Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
Another Super Bowl came and went Sunday, leaving Buffalo on the short end of the score for a record fourth straight year. Though the Bills were the underdogs, just about everyone in Buffalo was predicting their team would win. The Bills led 13-6 at halftime. By the fourth quarter, disappointed fans were streaming out of Sports City Grille, a restaurant opened last fall by Bills quarterback Jim Kelly. The Dallas Cowboys won by a convincing 30-13 margin, with the Bills going scoreless in the second half.
Thirty years ago – 1984
A new medical facility designed to provide comprehensive medical care with family and general practice physicians opened in Mayville on Jan. 25. The Mayville Health Center, located at 24 North Erie St., Mayville is being coordinated by Dr. John D. Voltmann. Other physicians who will staff the center are Dr. George W. Lewis and Dr. Charles R. Sinatra. Health care will be available for family members of all ages, from infants through the elderly.
Forty years ago – 1974
Robert “Sookie” Tworek served as general chairman and Anthony Zurawski was the honorary chairman of the 68th annual dance of Murray Hose Co. No. 4 held at the Kosciuszko Club in Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Reginald Nickerson of Fredonia, the well-known square dance caller, will be on hand at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club’s social dance to benefit the local March of Dimes chapter.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
A painting by Alberto Rey, professor of art at Fredonia State University College, has been chosen for the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Museum. The museum selected his work, “Las Palmas Son Novias Que Esperan (The Palms Are Lovers Who Wait).” Some of Professor Rey’s works are also among the permanent collections of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo and the Bronx Museum and have been included in a soon-to-be published book, “New American Painting.” The artist, who lives in Dunkirk with his wife Janell, teaches courses in painting, drawing and illustration at Fredonia.
Thirty years ago – 1984
Margaret Hyland Smith, principal of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, was recently honored as an “individual who has made a significant contribution to non-public education. She will receive the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for outstanding service. Mrs. Smith has been associated with the school for the past 19 years, first as a math teacher and currently as principal.
Forty years ago – 1974
The Boorady Optical Co. of Dunkirk plans to relocate in two months, owner Dr. Edward Boorady said today. The company is now located at 120 East Fourth St., a building slated for removal under the city’s urban renewal program.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Robert Dyment of Fredonia, also a Dunkirk-based businessman, has been appointed assistant director of alumni relations to head the area’s Rochester Institute of Technology alumni fund.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
Matt Sedota, formerly of Fredonia, recently completed the purchase of WNMB-FM and WGSN-AM radio stations in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. The stations were purchased from Ogden Broadcasting of South Carolina, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ogden Newspapers of West Virginia. Mr. Sedota has been general manager of the property since May 1985. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Sedota of Fredonia.
Thirty years ago – 1984
Daniel E. Miga, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Miga of Fredonia, has been designated a Carswell Scholar by Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C. This award recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding qualities of intellect and leadership. A scholarship grant accompanies the award. A senior biology major, Mr. Miga has been accepted by the University of Buffalo Medical School, which he will enter in the fall of 1984.
Forty years ago – 1974
Mr. and Mrs. David Szwejbka and family, formerly of 138 Eagle St., are now residing at 33 Washington Ave., Fredonia.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Kathleen Lagano, a student at Rosary Hill College in Buffalo, is spending a few days with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Lagano of Canary Street, Dunkirk.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
Shawn Hubbard, a student at BOCES Fredonia, has been selected as Student of the Week. He is a senior at Ripley High School and a member of the mechanical technology class at BOCES. Shawn has been the recipient of several art awards, including the Urbscheit Art Award from the Adams Art Gallery, Dunkirk and an award from the Ripley Parent-Teacher Association. Active with the Boy Scouts, he is expecting to earn the rank of Eagle Scout this spring. The son of Eugene and Deborah Hubbard of Forsythe Street, Ripley, Shawn plans to pursue a career in plastics engineering or mechanical design.
Thirty years ago – 1984
The Silver Creek Fortnightly Club has made the final payment on a $2,190 copying machine, donated to the Anderson-Lee Library for public use. Pictured with the new machine are library aide Donna Wilson and Sylvia Clarke, president of the Fortnightly Club, a group of 14 women interested in supporting the library. Funds for the final payment were raised through a Christmas Boutique. One of the unique features of the Axiom copier is its reduction capability, which allows a larger piece of copy to be reduced to an 8 x 10-inch size.
