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Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

Plans were unveiled for a new high-tech recycling operation in the former Great Lakes Color Printing Co. complex in Dunkirk that is expected to result in more than 60 jobs during the first year of operation and more than 100 jobs by the third year. Called the Dunkirk International Glass and Ceramic Corp., the company will recycle broken television picture tubes as well as emission control dust and fly-ash from the aluminum industry.

Thirty years ago – 1983

The dedication and ribbon-cutting of the newly completed field house at Fredonia State University College will highlight the college’s Homecoming weekend, Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Main speaker for the dedication ceremony is L. Budd Thalman, vice president for public relations for the Buffalo Bills. The official dedication of the fieldhouse will signify the conclusion of the college’s physical expansion which began in 1967.

Forty years ago – 1973

The Tri-County Emergency Citizens Band Communications Association is holding a meeting at the Cloverleaf Restaurant near Angola.

Fifty years ago – 1963

Mrs. Stephen Harris of Shorewood Drive, Dunkirk, has assumed the leadership of the Dunkirk Neighborhood Girl Scout Service Team. She replaces Mrs. Edward Beatty, who has resigned.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

Carmen Maria Nieves of King Street, Dunkirk was recently discharged from the U.S. Army at Fort Drum, N.Y., after completing four years with the military. A 1983 graduate of Dunkirk High School, Miss Nieves is attending Fredonia State University College, majoring in business administration. Her parents are Raul and Luz Nieves of Erie.

Thirty years ago – 1983

The new state Returnable Container Law, which went into full force on Sept. 12, is causing inconveniences for consumers and retailers alike. Commonly called “the Bottle Bill,” the Returnable Container Law requires that a 5-cent deposit be charged on glass, plastic and metal containers of beer, malt beverages, mineral water, soda water and soft drinks.

Forty years ago – 1973

Steven Glasier was crowned Bonny 9 Prince of the Festival of Grapes in Silver Creek. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Glasier of Newell Road, Sheridan. Daniel Seneca, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Seneca of Milestrip Road, Irving, was the first runnerup.

Fifty years ago – 1963

A new Newman Club Center at Fredonia State University College has opened at 111 Temple St. The Rev. Andrew Reid Fuller has been appointed to serve as chaplain of the Newman Club.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

Albert Bulger, currently completing two decades of service to the town of Stockton as supervisor and councilman, was presented with a citizenship award. This honor was bestowed on him at the annual Stockton Old Fashioned Days celebration. Also honored was Stockton Superintendent Arthur Nist who will be leaving office at the end of the year. Edmund Berndt, 88, was honored as the oldest man present at the event and at 94, Ann Putnam Miller was unquestionably the oldest woman.

Thirty years ago – 1983

The ‘Debt-Free’ Dunkirk Club held a mortgage burning and dinner party with about 100 members and guests attending. Special guests were Miss Teresa Schober and Miss Frances Schober, both of Dunkirk. The property was purchased 12 years ago from the John Hayes estate. Formed in 1902, the club met originally in the Stearns building on Central Avenue in Dunkirk.

Forty years ago – 1973

“June,” a state registered Holstein owned by Donald and Robert Crowell of South Dayton, has set a new food production record, according to the Holstein-Friesian Association of America. In 363 days, June gave 30,210 lbs. of milk and produced 981 lbs. of buttermilk.

Fifty years ago – 1963

Mrs. Frank Newman, Miss Barbara Damon and Miss Marlene Newman of Dunkirk have returned from Syracuse where they attended the graduation of Gerald Newman from Simmons School of Mortuary Science.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

Silver Creek Optical Inc., at 41 West Main St., Silver Creek recently held a frame show along with a grand opening of their completely remodeled facilities. Over 600 frames in every style and price range were featured and a wine and cheese reception was held. Optician John Ford was presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the village of Silver Creek. The firm has served the area for more than 20 years.

Thirty years ago – 1983

Milton and Helen Williams, parents of Vanessa Williams, the newly-crowned Miss America, are both Fredonia State University College music department graduates, Mr. Williams in 1957 and his wife, the former Helen Tinch, in 1960. Mr. Williams studied saxophone and his wife was a voice major. Vanessa Williams is the first black in the pageant’s 63-year history to receive the coveted Miss America crown.

