Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Two Dunkirk police officers and three volunteer firefighters were recently presented with certificates of recognition for saving a city family earlier this month when a fast-moving fire heavily damaged their home. The five men were involved in a harrowing rescue that began when Officers Daniel Manzella and Bob Adams discovered a raging fire in the Ronald Hegner home at 179 East Second St. The volunteer firefighters recognized for their bravery are Todd Ellman, Terry Gibbons and Michael Guziec.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Anyone who’d like to have a snowplow named after them will get a chance to make that fantasy come true at the Chautauqua County Fair. A contest is being held at the County Government Tent during fair week. The winner will have his or her name painted on a county snowplow. The contest will consist of answers to questions about government services. All the answers are included in exhibits in the tent. If more than one correct entry is received, there will be a drawing for the winner.
Forty years ago – 1973
Chautauqua County’s first legal horse parlor could be open for business later this year. Officials from 16 counties would be included in the proposed Western Regional Off Track Betting Corp.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Dunkirk City Hall will close at noon tomorrow to permit city hall employees to take part in the Dunkirk-Fredonia Day observance at the Chautauqua County Fair.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The Chautauqua County Airport North (Dunkirk/Sheridan) could have a second fixed base operator, Great Circle Aviation, in business by this fall. Although Dunkirk Aviation has served the airport as a fixed base operator for many years and there is “probably not enough business to support two FBOs,” the county cannot refuse to lease land to Great Circle and permit it to offer aviation services in competition with Dunkirk Aviation.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Vintage vehicles from the 1929 to 1939 period are being sought by the movie company that will be filming a sequence of the movie, “The Natural,” in Gowanda in September. The film sequence will include the star and his female companion in a convertible, passing through the Gowanda Village Square, up West Main Street from the direction of the Gowanda Bridge. Gowanda will be depicted as a downtown street in Evanston, Ill., in 1939.
Forty years ago – 1973
Despite the 400,000 gate crashers who did not pay the $10 ticket price at the Watkins Glen “Summer Jam,” better known as “The Son of Woodstock,” its two promoters will be splitting an estimated $2 million. About 600,000 persons attended the rock festival during the weekend.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Samuel C. Joy of Dunkirk, owner of Aluminum Products of Dunkirk, announced that the business has moved from 173 East Fourth St., Dunkirk to 210 Seymour St., Fredonia.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Richard Glowniak, son of Rick Glowniak of Silver Creek and Pat Glowniak of Forestville, received honors during his second semester at Triangle Tech in Erie, Pa., where he is enrolled in the maintenance electricity and construction technology program. He is a 1992 graduate of Forestville High School.
Thirty years ago – 1983
The fate of Roblin Steel Co. and Roblin Industries will be decided by its union employees when they vote on the contract revisions this week. Roblin must revise its financial and manufacturing structure in order to keep in operation plants in Dunkirk and North Tonawanda.
Forty years ago – 1973
According to the chairman of the Gulf Oil Corp., Americans may find themselves paying as much as one dollar a gallon for gasoline unless the oil pipeline linking Alaska’s Arctic slope to western ports is realized.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Mrs. Harold Nudd of Brocton took first place this morning at the Chautauqua County Fair in Dunkirk for her handmade, wool braided rug.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Debra S. Longbine of Blasdell has joined the medical staff of Drs. James, Robert and Steven Barnes, 113 Main St., Silver Creek as a certified physician assistant. She has worked in that capacity for 13 years, having graduated from Gannon University in Erie with a B.S. degree in physician assistant.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Gowanda’s Village Square and a baseball field in South Dayton will be used as filming sites for “The Natural,” a new movie that stars Robert Redford. The tentative filming date in Gowanda is Sept. 12 while filming in South Dayton could take place in the latter part of August. It was confirmed that Gowanda had been chosen because the architecture and physical layout of the Village Square met the location criteria.