Forty years ago – 1974
Lawrence A. Przybyla, the son of Alfred J. Przybyla and the late Loretta H. Przybyla, is one of nine Air Force Reserve Training Corps students awarded a $7,000 scholarship by Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Elected at the meeting of the Lake Shore Coin Club held at the Chautauqua National Bank of Westfield were President Clark Smith and Secretary Frances Bentley, both of Westfield, and Treasurer Vincent Manuel of Fredonia.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
The Fredonia Rotary Club named David G. Dawson a Paul Harris Fellow. This prestigious award, named for the founder of Rotary, is the highest honor Rotary can bestow on an individual. Mr. Dawson, the director of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency, is planning to retire in February. Fredonia Rotary president Jefferson Westwood presented Mr. Dawson with the award and certificate at the recent Rotary meeting at the White Inn.
Thirty years ago – 1984
Shawna Herman, a 10-year-old South Dayton girl who attends a class for the multiple handicapped at BOCES Fredonia, was a recent prize recipient in the Drawing and Essay Contest sponsored by Everest & Jennings Inc., wheelchair manufacturers from California. With encouragement and assistance from speech pathologist Noreen Borst, Shawna entered a unique essay in the contest. She “wrote” her essay on a voice synthesizer mounted on her wheelchair for communicating and sent in both the taped and written versions. Shawna is the daughter of John and Carolyn Herman of Smith Road.
Forty years ago – 1974
Paul Mangano, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Mangano, 14 Newton St., Silver Creek, has been accepted at Cornell University on a baseball scholarship. He is a graduate of Silver Creek High School.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Trooper Peter Taylor of Old Main Road, Silver Creek, who is stationed at the Silver Creek substation, is in Albany for an in-service training school of the New York State Police.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
After more than four decades of closing bars, Mickey Mantle, famed centerfielder for the New York Yankees, admitted he has an alcohol problem and has entered the Betty Ford Center for treatment. The 62-year-old Hall of Famer remarked, “If I’d known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” The Betty Ford clinic was founded by former first lady Betty Ford.
Thirty years ago – 1984
The Miller Brewing Co. has named Robert Warren, a Dunkirk native, industrial relations manager for the company’s Milwaukee container plant. In his new position, Mr. Warren will be responsible for such areas as safety, training, labor and employee relations, employment and security for the 304 employees at the can manufacturing facility? The son of Mrs. Dolores Warren of Fredonia and John J. “Jack” Warren Jr. of Ormond Beach, Fla., he is currently a resident of Brown Deer, Wis.
Forty years ago – 1974
Members of the Cassadaga Fire Department elected Warren Chase as their president. Maurice Richardson will serve as vice president; DeWitt Chamberlin as secretary; and Hugh Straight as treasurer.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Mrs. John A. Tynan, 238 West Main St., Fredonia has befriended a hamburger-eating Baltimore oriole and can attest to the fact the bird fits its name. The oriole eats about a teaspoonful every day, along with an orange and its seeds.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
One of Fredonia’s own will be on national television. Fredonia native and singer Kate Kelly is scheduled to appear with the Tom Limbaugh Band on the syndicated television program, “Hard Copy.” Ms. Kelly, formerly of East Main Street, Fredonia and her musician husband, Tom Limbaugh, taped a segment for the tabloid TV show Jan. 6. The band made some waves after recording its new album, “Dear Uncle Rush,” which caught the eye of the “Hard Copy” producers. Tom Limbaugh’s cousin is Rush Limbaugh, of radio talk show fame.
Thirty years ago – 1984
Dr. Steven Ihrig, a graduate of the State University of New York College of Optometry, has recently joined his father, Dr. Norman Ihrig, in his optometric practice. Their offices are located in the Russo Building in Fredonia. Dr. Ihrig graduated from Fredonia High School in 1975 and completed his undergraduate education at Fredonia State University College and Indiana University. He received his doctor of optometry degree in June in New York City.
Forty years ago – 1974
Susan Schweik, a senior at Fredonia High School, has won the $25 second-place award in the 11th annual Nancy Thorp Memorial Poetry Contest sponsored by Hollins College, Virginia.
