Twenty years ago — 1993
Petitions requesting home U.S. Postal delivery for Brocton residents will soon be available at the bank, village clerk’s office, the hardware store and the American Legion. Advantages to home delivery include the convenience of it and the credit card companies and other businesses prefer to deliver to an address rather than to a post office box. Home delivery requires mail to be placed in a mailbox and if there is outgoing mail, the carrier has to pick it up. In addition, any packages have to be delivered to the home. Petitions will be collected for 30 days and then sent to the Buffalo U.S. Postal office which will study the issue and report back to the village.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Mrs. Jenny Andrasik of Dunkirk and the Mmes. Angie Merrill and Helen Thompson of Fredonia have returned from a two-week tour of Catholic Europe commemorating the Holy Year. The women toured France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, where they had an audience with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican and following the audience, they met briefly with the Rev. Joseph Gatto.
Forty years ago – 1973
Esther Ahrens of 39 Forbes Place Fredonia, bookkeeper at George Ray Inc. for the past 16 years, was honored recently at a retirement party held at the White Inn in Fredonia.
Fifty years ago – 1963
The Silver Creek Nurses Group netted more than $600 from a two-day rummage, gift and baked goods sales. All proceeds will go toward furnishing the Lake Shore Inter-Community Hospital in Irving.
Twenty years ago — 1993
Two OBSERVER editorial department staff members are among the winners in the annual New York State Associated Press Association writing and photo contests. Staff photographer Charles Lewis won second place in the sports photo category for a picture entitled “Chin-Up” which was taken during a Brocton High School baseball game in May. It shows a runner from third base colliding with the other team’s catcher at home plate. Staff writer Bill Dill received an “honorable mention” in the feature story category for a column entitled “Will Work For Food,” about a homeless man living in a field off Vineyard Drive.
Thirty years ago – 1983
Lech Walesa, the Gdansk shipyard electrician who founded Poland’s now-banned Solidarity trade union to ignite an unprecedented mass movement for freedom under a Communist regime, won the 1983 Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced in Oslo, Norway.
Forty years ago – 1973
Trinity Lutheran Church of Silver Creek celebrated its 90th anniversary with a special afternoon service on Oct. 14. More than 1500 people attended the dedication in August 1883, about one month following its completion.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Jeanette Barbeau taught the AyBoLe, a new Haitian dance which is fast becoming popular in the country, to the Dance For Fun Club of Silver Creek. Mrs. Barbeau learned the steps at a recent Dance Masters of America session.
Twenty years ago — 1993
The first phase of Stefan’s quarter-million dollar harborfront expansion project has been completed. Every effort was made by Lou and Cyndy Stefan to purchase services and supplies locally and in New York state. The steel piling and stalls, woodwork of New York oak, $10,000 restrooms, facade improvements and complete electrical update are by Joe Moch, General Contractor, of Dunkirk. Hardware supplier was Weiss Hardware and electrician Ron Pachol of Dunkirk also took part. The completion date is slated for April ’94. Stefan’s Recreation & Captain Lou’s is located on Route 5 West, on the Dunkirk Harborfront.
Thirty years ago – 1983
The 75th anniversary of the founding of Fredonia Chapter 430, Order of the Eastern Star, was celebrated Oct. 11 in the Masonic Lodge, East Main Street, Fredonia. Written and narrated by Mildred Kitzmiller, the program reverted to the year 1908 when the Fredonia Chapter was instituted and the charter was granted. Cast members wore original costumes of the period.
Forty years ago – 1973
A delayed steel delivery has slowed construction of Perkins Pancake House on Bennett Road near Route 20 in Fredonia. In addition, it still remains a mystery as to whether or not steaks will be served at the local location.
Fifty years ago – 1963
Dunkirk Superintendent of Schools Franklin H. Hazzard recommended the athletic field on West Sixth Street as the best possible site for a new senior high school in Dunkirk.