County identification cards, which will establish picture positive ID and proof of age, are available today to anyone 18 and over at the Fredonia Village Hall, according to Chautauqua County Clerk Steven B. Carlson.
Fifty years ago – 1963
A fire of undetermined origin destroyed the Silver Creek Preserving Co.’s Irving plant, located in the town of Brant on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation today. N.B. Pratt of Silver Creek, president of the company, said he would roughly estimate the loss to be about $500,000 and, while hundreds of cans of beer and beets exploded from the intense heat, no injuries were reported.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
With Gov. Mario Cuomo having sent strong signals that he will seek a fourth term next year, the political question of the hour seems to have become: Will Lt. Gov. Stan Lundine remain on the ticket? Democrat Cuomo found himself denying a New York Post report that he wanted to dump Lundine, perhaps for a minority candidate who might be able to bring out a stronger New York City vote.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Calendar Girl for the Month of April is Kimberly Ann Woleben, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Woleben of RD 1, Barcelona, Westfield. Kimberly has lettered in varsity cheerleading and is secretary of her senior class. She has been very active in music and drama. A member of the “Westwinds” choral group, she held roles in the WAC musicals, “Oliver” and the “Pirates of Penzance.”
Forty years ago – 1973
Charles Porpiglia, a county legislator from Dunkirk, spoke to the Fredonia-Pomfret Democratic Association at the Vineyard Restaurant. Vice Chairman Conrad Nowak introduced several new members.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Joan Leone, Lynn Frost and Marilyn Mamp won prizes at the Easter Egg hunt sponsored by Fredonia Girl Scout Troop 106 held recently at the home of Mrs. Harold Pangborn in Laona.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Dunkirk resident and St. Hyacinth parishioner Lillian Halasinski, who believes she was miraculously healed nine years ago of a leg ailment, today paid tribute to the nun whom she credits with being the intercessor of her cure from God. Mrs. Halasinski was a special guest at the ceremony in Rome in which Pope John Paul II beatified Mother Mary Angela Truszkowska, the Polish nun who founded the Felician sisters. Lillian’s daughter, Geraldine, also participated in the ceremony. Dressed in red and white, she walked up the sloping steps of the basilica to offer a silver tray made for the occasion. After offering the gift to the pope, she exchanged a few words with him and received his blessing.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Environmental Testing Facilities Inc., private laboratories located at 40 East Doughty St. in Dunkirk, has complete testing facilities to serve both private homeowners and municipalities. Randy Zwolak, a Dunkirk native now living in Forestville, is chief operating technologist. The labs were formerly located in Brocton, but moved to Dunkirk in January.
Forty years ago – 1973
Nancy Ziegler was selected as the acting chairman of the reorganized Dunkirk Youth Board during a recent meeting at Dunkirk City Hall.
Fifty years ago – 1963
James McDonald has been named methods supervisor at the Dunkirk plant of Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corp., it was announced today by Marlin R. Hamphill, general manager of the bar products division.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
It was 1952 when the Dunkirk Garden Club first sold forsythia shrubs at cost in an effort to promote Dunkirk as “Forsythia City.” Through the years, thousands of the showiest of spring flowering shrubs have been planted throughout the area. The bright golden blossoms herald the official arrival of spring.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Mathieu Bregande, a 1982 graduate of Fredonia High School, is playing tennis for Fordham University in the Metro-Atlantic Conference. Mat, who compiled a 59-5 record at FHS, recently played second doubles in a 6-1, 6-3 win over Staten Island. The Rams beat Villanova a week ago, 9-0, and will face St. John’s, NYU, Seton Hall and Boston College in the near future.
Forty years ago – 1973
Members of Dunkirk Brownie Troop 169, led by Patricia Cobb, modeled their handmade spring dresses and fancy Easter hats. Models included Tina Odebralski, Karen Hill, Michelle Polvino and Cindy Kozlowski.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Joan C. Panepinto, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Panepinto of 18 Lakeview Ave., Fredonia was appointed today as group leader to Switzerland for the 1963 summer program of the Experiment in International Living.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Marilyn Gollnitz of the Grand Demolition Committee has announced an auction of items from the Grand Theater will be held this weekend. The demolition of the Grand Theater building has been scheduled for April 26. The work will be done by Sam Arnold and Carl Villardo III.