Fifty years ago – 1964
An almost irreplaceable link with the early days of western New York settlement was destroyed early today as fire gutted the 137-year-old Barcelona Inn overlooking Barcelona Harbor. Westfield firemen were called to the scene too late to save the structure which was built by Ross Winslow in 1827, when the harbor was a U.S. port of entry.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
Niagara Mohawk announced that it plans to eliminate another 143 jobs in an on-going streamlining operation that originally targeted 1,400 jobs to be cut by 1995. At the NiMo steam station in Dunkirk, the latest round of cuts could cost the plant two jobs. About 13 of the plant’s 188 jobs were lost as a result of the cuts announced last year.
Thirty years ago – 1984
The eighth-grade students at Dunkirk Middle School recently participated in a “Math-a-Thon” for the benefit of terminally ill children at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Students were given a booklet containing 200 math problems and received pledges from the community based on those completed correctly. A total of $639.25 was collected. The top student was Kevin Mekus, who collected $109.25. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mekus of 99 E. Green St., Dunkirk.
Forty years ago – 1974
The grand opening of Custom Keyboard, a new music store featuring pianos and organs located at 334 Central Ave., Dunkirk took place yesterday. Frank Iskra, owner of the store, also said group and private lessons will be offered.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Dorothy Donahue, a teacher for 25 years at Forestville Central School, announced her retirement at the recent meeting of the school board. Mrs. Donahue also taught six years in the Silver Creek School system.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
The city of Dunkirk’s new handicapped accessible crosstown bus is in full operation. Purchased by the city, with aid from the state Department of Transportation and federal government grants, the 20-seat bus cost about $28,000. Shown with the bus in an OBSERVER photo are Public Works Director Randy Woodbury and Thomas Tucker, the city’s main dispatcher.
Thirty years ago – 1984
A recent report by the state’s Job Development Authority shows that, in its first seven years of existence, the AL Tech Trust Fund appears to have been an unqualified success. In addition to helping save more than 2,000 jobs at AL Tech Specialty Steel’s two plants in Dunkirk and Watervliet, the report shows that the fund has been used to help over 60 firms in Chautauqua and Albany counties in ways that have allowed them to retain 3,728 existing jobs and create 1,496 new ones.
Forty years ago – 1974
Mayor Leon Damian’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) will meet for the first time and review initial findings of a governmental management study being conducted for the city of Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Lynne McElhaney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph McElhaney of Frazier Street, Dunkirk has returned from Europe where she spent a semester studying art at the University of Sienna and the Institute of Art in Sienna, Italy.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
“The Winter That Wouldn’t Quit” continued battering its way across Chautauqua County this morning, closing schools, snarling traffic and raising the Misery Index close to “Intolerable.” While snow seemed headed for record levels here this past weekend, it is an Alberta Clipper which has now descended on Chautauqua County causing temperatures to dip to a bone-chilling 16 below zero with wind chills as low as -56. Exposed skin can freeze within seconds in those conditions.
Thirty years ago – 1984
Professor Marvin Kohl of the philosophy department at Fredonia State University College is one of five panel members on “The David Susskind Show” to be aired this week. Susskind will be interviewing a woman who assisted her terminally ill brother in committing suicide seven years ago. Dr. Kohl, a recognized international authority on suicide, is the author of the books, “The Morality of Killing,” “Beneficent Euthanasia,” and “Infanticide and the Value of Life.” He has been a faculty member at FSUC since 1965.
Forty years ago – 1974
A full-time Social Security office in Dunkirk opened for business Jan. 20. The announcement was made yesterday by Rep. James F. Hastings (39th Dist.-N.Y.). Until now, residents of Chautauqua County have been serviced by the Jamestown office.
Fifty years ago – 1964
A cancer victim filed suit against the Philip Morris Co. Inc., asking damages in excess of $3 million and charging the firm with selling an unwholesome product. This is believed to be the first major action against a tobacco company since the initial report released Jan. 11 by a government scientific team relating cancer and cigarette smoking.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
Barbie, the world’s favorite doll, will celebrate her 35th anniversary this year and to mark the occasion, Mattel Inc. will contribute $1 million from 1994 sales of a new Dr. Barbie doll and other Barbie products. The donation will support access to quality health care for America’s children.
Thirty years ago – 1984
Preston Zarlock has been named winner of the annual Bausch & Lomb Science Award at Fredonia High School. He was presented with the bronze medal which recognizes the senior student at Fredonia High who has attained the highest scholastic standing in science subjects. Preston is the son of Mrs. Carolyn Zarlock of Central Avenue, Fredonia, and the late Dr. Stanley P. Zarlock.