Forty years ago – 1973

Ethel Huggins, 25 Brewer St., Westfield, won $50,000 in the state lottery. Her ticket was purchased at Loblaws, her local grocery store.

Fifty years ago – 1963

Matt Burns, L. Eddy, Buddy Hooker, Craig Hopkins, Elmer Keith, Frank Keller, Kent Lawhead, Robert Nichols, George Shephard and John Sullivan have been initiated into Fredonia Memorial American Legion Post 59.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

A contest to design a statue depicting President Abraham Lincoln’s meeting with Grace Bedell, a Westfield resident, has been announced by the Lincoln-Bedell Statue Committee. The committee is asking all artists entering this contest to consider any poses or posturing that will represent the historic meeting between the two. Estimates of over $100,000 have been made for the statue which will be cast in bronze. The site of the old Grand Theater at Main and Portage streets is where the statue will be placed.

Thirty years ago – 1983

The Great Lakes Color Printing Corp. today announced it will proceed immediately with plans to install a new offset printing press in its Dunkirk plant and expects to have the machine in operation by next March. Addition of the new heatset-offset press will add about 20 persons to the plant payroll, which now numbers about 400.

Forty years ago – 1973

Kenneth L. Canfield of Wellsville, formerly of 146 Maple Ave. and 142 Ruggles St., Dunkirk has earned a Ph.D. in philosophy from Buffalo State University College. Dr. Canfield is a graduate of Dunkirk High School, Class of 1954.

Fifty years ago – 1963

This week’s “Pet of the Week” is a rat terrier named “Tootsie,” who belongs to Laurie and Valerie Etzel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Etzel, 629 Deer St., Dunkirk.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

A new Bob Evans restaurant is now under construction at Route 60 and Vineyard Drive in the town of Dunkirk near the new Kmart store. The project is expected to take several months to complete. When finished, it will be the familiar red Bob Evans building and offer area residents a new place to eat.

Thirty years ago – 1983

An 11-year-old South Dayton boy has become a celebrity in his community. Dennis Gould, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gould of Cherry Street, landed a speaking role in “The Natural,” with the film’s star, Robert Redford. In one scene, as a train is pulling away from the station, Redford throws a baseball to Dennis, who then shouts, “Hey mister, what’s your name?” The famous actor replies, “Roy Hobbs.” Dennis was given the baseball used in the scene on which Redford wrote, “Thanks for your help.”

Forty years ago – 1973

The annual harvest festival and sharing of gifts will be held today at the Sheridan United Methodist Church. In this way, the congregation and friends have the chance to tangibly express their gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

Fifty years ago – 1963

More than 100 Dunkirk High School students, including home room chairmen and co-chairmen, class officers, Student Council members and representatives from school organizations, began a special class, “The American Way,” taught by John J. Mancuso of Dunkirk. Throughout the year, students learn rational problem solving techniques and about democracy in general.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

In its fourth annual ranking of 989 leading colleges and universities, MONEY magazine has listed Fredonia State University College as one of the top 25 best buys in the northeastern United States. The listing appears in Money Guide, MONEY magazine’s 1994 issue of “Best College Buys.” Fredonia appears 16th on the list flanked by Wellesley College (15th) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (17).

Thirty years ago – 1983

The owner of Marsh Foundry, located on Brigham Road in Dunkirk, confirmed this morning that the plant building is up for sale. Owner Jack Mosher added that there are no plans to shut down company operations if the building is sold, but that current evaluations of business indicate the need for a smaller or different type of building. If the present building is sold, the company intends to find another building in Dunkirk and to stay in business.

Forty years ago – 1973

The H.C. Ehlers Co. Inc., a 101-year-old furniture business, does not plan to go out of business even if their building at 400 Central Ave., Dunkirk is sold to the city’s Urban Renewal Agency. Russell Morey, Ehlers vice president and general manager, said today the store may be forced to move, however.

Fifty years ago – 1963

The Roll Arena Skating Rink at the County Fairgrounds, off Central Avenue in Dunkirk, is now open for its 18th consecutive season, according to proprietor and manager Pete Vitello.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

The congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church in Silver Creek hosted a farewell dinner for the Rev. David Batchelder and his family after the Sunday morning worship service. This was the pastor’s first parish following his graduation from Concordia Theological Seminary. Next Sunday, Pastor Batchelder will be installed as pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Mashpee, Mass.