Thirty years ago – 1983
There were some red faces within the ranks of the Dunkirk streets department over the recent failure of several of its drivers to pass the state road test for the class of driver’s license they need to operate their rigs. Of the five drivers who took the road test that day, all of them failed. Earlier this week, the Dunkirk Police Department, acting on a tip from a private citizen, discovered that of the 20 or so men who routinely drive the city garbage packers and other city trucks, only about five had the Class 3 license required by law. The rest had regular Class 5 passenger licenses. Hence, the hastily scheduled road tests.
Forty years ago – 1973
Easter Swieconka was served to members of the Hi-Lo Club at the home of Mrs. Edward Madurski on Antelope Street in Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The first building erected primarily for chiropractic offices in western New York will be built in Dunkirk by William A. Kutner, who has purchased the lot just south of the Orcutt Funeral Home on Central Avenue.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Cal Graphite America Inc., which began graphite processing operations several weeks ago, has finally forwarded its first major overseas shipment. Leaving the Brocton plant by truck, the graphite will first be taken to Etietobicoke, Ontario, and placed on a ship. Ultimately, it is destined for Alumina Cement Trading Co. in Buenos Aires, the eastern capital of Argentina.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Young patients at Brooks Hospital will benefit from the generosity of the Dunkirk Kiwanis Club which has provided four new pieces of equipment to the hospital for use in the department of pediatrics, the nursery and the emergency room. The local organization, comprised of 45 members, is headed this year by the Rev. Merle Showers.
Forty years ago – 1973
Norwood J. Barris, 755 Park Ave., Dunkirk represented the Dunkirk Board of Education at the National School Boards Association’s 33rd annual convention and weekend conference in Anaheim, Calif.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Lt. Edward J. Mulville has been appointed general chairman for the 1963 Dunkirk Police Benevolent Association dance, the exact date of which depends on what orchestra is selected to play.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
More than 120 Brooks Hospital employees attended the recent Employee Recognition banquet held at the Fireside Manor. Christine Makuch, a business office employee for 20 years, was honored as Employee of the Year for 1992 and in a surprise ceremony, she was given a “Presentation in Pastel” by artist David Miller of Gerry.
Thirty years ago – 1983
A “Do You Remember?” photo asks “What do these nine ladies have in common?” Why, they’re all wearing slacks. The photo was taken during the first week that female employees were allowed to wear slacks at Allegheny Ludlum in 1968. Shown are Irene Wallace, Betty Gaus, Sally Kenyon, Doranne Titus, Linda Carrus, Christine Erick, Kathy Kaleta, Patricia Pantano and Antoinette Wolfe.
Forty years ago – 1973
Barbara Katta, a 1972 graduate of Dunkirk High School, has been awarded an achievement certificate from Bryant and Stratton Business Institute in Buffalo in conjunction with “National Secretary’s Week.”
Fifty years ago – 1963
Silver Creek Central School announced that its valedictory and salutatory honors for the Class of 1963 have been awarded to David Newton and Marlene Seegert, respectively.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Lillian Halasinski of Dunkirk, accompanied by her daughter Geraldine, left this morning en route to Rome to attend beatification ceremonies for Mother Mary Angela Truszkowska, who died in 1899. Roman Catholic church officials say that Mother Mary Angela interceded before God to cure Mrs. Halasinski, now age 79, from diabetic neuropathy, an incurable neurological disorder. Mother Mary Angela will be beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 18.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Susan Hurley, a Mayville resident, won a $100 cash prize in the photo contest sponsored by the Chicago-based Pets Are Wonderful Council. The winning photograph is a garden shot of a young blonde-haired girl and her Siamese cat.
Forty years ago – 1973
The Spirit Lifters of the Brocton United Methodist Church met at the home of Mary Wolff in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the group.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Patty Duke, 16, became the youngest performer in Academy Award history to win a major Oscar. She was named best supporting actress for her role in “The Miracle Worker.”