Forty years ago – 1973
Gertrude Ortlieb and Martha Bialaszewski, members of the Dunkirk-Fredonia BPW Club, were in Amherst to attend the North East Suburban BPW club charter dinner at the Prime Rib Restaurant.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Timothy Tyler, 14, of Forestville is the proud owner of “Skippy,” the oldest dog licensed in the town of Hanover. The 17-year-old fox terrier was named Pet of the Week today.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The all-new Tom’s Family Restaurant (the former Demetri’s Restaurant) on Routes 5 and 20 in Irving, is open for business. The new owner is Tom Daniels, who brings 10 years of experience as a sous chef on the S.S. Constitution cruise ship of Honolulu. Tom’s features many of Demetri’s classic Greek favorites as well as freshly-baked desserts and pastries.
Thirty years ago – 1983
In an OBSERVER photo, Brocton residents Mary Drozdiel and Dave Bentham display the 15-pound channel catfish Mary caught her first time fishing yesterday morning, an hour after obtaining a fishing license. The catfish measured 31 1/2 inches and was caught in Lake Erie near Brocton.
Forty years ago – 1973
According to an announcement from the New York State Department of Transportation, a rural transit system, which may serve as a model for statewide application, will be developed for Chautauqua County.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The Church Roadside Stand in Sheridan will be open with Ruth DeLand in charge. Donations of baked goods, fresh fruits and vegetables will also be accepted.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Sascha Paul Fedyszyn, son of Capt. and Mrs. Thomas R. Fedyszyn of Brussels, Belgium, is one of 141 outstanding young Americans designated a U.S. Presidential Scholar, the nation’s highest honor bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. A graduate of the Brussels American School, Sascha is the grandson of Irene Fedyszyn of 327 Lake Shore Drive East, Dunkirk and the late Stanley Fedyszyn.
Thirty years ago – 1983
The Buffalo Bills recently arrived at Fredonia State University College to begin workouts at their training camp. In honor of the occasion, a Buffalo Bills flag was presented by Dr. Donald G. Corter, Fredonia dentist, to Fredonia Mayor Louis Mancuso. The flag (or pennant) will fly on the flagpole in Barker Common across from the Fredonia Village Hall during the duration of the Bills’ stay in Fredonia. All workouts are open to the public.
Forty years ago – 1973
Fredonia High School golfer Ron Imel was one of 10 western New Yorkers qualifying for the state Golf Association Championships to be held in August in Elmira.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The first annual Approved Quarter Horse Show will be held opening day of the Chautauqua County Fair. The feature events will be three quarterhorse races, the largest purse set at $100.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The Dunkirk Board of Assessment Review denied a request from Niagara Mohawk (NiMo) to reduce the property assessment on its Dunkirk steam station from $185 million to $34 million. The decision is almost certain to be challenged in the courts by the power company. The company filed suit against the city last year when it refused to reduce the property assessment and that case is still pending.
Thirty years ago – 1983
A recent newsletter of the American Council of Railroad Women includes an article praising the organization’s surviving charter members “who came together some 39 years ago and whose faithful nurturing of the fledgling organization has given us a spirited Council which continues to revitalize us and our industry. Among the highly praised charter members is Mrs. Virginia Hoover of Fredonia.
Forty years ago – 1973
Official ceremonies opening Top of the Mark Restaurant, located above Mark’s Drive-In Inc. in Dunkirk were held recently. Co-owners are brothers Mark A. and J. Samuel Speziale.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Castle’s Market, 65 East Third St., Dunkirk is now offering one pound of free ham when a customer buys $10 worth of groceries, excluding beer and cigarettes.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The ongoing debate about Dunkirk’s Head Start program continued when Dunkirk Public Schools Superintendent Terry Wolfenden announced to the school board that she has received and is reviewing the Head Start contract for the upcoming year. Board member Henry “Hank” Serafin questioned why the contract, which was activated this past June, automatically went into effect before it was approved by the district. Wolfenden responded that the contract has been presented to the district in this fashion for the past 25 years?