Forty years ago – 1974
Jean Mucha of Dunkirk, a new member of the professional staff of the Chautauqua Area Girl Scout Council, was a guest at the Thursday Coffee House, the first open gathering for adults in scouting.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Sgt. Samuel A. Sasso, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Sasso, 33 Elm St., Fredonia, was promoted while serving with the First Marine Aircraft Wing at a Marine Corps Air Station in Japan.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
Rails to Trails, a project to convert abandoned railroad beds for public use, is under way, according to John Goodell of Jamestown. The project includes establishing trails for hiking, birdwatching, biking, skiing, horseback riding, snowmobiling and other off-the-road vehicular use. For Chautauqua County, Rails to Trails is seen as yet one more attraction for visitors who contribute to local businesses, especially areas with summer tourists.
Thirty years ago – 1984
Dunkirk Mayor Edwin Gregoreski has ordered the community-operated bus taken out of service after it was learned that the bus had been running on an expired license since Dec. 31. Red-faced city officials confirmed the oversight this morning. The brown bus was donated to the city by Bells Markets last year and makes stops at the Dunkirk Senior Citizens Center and Bells Markets, among others.
Forty years ago – 1974
Howard W. Schickler of Fredonia has been appointed chairman of the board of trustees of the First Church of Christ Scientist, Washington Avenue, Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1964
James Mahoney of Fredonia will serve as rally master for the Northern Chautauqua Sports Car Club’s rally at the Hillcrest Diner on West Main Street, Fredonia.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
The Silver Creek junior varsity basketball cheerleaders were selected as first place winners in the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 11th Annual Cheerleading Competition held recently at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. The squad received a trophy to display in the high school. Schools from Erie, Niagara and Chautauqua counties took part in the competition.
Thirty years ago – 1984
About 30 part-time nursing staff members at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk have been placed on indefinite layoff. Budgetary reasons were cited along with a new system for adjusting the hospital’s work force as the primary reasons for the layoffs. Apparently, state and federal reimbursement rates have not kept up with inflation rates over the years.
Forty years ago – 1974
Delmar Brinkman, owner and operator of Brinkman’s Farms, a Silver Creek producer of grapes and poultry, was named general chairman for the Lake Shore Hospital Expansion Fund Campaign.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Thomas McKelvey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry McKelvey, 138 Lambert Ave., Fredonia has been awarded a one-year, $2,200 scholarship to attend Washington University in St. Louis.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
Lance Cpl. Matthew Jacques, U.S. Marine Corps, a Brocton Central School graduate, is a member of the Presidential Guard assigned to the Helicopter Squadron. He is shown in a photo standing at attention as President Clinton arrived for a recent holiday at Hilton Head, S.C. Cpl. Jacques accompanies the president when he travels by helicopter and on other special occasions. A U.S. Marine Corps member for the past 18 months, he is the son of Delos Jacques of Portland and Janice Jacques of Brocton.
Thirty years ago – 1984
The Sheridan Zoning Board of Appeals granted the Silver Creek Senior Citizens a special use permit to operate a senior citizens center on Route 5 in the township. The center is located just outside of the village of Silver Creek. The board also approved a special use permit to Melvin and Linda Smith to operate a business from their home on Route 39.
Forty years ago – 1974
The January meeting of the Fredonia Parks Commission was held in the village hall with newly-appointed chairman Jamison Gugino presiding.
Fifty years ago – 1964
John T. Okerlund, a veteran firefighter, is the new fire chief of the Sinclairville Fire Department. He was elected at the annual meeting, succeeding Oscar Brandquist.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
“Who’s Who In American Law” now includes Dunkirk attorney Robert Woodbury following his election to that group. He holds the highest Martindale professional lawyers rating and also is a Fellow of the New York Bar Foundation. Woodbury has been practicing in Dunkirk since 1971, including several years as a partner in the firms of Aular & Woodbury and Morten & Woodbury on East Fourth Street.