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The nearly emptied Gowanda state psychiatric center in western New York will remain open indefinitely pending further discussions with the Legislature. Thirty state workers due to be laid off later this month will relieve at least a temporary reprieve because of the action. The mental hospital, which has only 12 patients, was due to close by April 28. But the Legislature left Albany for a two-week vacation without taking action on a bill that was necessary to close Gowanda.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Student of the Week is Glenn Moss, 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Moss of 117 Cottage Road, South Dayton. A senior at Forestville Central School, he is a second-year student in the BOCES welding program. Glenn works on his father’s dairy farm and also enjoys doing mechanical repair work and cutting wood. Following graduation, he plans to attend welding school and eventually own a farm.
Forty years ago – 1973
A fine collection of books is ready for the third annual “Books for Boorady” sale which begins tomorrow at Buttrick Hall, Fredonia. Dr. Stephen Warner will serve as auctioneer for the event.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Gladys B. Ebert, 17 Willowbrook Ave., Dunkirk was named executive secretary of the Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce during a meeting held recently at the Dunkirk Club.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
“Bring us your blues, your greens, your lemon-yellows yearning to be applied …” That could well be the motto to be hung over the door of the Dunkirk Recycling Center on Lucas Avenue as the new experimental city-county paint exchange program gets under way on April 17. Chautauqua County and city of Dunkirk have agreed to collect odd lots of paint left over from public and private users at the recycling center so that others – governments or private citizens – can pick through the cans and find a use for the leftovers. This program is a first step in a comprehensive plan to deal with hazardous wastes.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Recent winners in the Quik-Stop Food Mart 1st Anniversary Celebration included Bonnie Ricotta, Paul Gee, Denise Matekovich, Ed Tofil and Tony Kucmierz, all gift certificate winners. The grand prize of an AM/FM Stereo Cassette Recorder was awarded to Carl Yacklon of Serval Street, Dunkirk. Quik-Stop is located at 327 Lake Shore Drive East in Dunkirk.
Forty years ago – 1973
Karen Jankowski, 14, daughter of Dunkirk City Court Judge and Mrs. August R. Jankowski, won the intermediate division while Rebecca Dragon, 9, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Dragon of Portland, won the novice division in the April Twirling Festival at Sweet Home High School in Amherst.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Mr. and Mrs. Reginald D. Gardinier of the Gardinier Funeral Home, 43 West Fourth St., Dunkirk have returned from an annual workshop conference of Order of the Golden Rule, the world’s largest organization of funeral directors, held in New York City.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Hairstylist Joe Pagano, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pagano of Deer Street, Dunkirk, has been selected as the official hairstylist for the Virginia Slims of Florida tennis tournament. A resident of Coral Springs, Fla., since 1984, Mr. Pagano was born and raised in Dunkirk and is a 1969 Dunkirk High School graduate. He also served as official stylist for the 1988 and 1989 tournaments, and Chris Evert and skier Andy Mill asked him to create styles for them and their wedding party for their 1989 wedding. As official stylist, he has worked with tennis stars Steffi Graf, Gabriela Sabatini, Pam Shriver, Barbara Rittner and many others in the top 50.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Miss Joselle Robin Bifaro, 11, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bifaro of Fredonia, has been selected as a state finalist for the third annual Miss New York National Pre-Teen Pageant to be held at Johnson City (NY) High School on June 11. She is a fifth-grade student at Fredonia Elementary School.
Forty years ago – 1973
Fredonia Mayor Charles St. George announced that senior citizens may now ride free of charge on the campus-community bus service of Fredonia State University College.
Fifty years ago – 1963
At the meeting this week of the Chautauqua County Historical Society, Maureen McKernan Ross will present a paper entitled, “Westfield – Open Door to a New Nation.”
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Chautauqua County Economic Development Director David Dawson is listed in the latest edition of “Who’s Who Registry of Global Business Leaders.” He is also the executive director of the County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and is chief executive officer of Dawson Metal Products of Jamestown. The selection followed several previous nominations for the director.
Thirty years ago – 1983
The 1982 NYS Champion Drum and Bugle Corps of Murray Hose Co. No. 4 are making final arrangements for the 1983 season. In addition to an increase in membership, three new directors have been added to the instructional staff: Darwin Wilson of Angola, horns; David Palmer, percussion; and Patty Kaiser of Grand Island, color guard. Throughout the years, the Murraymen have been noted as goodwill ambassadors of this area.