Thirty years ago – 1983
The Chautauqua County Council On The Handicapped is waiting impatiently for city of Dunkirk officials to address the issue of handicapped accessibility to City Hall. The steep steps at every entrance to the building are a nearly insurmountable barrier to many handicapped persons, especially those in wheelchairs. As such, handicapped persons cannot attend common council meetings and public hearings, or pay their taxes and utility bills in person.
Forty years ago – 1973
The Puerto Rican Neutral Political Committee, a newly-formed group, will hold a reception for city and county elected officials. Frank Pagan is coordinator for the program.
Fifty years ago – 1963
According to Arden Putney, Chautauqua County Fair president, the county fair in Dunkirk is the third largest in the state – only Erie County’s in Hamburg and the State Fair in Syracuse are larger.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
In a Letter to the Editor, Christine Davis Mantai bemoans the impending closing of Sidey’s Department Store, a local institution. Now that the news is out that Sidey’s will officially close this summer, she recalls the upsetting decline in inventory for several months that left her with a chilly inner feeling. When the big bash sales started and continued for a long period of time, Mantai heard the death knell for what she regarded as the best place to shop in all of Chautauqua County. She claimed that shopping at Sidey’s made customers feel better about their whole lives, adding “Sidey’s wasn’t just a store. It was a state of mind.”
Thirty years ago – 1983
Former Dunkirk resident Edward Slominski has been named president and chairman of the board of Saga Systems Inc. of Fremont, Calif. The company is a new vendor of very small business computers with an international marketing organization. He is the son of the late Walter Slominski and Mrs. Mary Slominski of Castilia, Ohio, formerly of North Ermine Street, Dunkirk.
Forty years ago – 1973
Carl O. Olson Jr. of 25 University Park, Fredonia announced he is planning to charter a bus to take 35 or more people to and from Buffalo Bills home games this year.
Fifty years ago – 1963
C.W. “Doc” Lunger, chief pharmacist at Brooks Hospital in Dunkirk, announced his retirement. He said he plans to do extensive traveling and devote time to his favorite outdoor sports.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
A fine art photograph of Dunkirk Harbor emblazoned with fireworks was chosen as one of the first four candidates for the International Fireworks series of fine art posters available from the International Fireworks Fan Club. The “Dunkirk Harbor” selection has been made after thousands of people over the last six months responded by picking their favorite pieces from several fine art photographic exhibits based on fireworks. In celebration of this selection, the Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce will be selling the first release of this poster for a limited time.
Thirty years ago – 1983
A pizza sale by the Concerned Citizens for Retention of the Collins Center School is expected to be the biggest fundraiser of the many that have been held since the group formed to sponsor a legal battle against the closing of the neighborhood school. Legal bills will need to be paid as the group’s attorney, Philip Silver, is scheduled to present the case for keeping the school open in proceedings before the State Education Commission on July 19.
Forty years ago – 1973
Another in a series of “Summer ’73” big band concerts will be held in Dunkirk’s Washington Park tonight. Tony DiRusso will lead the 13-piece orchestra.
Fifty years ago – 1963
A 4-3 decision by the state Supreme Court of Appeals ruled that Henry Miller’s “Tropic of Cancer” is obscene. According to dissenting Judge Marvin Dye, a native of Forestville, the decision “is no more than an expression of individual view having no support aside from its own pronouncement.”
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Sgt. William A. Tornstrom of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department was awarded two trophies and a 9 mm Beretta firearm at the New York State Deputy Sheriff’s Convention held recently in Alexandria Bay. He was sponsored in this match by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department Employees Association. He also won a gold medal for first place shooter in the New York State Olympics which were held in Syracuse.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Vacationers at Van Buren Bay Point have been befriended by a goose they named “Charlie.” He is so tame it’s unbelievable, waddles along with the people when they walk, stops when they stop and even cuddles up to sunbathers. A vacationer from Hudson, Ohio, agreed to give Charlie a home and the goose has since left with his new family to begin life on a farm with his own pond.
