Twenty years ago — 1993
Dunkirk Mayor Margaret Wuerstle said she plans to approve a new local law establishing a midnight curfew for all youths under the age of 17. Mayor Wuerstle stated her answering machine is jammed with messages from residents who want me to sign the law. She added that people have to understand the police have priorities and enforcing the curfew cannot take precedence over other, more important calls.
Thirty years ago – 1983
It was a joyful and unexpected reunion for two college buddies who hadn’t seen each other for 21 years. Joe Namath, the famous former quarterback for the New York Jets and Richard “Rich” Mangano of Philadelphia, a Silver Creek native and local high school football star, recently met. Their days at the University of Alabama as freshmen football players were reminisced during a chance meeting at a Philadelphia dinner theater. Mangano and his wife Sandra were guests of “Broadway Joe” for dinner later in the week.
Forty years ago – 1973
Chautauqua County American Legion Commander Samuel Privatera of Fredonia will be among other local legionnaires departing for the national American Legion Convention in Hawaii.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Barbara Ann Gloede, former Miss Dunkirk-Fredonia, Miss New York State and upcoming Miss America contestant, sang “Wouldn’t It Be Lover-ly” for a radio program today at Rusch’s Restaurant.
Twenty years ago — 1993
Former Fredonia resident Robert Suggett recently received a medal 51 years after the incident for which he was honored. The medal, which honored his heroic efforts against the German attack on Russia during World War II, was engraved with the signature of Russian President Boris Yeltsin and was accompanied by an invitation to meet with the Russian leader in Moscow. Mr. Suggett will always be remembered as one of the most decorated World War II servicemen in New York state.
Thirty years ago – 1983
“The Electric Ice Company,” the professional skating company rehearsing at Fredonia State, has set a London box office record three weeks before its opening performance. An elated Robin Cousins and former Canadian champion Brian Pokar, received word at the college ice arena that first day box office sales had exceeded all previous London West End theatre district records for single day sales. Cousins praised the staff at Fredonia State for all the assistance the group has received.
Forty years ago – 1973
John Balon, Silver Creek Festival of Grapes committee president, announced that Jean Valvo, first vice president, has charge of the headquarters while fourth vice president, James Everhardt, has charge of the equestrian parade.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The Rev. Basil Cavanaugh C.P., has been installed as pastor at St. Mary’s Monastery Church on Washington Avenue in Dunkirk, following a testimonial before church trustees Daniel F. Kane and John H. Schilling.
Twenty years ago — 1993
An OBSERVER photo by Bill West of Dunkirk Marauder Brian Crawford sliding into home plate in a cloud of dust as the umpire signals safe has been appearing in newspapers across the country – from San Francisco to San Juan, Puerto Rico to the New York Times. Most recently, Life Magazine printed the shot, an explosion of gray and black and white. The magazine referred to Brian as The Invisible Man – engulfed in a cloud of powdery dust. An Associated Press editor wrote to Mr. West: “Not a clear call for the umpire, but a clear call for me. Great photo!”
Thirty years ago – 1983
By a vote of 3 to 1, the town of Dunkirk Zoning Board of Appeals denied the appeal for a variance request by Twin Fair Properties Inc. of Buffalo for a 95 by 139-foot addition to the north side of Hills Department Store, which would have housed a Fay’s Drug Store. One of the main concerns of the Zoning Board was the possibility of traffic congestion as a result of cars entering the parking lot and stopping in front of the proposed drug store to drop off or pick up passengers.
Forty years ago – 1973
Edgar P. Smith of RD 2, Forestville has been appointed general foreman of the forge department at the Dunkirk plant of the True Temper Corp.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The first practice for the Fredonia Orioles football team will be held today at the Orioles field on Chautauqua Road.