Forty years ago – 1973
Members of the Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department unanimously re-elected Fire Chief Robert Wdowiasz and Assistant Fire Chief Roger Gloss. Both men ran unopposed.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The two young members of Fredonia Grange elected recently to represent county Granges as prince and princess were Robert Mourer Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mourer of Chestnut Road, Fredonia and Diane Lilly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lilly of McCallister Road, Fredonia.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
A Mark Mulville OBSERVER photo on today’s front page shows Glen Perkins of Ellington trying his luck fishing in Conewango Creek in South Dayton. Trout season opened on April 1 in New York state with many streams reportedly high due to melting snow and rain.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Paul Cybart of Walt’s Marine in Dunkirk recently presented lucky winners with their prizes in the Lake Erie Salmon and Trout Association’s 1983 Icebreaker, including a complete weekend at the Buffalo Hilton which was won by Dan Gard of Silver Creek. The event was held at the NYS Armory in Dunkirk.
Forty years ago – 1973
The St. Mary’s School basketball team, the Saints, and their cheerleaders were honored for their achievements at a recent banquet. Guest speakers included Dunkirk High School Head Coach Mike Tramuta and Cardinal Mindszenty High School Head Coach Bob Muscato.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Four Fredonians sworn in as United States citizens on April 6 in Buffalo are Florence Narraway, Alfred W. Narraway, Morag R. Narraway and Mrs. Shebagh Stewart Townsend. All are former residents of England and Great Britain.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Yellow Goose Markets recently presented a gift of appreciation to Marvin Shields of Silver Creek, who helped prevent the Yellow Goose store at the intersection of Routes 20 and 39 in Sheridan from suffering a tremendous amount of damage during a fire on March 18. Shields had stopped at the store at about 2 a.m. and discovered flames and smoke inside. He then drove back up to Route 60 and informed fire officials, who later said there was the potential of losing the store had it not been for the prompt action taken by Shields.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Student of the Week at Fredonia Central High School is senior Laura Steese, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Peter Steese, 6 Castile Drive, Fredonia. She has been cast in eight shows during her four years at FCS and participated twice at the Geneseo State Acting Competition. Active in Mixed Chorus and Madrigal Chours, Laura was selected as a member of the All-State Sectional Chorus in 1982. She plans to continue her education at SUNY Fredonia, majoring in communications.
Forty years ago – 1973
With about 50 members of the county school board members voting, George Riscili of Westfield was elected to the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) governing body.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The Gordon W. Scott Post 1395, VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Fredonia, has elected Mrs. Peter Ognibene as president.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
A front page OBSERVER photo by Bill West shows Mary Carlson of Sinclairville as she walks near the bank of Mill Creek where erosion is causing a serious problem. A dike has been built to re-direct the flow of the creek near Sinclair Drive.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Selected as the Silver Creek Business and Professional Women’s Club 1983 Young Careerist, Miss Susan Chiappone, OBSERVER Silver Creek bureau chief, received a certificate from Ms. Sheila Meck Hyde, Young Careerist Committee chairman, during a recent meeting. Guest speaker for the evening was research genealogist Mrs. Marian Jones of Hanford Bay. Her topic was “How To Prepare A Family History.”
Forty years ago – 1973
In an announcement made by Dunkirk Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert L. Cooley, pupils today were given two additional days of Easter vacation, making a full two weeks.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Fredonia Street Superintendent Vincent DeJoe said that all park benches will be placed back in their usual spots by the end of today, ready for another summer’s use.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The Key Club at Silver Creek Central School sponsored by the Kiwanis Club has been ranked No. 1 among the 131 clubs statewide and received an award noting its excellent communication and service. Posing with the award are Adam Czekanski, Key Club president and Stanley Smith, Kiwanis Club president. The award is based on cooperation between the Kiwanis and Key Club. The Silver Creek Key Club is comprised of high school students who are active in school and community functions. Dennis Corsaro is the adviser.