Forty years ago – 1973
Mr. and Mrs. James Grupa, formerly of Main Street, are now at their new residence at 134 South Jerboa St., Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Sharon D. Truesdale of Lily Dale was crowned Lily Dale Queen at the annual firemen’s day dance there. A Cassadaga Valley High School senior, Sharon is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Truesdale.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Fredonia State has agreed to host sports officials from the four corners of the globe at the request of World University Games’ organizations. The World University Games are being played at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park. Being moved more than an hour away from the center of the games has angered most of the 250 sports officials on campus. Many sports officials said Fredonia State has gone out of its way to soothe a huge inconvenience created by the Games’ organizing committee.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Former Fredonia resident Brenda Day took the silver medal in Sambo competition at the National Sports Festival in Colorado Springs, Colo., on June 25. On July 3, she became the U.S. Junior National Judo champion (female) by taking the gold medal at a Decatur, Ill., competition.
Forty years ago – 1973
The Fredonia Fire Department announced that a committee has been formed to investigate possibilities for the construction of a new fire hall for the village.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Newly appointed Hanover Town Supervisor Hamilton Clothier conducted the recent meeting at which the board passed a resolution ordering the establishment of fire lanes and stop signs in the Sunset Bay area.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The Pomfret Republican Committee has endorsed Dr. Everett J. Phillips for supervisor. A college professor for 34 years, Dr. Phillips has been at Fredonia State for 23 of those years, currently serving as chairman of the athletic department. A first-time candidate for political office, Dr. Phillips hopes to bring his dedication to successful teamwork to town government.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Chautauqua County, because of skyrocketing welfare and Medicaid costs, is facing a $2 million budget deficit which could force it to borrow money and which could boost next year’s real estate taxes by up to $1 per $1000 true valuation. If the county does borrow to cover the red ink, it will be the first time since the days of the Great Depression of the 1930s that it would be forced to go to the banks to cover operating losses.
Forty years ago – 1973
The village of Fredonia’s gasoline tanks ran dry over the weekend. Apparently a vacationing village employee failed to leave notice to have them refilled. All village-owned vehicles, including those of the police and fire departments, obtained gas at a Main Street station owned by the company which supplies the village tanks.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Paul O’Brocta, manager of Golfers’ Haven on Route 5 across from Shorewood Country Club, announced the entire proceeds taken at the range tomorrow will be given to St. Joseph’s Farm and School on Bennett Road, Dunkirk.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Members of the Chautauqua County Legislature’s Agriculture and Economic Development Committee were startled to find out that Dunkirk has its own Industrial Development Agency. They seemed even more surprised to learn that this newly-discovered body wants to get together with the city and county in a deal where each would put up $8,000 to create a $24,000 fund that would pay for a consultant “to aggressively search for funding sources” for city development projects.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Construction will begin on a new building at the burned out site on West Main Street in Fredonia between the current location of the Marvel Unisex Beauty Salon and Hunter’s store, according to Margaret Valone, owner of the property. The site, which has been vacant since a fire destroyed the section of buildings 11 years ago, will be the new location of the Marvel Unisex Beauty Salon. The general contractor is Russ Valone.
Forty years ago – 1973
Attorney Clarence H. “Bert” Snyder has been elected to succeed Joseph Barone as president of the Dunkirk Board of Education. Norwood Barris was elected vice president and Constantine “Gus” Elias was elected clerk.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The Chautauqua County YMCA camp opened this month with the largest enrollment in its history. A total of 60 boys and girls from the Dunkirk-Fredonia area are enrolled for each of the two-week periods.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Kevin D. Carlson, formerly of Fredonia and a 1986 graduate of Fredonia High School, has been awarded an Emmy by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Mr. Carlson received the award at the 16th annual Emmy Awards Presentation of the Boston/New England Chapter, held in Boston. He won the Emmy for directing and editing “Copland’s Appalachian Spring.”