Thirty years ago – 1983

David S. Coulson, son of Mr. and Mrs. David H. Coulson, 1516 Silver Lane, Silver Creek is one of about 15,000 young men and women across the country honored as semi-finalists in the 1984 National Merit Scholarship Competition. He is the only student in Chautauqua County to be named as a semi-finalist. David hopes to study aeronautical engineering in college.

Forty years ago – 1973

Former Dunkirk High School football star Bob Barlette, now a halfback for the Syracuse University Orangemen, can be seen today on the college “Game of the Week.” Last week, Dunkirk’s Dave Graf was seen on television as Penn State defeated Stanford. Graf is a defensive end for Penn State which today visits Navy.

Fifty years ago – 1963

Connie Schultz, a parishioner at St. Rose of Lima Church, Forestville was named treasurer of the Northern Chautauqua Deanery, National Council of Catholic Women, at the first annual installation in St. Mary’s church hall, Dunkirk.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

Plans to locally manufacture a new type of high-commercial oven were unveiled at a press conference in Sheridan. Ty Cross of South Roberts Road said he and his partner, Terry Velenti of Tonawanda, have named their device the Cornerstone Rotary Oven and hope to start building them somewhere in the Sheridan area as soon as financing can be found. Designed by Mr. Velenti, the Cornerstone takes up only 24 square feet of floor space and can cook as many as 300 large pizzas per hour using a 12-shelf rotary system inside the oven. The cost is $8,000, but the oven is so fuel efficient it will pay for itself within three years, according to Mr. Cross.

Thirty years ago – 1983

Silka Raub, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Raub of First Street, South Dayton is the recipient of the Elbridge A. Stuart Scholarship. The $2,100 annual award is given by the Carnation Co. to the son or daughter of an employee. A graduate of Pine Valley Central School, Silka is an elementary education major at Fredonia State University College.

Forty years ago – 1973

Mrs. Paul Bulick, organizer and tour conductor of the Fredonia Spanish Club travel group, will meet with members at the White Inn to discuss the Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bali and Hawaii tour.

Fifty years ago – 1963

Mrs. Roy Olmstead has been elected president of the Cassadaga Memorial Unit 1280, American Legion Auxiliary. Mrs. Ernest Bernard is first vice president.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

A wet towel hung over a lighted lamp is listed as the apparent cause of a recent house fire that forced 10 Fredonia State University College students out of the housing unit. Sixty firemen were called to the site of the blaze at 7 Central Ave., Fredonia. All the occupants were forced to find housing elsewhere with the aid of college officials. No injuries were reported. The property is owned by Tim Smith and Mike Rowan of Brocton.

Thirty years ago – 1983

Richard and Lynne Stuczynski of West Sheridan Drive in Sheridan are the chosen grandfather and grandmother who will serve as host and hostess for the Fredonia-Pomfret Family Day in Russell R. Joy Park, the same day National Grandparents Day is celebrated. Mr. and Mrs. Stuczynski, who own and operate the Convenient Food Mart on Temple Street in Fredonia, were selected from letters submitted to the Fredonia Chamber of Commerce by grandchildren to enter their grandparents in the annual contest.

Forty years ago – 1973

Senior class officers at Brocton Central High School for this school year are: Jaye Hill, president; Cynthia Franze, vice president; Cynthia Marx, secretary; and Daniel Barnes, treasurer.

Fifty years ago – 1963

Paul Kurgan recently announced the opening of a second Shearer’s store under his ownership in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area. The store officially opened Sept. 15 in the Dunkirk-Fredonia Plaza.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

A new Movie World, a larger version of the current Movie World, is under construction on Vineyard Drive in Dunkirk next to the former Ames building. It is expected to be completed some time in November. The new store, which will measure 7,040 square feet, will feature an expanded children’s playground and between 15,000 to 16,000 movie selections.

Thirty years ago – 1983

A total of 11 computers and a printer greeted returning Ripley Central School students. Voters in the school district approved the use of an excess of funds from the 1982-83 school year for the computer purchase, according to High School Principal Albert D’Attilio. About 20 students have signed up for the new computer classes. It is expected, however, that over 100 students will have exposure to the computers this year and this number will increase greatly over the next few years.