Thirty years ago – 1983
While fishing Canadaway Creek at Laona Falls recently, Tom Buck of Cassadaga made a bigger catch than he could ever expect. A young boy suddenly appeared in the water and tumbled over the falls, head over heels, before going under twice. Mr. Buck started toward the boy and was aided by a current which brought the youngster closer to the bank. They grabbed for each other and the boy caught hold. Once out of the water, the boy continued up the embankment until he was out of sight. He was not seen again and the identity of the boy remains unknown.
Forty years ago – 1973
The Help Line at Fredonia State University College, which has been providing hot-line assistance to students for the past year, has been opened up to residents of northern Chautauqua County faced with personal problems.
Fifty years ago – 1963
James Keddie, president of the Anderson-Lee Library Association of Silver Creek, announced today that the new library building is now 70 percent complete.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The Dunkirk Youth Bureau Recreation Commission and P.J.’s Pet Emporium sponsored this year’s jelly bean guessing contest in the Dunkirk elementary schools this past week. The giant aquarium, provided by P.J.’s and filled with jelly beans, toured the schools and all children in kindergarten through fifth grade had a chance to guess the number of jelly beans. The grand prize winner is Angelo Rivera of School 3, whose guess of 9,806 was only nine beans away from the correct number of 9,797. For his effort, he received three chocolate rabbits and a party for his entire school.
Thirty years ago – 1983
The Peter J. Schmitt Co. Inc. of Cheektowaga, owner of Bells Market in Dunkirk, has submitted plans to the Fredonia Building Inspector’s Office to convert the former Robson’s Market at 12 Center St. into a Freshmart Store. Robson’s Market had been in business for nearly three years. It was opened as an independently-owned store by William and Sandra Robson, in November 1979 in the former Acme Market which closed in July of that year.
Forty years ago – 1973
The impact of the April Fools boycott of meat, launched April 1 by housewives across the nation, is already being felt, with packing houses laying off more than 1,000 employees at firms in the beef-rich Iowa-Nebraska area.
Fifty years ago – 1963
During the National Farmers Union organizational meeting held at the Cassadaga American Legion, Kenneth Swanson was elected as the group’s first president and Betty Holliday was elected secretary-treasurer.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The annual April Fool’s Day ice cream flavor featured at Aldrich’s Beef and Ice Cream Parlor in Fredonia this year was “Olive New York,” a mixture of black and green olives and ice cream. It joins other bizarre flavors from the past such as beef gravy, pork and beans, bacon and eggs, sauerkraut, pickles and cream, ketchup and mustard, chocolate spaghetti and minestrone. The yearly event attracts media attention from around the world, including places as far away as Germany and Japan.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Has right-on-red gone wrong? A full six years have passed since motorists in New York state (except New York City) have been able to make right turns after first coming to a full stop at red lights. This regulation was adopted in response to the passage by Congress in 1975 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Right-on-red reduces engine idling along with intersection traffic backups and thus conserves fuel. Statistics show that right-on-red has not made the roads inherently less safe.
Forty years ago – 1973
John J. Reardon of Leworthy Motor Co. Inc., Silver Creek has been named a member of Ford Division’s exclusive 300-500 Club, a national organization of outstanding Ford salesmen.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The city of Dunkirk was given a verbal pat on the back today from the New York Fire Insurance rating organization for “maintaining the high degree of fire protection to warrant” Class A insurance rates, the lowest rate available.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
A new baseball season begins today and rooting for the home team will cost an average $90.87 for a family of four. That is the average sum for four game tickets, two beers, four hot dogs, four soft drinks, two souvenir baseball caps, two programs and parking, says the Chicago-based sports-business newsletter, Team Marketing Report. The average ticket price increased 1.7 percent this year to $9.57, from $9.41 last year.
Thirty years ago – 1983
First Lt. Michelle Hughes Koehler, a former Fredonian and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Virgil W. “Bill” Hughes of Fredonia, is the first female officer assigned to the U.S. Army’s Parachute team, the Golden Knights, world champions and record holders. Stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., for the past two years, the 1977 Fredonia High School graduate is a veteran of more than 160 parachute jumps.
Forty years ago – 1973
George Tadt has been named chairman and Frank Mack was named vice chairman of the annual Fredonia Firemen’s Fund Drive slated to begin later this summer.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Calendar Girl for April is Miss Eileen Pratt, 17, a senior at Brocton Central School. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard C. Pratt of Webster Road, Portland.