Thirty years ago – 1983
As a project leading to an Eagle Scout badge, Thomas L. Johnson, 16, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Johnson, 33 West Green St., Dunkirk has done extensive refurbishing work at the New York Avenue playground in Dunkirk. With the assistance of other scouts from Troop 254, he painted the fence, swing and slide; cleared out brush and weeds, fixed the backstop on the ballfield, filled in low spots and cleaned up litter. All material was supplied by the city.
Forty years ago – 1973
Shirley Gill of 735 Eagle St., Dunkirk has been hired as a temporary secretary in the Dunkirk city personnel office. She began her duties on July 10 and will be paid an hourly rate of $2.80.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Barbara Ann Gloede, 20, Miss Dunkirk-Fredonia, was crowned “Miss New York State of 1964” in Kingston. A Fredonia State senior, she will be our representative in the upcoming Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The Friends of the Dunkirk Free Library is a new organization formed to supplement activities and responsibilities of the library staff and to stimulate interest in, and support of, the library among area residents. The officers are: John Mancuso, president; Joan Dill, vice president; Doug Fenton, secretary; and Risha Formanowicz, treasurer.
Thirty years ago – 1983
No one knows for certain who labeled South Dayton the home of the littlest world’s fair, but the term came into being a number of years ago as the result of the fire department’s annual event, now known as Gala Days. For more than 30 years, the South Dayton Volunteer Fire Department has had “firemen’s days.” The term, “Home of the Littlest World’s Fair,” may have been first used to ridicule the affair, but as one old-time observed, “When South Dayton firemen are handed a lemon, they squeeze it for lemonade that sells.” And sell it does, as the two-evening carnival has now grown into a four-day event.
Forty years ago – 1973
Kathy Larson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David L. Larson, 93 West Fourth St., Dunkirk, was awarded the first-place trophy for her gymnastic routine, “Artist’s Life,” presented at the Summer Dance Festival in Buffalo.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The First Methodist Church in Dunkirk has acquired the J. E. Aular property at 609 Washington Ave., just south of the church. It is expected a church educational building will be erected there.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Former Book Nook employee Wendy Corsi Staub has realized her lifelong ambition of writing a book and seeing it published. Titled “Summer Lightning,” the book is a young adult supernatural thriller (Harper Collins Paperbacks). It has arrived at the bookstore in the D & F Plaza and the Dunkirk native has returned here for an autograph session and a 10-day visit with her family. The daughter of Reginald and Francella Corsi, Wendy credits her parents for inspiring her at an early age.
Thirty years ago – 1983
The Chautauqua County government administration has considered selling the County Home in Dunkirk to improve its financial picture for 1984, but has decided not to. A report from Acting County Executive David G. Dawson indicates that while there would be some immediate advantage to selling the home to private investors – in the long run the sale would not serve the best interests of the county or its taxpayers.
Forty years ago – 1973
The Four Seasons Beauty Shop, 15 Water St., Fredonia is holding its grand opening. Owner Lori Powell, a Westfield resident, is giving away special gifts and providing organ music and refreshments.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Van Buren Point cottage owners are up in arms after learning that the town of Portland raised their 29 percent assessed equalization rate to a new level of 70 percent.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The “Nina,” a replica of one of Christopher Columbus’ original ships, is due to arrive in Dunkirk today. The ship will be docked at the Central Avenue pier for four days. Built completely by hand and without the use of any power tools, Archaeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” The Nina was used in the production of the film “1492.” It was built in Bahia, Brazil by the Columbus Foundation which is based in the British Virgin Islands.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Dunkirk native Bob Muscato has been named the linebacker coach at Buffalo State College. His duties will also include special teams. Last season, Muscato served as the defensive line coach at Buffalo State. He is the former athletic director and head coach at Cardinal Mindszenty High School in Dunkirk. In addition, Muscato will remain as chairman of Physical Education at Turner High School.