Forty years ago – 1973

According to an announcement by the D-F Chapter, National Organization of Women (NOW), Rose Sebouhian, Joanne Schweik and Grace Knaak will present “Sexism in Schools and Textbooks” at the state conference in Binghamton.

Fifty years ago – 1963

Three local youths have enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. They are: Lawrence Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Smith of Crestwood Drive, Dunkirk; Robert E. Clark, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Clark of Dove Street, Dunkirk; and John Cerrito, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Cerrito of Douglas Street, Fredonia.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

The first annual Brooks Hospital Charity Day proved to be a very successful event in helping the hospital better meet the health care needs of the northern Chautauqua County community. A total of $4,000 was raised to purchase much-needed equipment.

Thirty years ago – 1983

Dr. Charles W. Hannum, DDS, has entered private practice with Dr. Anthony R. Leone, DDS whose office is located at 53 Temple Square in Fredonia. A 1975 graduate of Fredonia High School, Dr. Hannum completed a six-year accelerated dental program at Case Western Reserve University Dental School in Cleveland, Ohio. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Hannum of Shore Acres, Dunkirk, he is residing in Fredonia with his wife, Cynthia.

Forty years ago – 1973

Tom and Sheri Dispenza, children of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dispenza of Kinney Street, Brocton were both first place winners in several baton twirling categories during a contest at Revere High School in Akron, Ohio.

Fifty years ago – 1963

The Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce agreed to let one industrial member per month display its product in its office window. This month features the Van Raalte Corp., which chose to outfit a mannequin in its newest slips and gowns.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

The outcome of the second annual OBSERVER Roster Contest came down to the tiebreaker. From among more than 200 entries, Frank Benamati and Chet Ball, both of Fredonia, came closest to selecting the Bills’ 45-game roster for their first game of the season against New England. Each had 42 correct selections. Benamati predicted the Bills would win, 35-13, only four points off the actual score of 38-14 Bills.

Thirty years ago – 1983

A Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated at St. Hyacinth Church in honor of the Rev. Anthony Struzynski, OFM, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his profession as a Franciscan. Father Struzynski, a native of Dunkirk, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Struzynski of South Ermine Street, Dunkirk. An alumnus of St. Hyacinth School and Dunkirk High School, he received a Ph.D. in theology from Notre Dame University. He was recently appointed director of formation for the Franciscans in Philadelphia.

Forty years ago – 1973

The Rev. Philip W. Lord will assume rectorship of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Dunkirk Sunday by celebrating the Holy Eucharist at the two morning Masses.

Fifty years ago – 1963

Jerome P. Wasag defeated incumbent Harold T. Stumpf in the Democratic primary race for city engineer in Dunkirk. Mr. Wasag, 28, is a graduate of Dunkirk High School and Tri-State College in Angola, Ind., with a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering. The Republican Party has not yet fielded an opponent for the November balloting.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

Cheryl A. Catalano, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John G. Catalano, 604 Roosevelt Ave., Dunkirk is serving an internship with CNN Business News in New York City. She is taking a leave of absence from her current position in corporate communications at Pitney Bowes World Headquarters in Stamford, Conn. A part-time student at the University of New Haven Graduate School, she recently completed a summer internship at WTNH Channel 8 in New Haven.

Thirty years ago – 1983

A local man, working as a movie extra in the South Dayton film sequences of “The Natural,” has now been hired to play a bit part in the movie. Adrian “Ade” Westlund, Wardtown Road, Perrysburg, was chosen for the role of a carnival barker during an unscheduled audition that took place at the carnival set. Relying on his past experience as a barker in local firemen’s carnivals and as a square dance caller, he just improvised a spiel to hawk the “three throws for a nickel.” The movie people were so impressed with his spontaneous demonstration that they hired him on the spot.

Forty years ago – 1973

It has been learned that an anonymous donor has come to the aid of the Cardinal Mindszenty High School basketball program by providing the money for a $450 rebounding machine, which is now in operation.

Fifty years ago – 1963

Roswell Park Institute in Buffalo, the state’s cancer research and treatment center, called on cigarette manufacturers to print health warnings on cigarette packages.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

Dunkirk Mayor Margaret Wuerstle has called for a special public meeting to discuss problems being experienced in the city’s First Ward. There have been numerous reports of criminal mischief throughout the summer, cases of elderly residents being harassed by young adults, and motorists being blocked by roving groups. Numerous reports of cult-type activities in the area is another ongoing concern.

Thirty years ago – 1983

This week’s People in Profile features Len Ensalaco, a Dunkirk barber for nearly 60 years now – a career which spans from childhood days of cleaning spittoons for 50 cents a week to “free haircut” days during the Depression to today’s modern hair salons. The longtime barber began working in a barber shop at 11 years old, helping with odd jobs for which he was paid $3 a week after three years. His current barbershop is on Lark Street, where it has been located for the past 27 years.

Forty years ago – 1973

Beginning next week, the Dunkirk city dump will be taken over by Chautauqua County, resulting in the city saving about $22,000 per month, according to figures obtained from the city engineer’s office.

Fifty years ago – 1963

The federal minimum wage went from $1.15 to $1.25 an hour, providing an estimated 2.6 million workers with pay increases ranging up to 10 cents an hour.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

Former Dunkirk resident Gary Bajdas, an employee of the Ford Stamping Plant, recently received a $14,000 incentive award from the company. He suggested a device for avoiding auto panel damage during shipment to distant Ford plants. A 21-year employee, Mr. Bajdas won a smaller award in 1992. He is the son of Edward T. and Clara Bajdas of Cheektowaga, formerly of Dunkirk.

Thirty years ago – 1983

Calendar Girl of the Month is Lucy DeJoe, daughter of Eileen DeJoe and the late Anthony DeJoe, 120 Cushing St., Fredonia. A senior cheerleader, she also is a member of the swim team, Spanish Club, Science Club and Key Club. Lucy is an active parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church. She plans to attend Monroe Community College to pursue a career in dental hygiene.

Forty years ago – 1973

Gowanda fighters scheduled to appear on tonight’s eight-bout card at the Buffalo Boys Town Gym on Vernon Street are 125-pound Archie Kettle, 115-pound Darwin Huff, 147-pound Jim Jones and 144-pound Laverne Stevens. The main event will feature Gowanda’s heavyweight, Markey Jimerson, against Rochester’s Jim Brown.

Fifty years ago – 1963

A hamster belonging to Pauline Ginley, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ginley, 113 Nevins St., Dunkirk, is going to be well fed, for sure. Pauline said she grew sunflowers because her pet enjoys seeds – one plant, however, reached a height of 14 1/2 feet.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

In a touching OBSERVER photo by Charles Lewis, James Fisk Jr. hugs his daughter, Nicole, before leaving her in her kindergarten class in the new wing of Fredonia’s Wheelock School. Today marked the first day of school in Fredonia, while most other districts’ first day of classes will be tomorrow.

Thirty years ago – 1983

The Fredonia Village Board unanimously passed a new open container law at its regular meeting immediately following a public hearing that was held on the subject. The law, which goes into effect immediately, prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages in certain public places, such as any vehicle, public sidewalk, street, highway, parking lot or public park. Each violation is punishable by a fine not to exceed $250, imprisonment for a period not to exceed 15 days or both.

Forty years ago – 1973

The first female officer in the 56-year history of the New York State Troopers was officially accepted into the State Police Academy during a swearing-in ceremony held Sept. 6.

Fifty years ago – 1963

The First Portland Baptist Church of Brocton and the Westfield Baptist Church are competing in a challenge to build Sunday School attendance this month. Awards will be given at a rally ending the event.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

The local “Share-A-Dream” effort, scheduled for Sept. 11, has taken off in gigantic proportions. About 100 tractor-trailer trucks, supplied by local trucking companies and private owner/operators, will take part in the second annual caravan ride through Northern Chautauqua County. The event was organized two years ago by the Fredonia Chamber of Commerce. It offers children with life-threatening diseases and their families the opportunity to do something they might never have done.

Thirty years ago – 1983

The Hose 4 Murraymen Senior Drum and Bugle Corps of Dunkirk recently traveled to Watertown where they competed in the New York State Volunteer Firemen’s Association parade and placed first in the senior drum and bugle corps category. The win completes their triple crown for 1983 which includes winning the Southwestern, Western and state titles.