Forty years ago – 1973
A second private ambulance service in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area is expected to be in operation by the end of the month. The service will be operated by brothers John and Stephen Cobb and will be based at 438 Deer St., Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The State Supreme Court has ordered the city of Dunkirk to reduce the property assessments on the S.S. Kresge Co., 324 Central Ave., and the Monroe Building, 300-304 Central Ave.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Edna Harter of Lily Dale has returned to her home after being hospitalized after an electrifying experience this past weekend. During a recent thunderstorm, Mrs. Harter, who is 78, put her hand on a water faucet as she was brushing her teeth. A bolt of lightning hit a tree near her home, traveled through the roots, then through the ground water to the water pipes and up to the faucet. She couldn’t let go of the faucet and she felt like her whole body was electric as the power kept building and building. Her ankles felt like they were surrounded by flames and it felt as if she was being singed under her skin. Once the electric surge subsided, she had trouble breathing.
Thirty years ago – 1983
In an OBSERVER photo, 9-year-old Lisa Emery smiles bravely as she reaches safety after a 60-foot fall into the Chautauqua County Gorge at Westfield. Lisa and a friend were playing along the steep bank when it gave way. Lisa went all the way to the bottom, landing near Chautauqua Creek. The other girl, Kathy Gallagher, hung on to a branch near the top. Westfield Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Squad members brought Lisa to safety on a stretcher.
Forty years ago – 1973
Key Club Lt. Gov. Don Tramuta, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Tramuta, 138 West Fifth St., Dunkirk is attending the 30th Key Club International Convention in Chicago. He is representing Silver Creek, Jamestown and Cardinal Mindszenty high schools.
Fifty years ago – 1963
New 36 by 24-inch metal, night-reflecting “City of Dunkirk” signs have been erected at the east and west boundaries of Dunkirk through the city’s traffic division headed by Lt. Clemens Lutz.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
It didn’t take that long for an unwanted family on Lafayette Avenue in Dunkirk to be run out of the neighborhood. The unlikely residents – a family of beavers – received less than a friendly welcome when they decided to build a dam across the end of a drainage pipe on the street. After their home was torn down twice by Dunkirk’s animal control officer Bob Meyer, the beavers finally took the hint and left. No one has seen them since and it’s being speculated that the beavers probably just decided to make their dam home somewhere else.
Thirty years ago – 1983
The Most Rev. Edward D. Head, bishop of the Roman Catholic diocese of Buffalo, will officiate at the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Michael J. Parker this evening in St. Hyacinth’s Church, Dunkirk. This is the first time in history a Dunkirk priest has been ordained in his home parish. The 7 o’clock ordination ceremony will be followed by a parish reception in the school auditorium.
Forty years ago – 1973
Facts about Fredonia include: nation’s first gas well, first Grange, first women’s temperance union, produced a world record power weightlifter and is home to world champion handkerchief crocheter Randall Geiger of Hamlet Street, who has crocheted for more than 70 years.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Helen Piersons of Stockton has been appointed outside guardian of the New York State Rebekah Assembly. An August reception in honor of Mrs. Piersons is being planned by members of the Stockton Star Rebekah Lodge, of which she is a member and past noble grand.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Lorraine Wilson is literally closing the books on a 32-year career as bookkeeper for the town of Westfield, reporting to the Westfield town supervisor. Her official duties also included serving as deputy town tax clerk, tax collector and court clerk to the town justice. Besides the many official hats she wore, Lorraine served as matron for the State Police when its barracks was located in Westfield.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Mrs. James R. (Helen M. Waite) Burlett of Fredonia was recently granted membership in the Society of Mayflower Descendants. Her acceptance was a culmination of years of research and preparation of lineage papers. She has proven she is a descendant of George Soule, one of the 100 Mayflower passengers who landed at “Plimouth Plantation” in the New World on Dec. 20, 1620 and one of the 41 men who signed the Compact Nov. 21, 1620 in the cabin of the Mayflower.