Forty years ago – 1973

James F. Bifaro, a Silver Creek native, has been promoted to industrial financing officer of the Buffalo branch of the Marine Midland Bank -Western.

Fifty years ago – 1963

The Village Squire, 22 W. Main St., Fredonia recently featured vocalist Jill Jeffers in a return engagement direct from Pittsburgh’s Holiday House. She was accompanied by the Squire Duet.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

Henry’s Hair Co. was recently recognized at an awards ceremony held at the Hilton in Buffalo as one of the top 35 Paul Mitchell Salons in the Western New York, Rochester and Erie, Pa., area. Owner Henry Pucciarelli and his employee Jennifer Mackowiak, were presented with an award by John Paul DeJoria, owner of Paul Mitchell Products. Well-known in the industry, DeJoria was one of the select few to have his wedding featured in a recent bridal edition of People magazine.

Thirty years ago – 1983

Rep. Stan Lundine (D-Jamestown) implied today that the Dunkirk-Fredonia community will continue to face economic problems because the area is “tied heaviest to steel.” Lundine said prospects for steel are not good and that worldwide, there is more steelmaking capacity than demand. He added that the economic recovery that is being experienced nationally is not having much of an impact in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area at this time because most local industries are “suppliers” rather than manufacturers. Currently, manufacturers are using up their inventories before buying from suppliers.

Forty years ago – 1973

Due to lack of funds, the Dunkirk Historical Society is considering dropping its plans to purchase the Fullagar-Abell House at 429 Central Ave. in the city. The society, formed last spring, planned to use the house for a museum.

Fifty years ago – 1963

Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace, who pledged “segregation forever” when inaugurated, today cooperated with the federal government, and for the first time in that state, desegregated all-white public schools.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

Featured in a Labor Day edition is Michael “Mike” Laurito, who began working for the Red Wing Corp. two months out of high school. He was told at the end of the 1968 tomato season that his chances for a permanent job were “not real good.” That was 25 years ago and Mike says, “I’m still here.” He is a jam and jelly cook at the Fredonia plant who feels his employment at Red Wing has been “a good opportunity,” noting that he has worked steady and has never been laid off.

Thirty years ago – 1983

Vee Neal Airlines, based at Erie International Airport in Erie, Pa., has proposed two Dunkirk-to-Buffalo flights each day and two Buffalo-to-Dunkirk flights. The 30-minute flights to Buffalo would depart Dunkirk Airport at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. each day with the two returning flights from Buffalo International Airport scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. The aircraft, a Piper Navajo capable of handling seven passengers, would be based in Dunkirk with a crew from the area. It also would be available for charter.

Forty years ago – 1973

Damage is expected to approach one-half million dollars in an early morning fire which destroyed the Triple E Produce Packing House on Pecor Street in Portland. More than 200 firemen from six area departments responded to battle the blaze between 2 and 6 a.m. Arson is suspected.

Fifty years ago – 1963

Members of the Fredonia Village Board made public their comments on the Fredonia disposal plant. Board members praised the facility as “one of the most modern in the world,” noting that recent additions and improvements have much enhanced the value of the plant.

Retrospective

Twenty years ago – 1993

Work on the delayed project to construct an addition to the Chautauqua County Jail may begin as soon as next week. A new contract is in the works with L.G. Hall Construction of Dunkirk. Currently, there are 175 prisoners being held at the jail. This population is “above capacity, but we are coping,” said Chautauqua County Sheriff John Bentley.

Thirty years ago – 1983

Guy K. Sievert Jr., son of Guy and Sara Sievert of Dunkirk, has been appointed dean of students at the University of Portland in Oregon. He will serve on the president’s council and the university’s board of regents. He is responsible for student-related programs, including the counseling services, residence halls, health services and career placement. The University of Portland is a private Catholic university with about 3,000 students.

Forty years ago – 1973

Roy H. Madden, vice president and manager of the Dunkirk branch of the Niagara Permanent Savings and Loan Association, was busy inspecting the newest office in the city at East Fourth Street and Washington Avenue today.

Fifty years ago – 1963

The “Carole Joanne” style shirtwaist dresses are on special this week at G.C. Murphy Co., Fredonia. The dresses, made of 100 percent cotton and designed with roll-up sleeves, are advertised for $2.50 each.

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