Forty years ago – 1973
Dunkirk-Fredonia’s first recycling center opened for business today. Called the Community Recycling Center, it is located on Park Avenue in the city.
Fifty years ago – 1963
As part of the company’s promotional campaign, Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. informed Irene Brinkman, 34 Newton St., Dunkirk and Mrs. Garland Scales of Angola that they were both winners of electric automatic dishwashers.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
In an OBSERVER photo, Matthew Pelletter of Silver Creek shows off an antique coffeemaker made by his father Louis, a tinsmith, back in 1901. Using his expertise, Louis constructed two percolators out of tin, one for himself and the other for his boss. Other than those two, no coffeemaker of this kind exists. The tin percolator was actually utilized in the old days, but has since been tucked away as part of the family’s history. Matthew brought it to the recent family reunion.
Thirty years ago – 1983
The winners of the Fredonia Farm Festival Little Miss and Princess contests have been announced. The winner of the Little Miss contest is Amanda Jo Morgan, daughter of Lee and Candy Morgan. She is 5 years old and lives on her parents’ grape farm on Christy Road, Fredonia. Jill Perlick is the winner of the Princess contest. She is the daughter of Richard and Sharon Perlick of Webster Road, Fredonia. Jill is active in the Girl Scouts.
Forty years ago – 1973
Irene Lamphear, a secretary at Fredonia State University College for 11 years, became the first college employee to receive a certificate of achievement for completing 30 hours of coursework under the continuing education program. Mrs. Lamphear maintained a 3.9 average out of a possible 4.0.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The Cassadaga Village Board has accepted the resignation of Police Officer Clifford Smith. His brother, Paul Smith, was named his successor, effective July 10.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Andrew J. Landis, M.D., has joined the medical staff at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk, specializing in internal medicine. Dr. Landis received his doctor of medicine degree in 1987 from the Aristotelion University of Thessaloniki in Greece. He is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University of Teaneck, N.J., where he received a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry. His office is located at 614 Central Ave., Dunkirk.
Thirty years ago – 1983
The only known copy of the Laona Times, a newspaper published in the 1840s, is on loan to the Historical Museum of the D.R. Barker Library as part of the exhibit on Laona and Shumla. The issue on exhibit, Vol. 1, No. 3 dated Dec. 26, 1840 has been owned by the Thies family of Laona for many years and is loaned by Mrs. Alice Thies Bachmann of Clarence, N.Y. The Laona Times was published semi-monthly by William Mason.
Forty years ago – 1973
The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department changed headgear today from the old Stetson-style straw hat to a new plastic helmet. After a two-month evaluation, the sheriff will decide whether or not they will remain part of the uniform.
Fifty years ago – 1963
John J. Manzella, son of Mrs. Laura Manzella, 124 Ruggles St., Dunkirk has completed state board requirements and has received a license to practice hairdressing and cosmetology in New York State. He will manage and operate the Fashion-Ette Beauty Salon, which will open in the near future in the Park Avenue Hotel.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
Mark Cole, a student at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School in Dunkirk was grand prize winner in a countywide “Special Senior Citizen” essay contest. Mark chose to write about his grandmother, Frances Cole.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Miss Diane Banach, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Florian Banach of Ounce Street, Dunkirk, has been awarded the Alfred E. and Irma T. Jones Pharmaceutics Award at the State University of New York at Buffalo. The award is given to the most deserving student entering the final academic year in the department of pharmaceutics. Miss Banach will begin her senior year studies in September.
Forty years ago – 1973
Richard Carrus has left for Gaudet College in Washington, D.C., to prepare for the World Deaf Games in Sweden this summer. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Carrus Jr., Main Street, Dunkirk, Richard won a gold medal last year, earning a spot on the U.S. Deaf Team.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Silver Creek Central School teachers held a farewell party this week at Foit’s Restaurant honoring Stanley Swift, who is retiring after serving as school custodian for the past 33 years.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The search for a city of Dunkirk police chief took a new twist when the two leading candidates, Lts. Sam Campese and James Vandevelde, did not make the civil service list for the position. Only two of the seven police department veterans who took the test passed – Officer Roy Marvin was ranked second with a score of 76 and Officer Mark Czekanski was ranked fifth with a 70. Ranked number one on the list was Diane Willard of Hamburg with a rating of 86. Fredonia Police Sgt. Wade Weatherlow was third with a 75 rating. Campese had been Mayor Margaret Wuerstle’s choice for chief prior to the testing.
Thirty years ago – 1983
H. Kirk Williams, president and publisher of the OBSERVER, announces the appointment of Henry K. “Mike” Williams IV to the position of general manager of the company. Mike joined the newspaper in 1976 as a reporter and then became news wire and front page editor. He has been serving as vice president and secretary of the corporation and editorial page editor and will continue in those positions.
Forty years ago – 1973
The Federal Communications Commission has given Dunkirk permission to build a cable television station in the city.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The School 1 Parents-Teachers Association has been officially disbanded due to the closing of the school. Mrs. Jack Scott presided at the final meeting.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The Pepsi-Cola Co., which has about a third of the domestic soft-drink market, launched a media blitz today with newspaper ads to reassure consumers that its needle-in-the-can scare is over. The company declared complaints of objects such as hypodermic needles, syringes, a crack cocaine vial, screws and a bullet being found in Diet Pepsi cans to be a hoax. Meanwhile, police arrested people all over the country for falsely claiming they had found dangerous objects in their drinks.
Thirty years ago – 1983
At a recent Brocton-Portland Civic Association meeting, this year’s winners of annual awards were announced. Joseph Barreca of Brocton is the recipient of the Outstanding Citizen Award and David Miller of Miller’s Market, Portland will receive the Outstanding Merchant Award. The awards will be presented during the Brocton-Portland Summer Fest ’83.
Forty years ago – 1973
At the Colony Restaurant in Irving, the National Business and Professional Women’s Club presented the Silver Creek chapter with second place for the civic participation entry made by Dorothy Mangano.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Among seven county YMCA youths selected to attend the 10th National Hi-Y Congress in Northfield, Minn., are Sheryl Howard, 275 Temple St., Fredonia and Linda Taddio, 77 Howard St., Fredonia.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1993
The Barcelona Harbor Commission recently held discussions concerning a memorial to be placed at the Dan Reed Pier in memory of former member Tom Nundy. The memorial, which will be purchased with donations, will consist of an engraved bronze plaque mounted in stone. A flowering crabtree will also be planted in the pier area. Mr. Nundy was a well-known local businessman and a longtime active member of the commission.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Debi Ivett, 16, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Ivett, RD 3, Forestville is the Calendar Girl for the Month of July. A senior at Pine Valley Central School, she served as the treasurer of the Student Association during her junior year. Debi will be a 3-1-3 student at Fredonia State University College during the 1983-84 school year and plans to continue her education in psychology at Fredonia State or Buffalo State University.
Forty years ago – 1973
If plans unveiled yesterday are approved by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the village of Fredonia will build its new sewage plant on Route 5 and will provide service to the West Town of Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The recent election of Giovanni Battista Montini as Pope Paul VI has particular significance to Dunkirk and Fredonia churches. The Rev. Vito Sebben, pastor of St. Anthony’s Church, Fredonia told the OBSERVER that the newly-elected pontiff was a papal representative of the Eucharistic Congress of Ottawa when he visited as a guest at St. Anthony’s Church in 1948.