Thirty years ago – 1984
Collins Correctional Facility, with a current prison population of 500 inmates, figures to grow to approximately 540 by the end of the week. By Jan. 24, the prison population is expected to reach 650 and remain stable until Feb. 1, when the rest of the construction now under way at Collins Correctional Facility II is complete. Twenty buildings now make up Collins Correctional Facility, with six of them at the annex, designated Collins Correctional Facility II. Only 200 yards separate the two facilities. Inmates must be shackled and guarded for rare trips between the two sites.
Forty years ago – 1974
Member of the Dunkirk School 4 Parents Club will meet at the school for a business session and “tone-up exercises” led by Janine Goulding of Eagle Street, Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1964
“They look just like their music sounds,” said Janet Callis, a sophomore at Dunkirk High School, during a recent school survey on the Beatles, the new English sensation. “They are so homely they’re cute,” she decided.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
The Ferranti-Packard Co. officially closed its doors on Jan. 10 following 15 years in business. The company, which is owned by Rolls-Royce, announced last November that it would be closing if a buyer could not be found. The last production shift was supposed to run Jan. 10, but company officials told workers not to come in for the day.
Thirty years ago – 1984
This past weekend, seasonal campers at the Blue Water Beach Campground in Westfield held a winter campout, which included a tureen dinner and card games in the pavilion. Although the temperature outside was only a few degrees above zero, the campers enjoyed the warmth of the hospitality inside and reminded each other that “the camping season is almost here!”
Forty years ago – 1974
L.F. “Dutch” Bertges, president of Bertges Chevrolet Inc., Dunkirk, was named chairman of the 70th annual banquet of the Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce to be held next month.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Gail Marie Best, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Best of Seymour Street, Fredonia, has been accepted as a teletype operator for Northwest Orient Airlines in New York City.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
Anyone still patiently waiting for the opening of the new Bob Evans Restaurant will have to wait a little longer. The restaurant at the corner of Vineyard Drive and Bennett Road (Route 60) in Dunkirk, will not be in business until April 25, according to a representative from the corporate communications office in Columbus, Ohio this morning.
Thirty years ago – 1984
In 1983, the Fredonia Jaycees built a shelter at the Russell Joy Park skating rink on Howard Street in Fredonia for the use of those using the rink. The shelter, to be known as the Edward Eagan Building, will be dedicated on Saturday.
Forty years ago – 1974
Kathy Harvey of Fredonia was featured today in the OBSERVER as an official team member and “mascot” of Fredonia High School’s varsity cheerleading squad.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Mrs. Fred Shuler, Northern Chautauqua Red Cross blood chairman, announced that the first seven-gallon pin in the chapter’s history will be presented to Betty Smith of 63 West Main St., Fredonia. Miss Smith has been a regular donor since 1951.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
The Fredonia Kiwanis Club announced that John McCraith and Marian Mann, both of Fredonia, have been selected as “Elder Salute” award winners for the month of January. Mr. McCraith was recognized for more than 50 years service as an active member of the Fredonia Fire Department. Mrs. Mann’s efforts to enhance programs at the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging Dining Club in Fredonia were also recognized.
Thirty years ago – 1984
Judy Nixon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nixon of East Main Road, Brocton has been named Student of the Week. A senior at Brocton Central School, she ranks second in her class. Judy has participated in football and basketball cheerleading, the school musical, National Honor Society and French Club. She also was an attendant for this year’s Homecoming Queen and a production assistant for the senior play. Judy plans to attend the Erie (Pa.) Business Center after graduation.
Forty years ago – 1974
The Adams Memorial Unitarian Church in Dunkirk has discontinued Sunday services until May when the church’s board of directors will meet to decide its future. Located on the corner of Central Avenue and East Sixth Street, the church gained national attention in February 1959 when funeral services for Congressman Daniel A. Reed were held there.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Suzanne Zuzel, a senior at Silver Creek High School, is editor of the new “High Times” staff. Marcia Jackman, Duane Piede, Carol Bolling, Sharon Estee, Kathy Marcy, Anne Voss and James Pantano complete the staff.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
Jason Huddy, a senior at Brocton Central School, has been selected Student of the Week. An artistically-gifted student, Jason was selected to exhibit one of his pieces at the Albright Knox Art Museum in Buffalo. He is an accomplished clothing designer, having created personalized shirts for organizations. He also designed and painted the sign for Leonardo’s Gallery of Food, a Dunkirk restaurant; and taught a summer art class for young children. The son of Ronald and Lynette Huddy of Webster Road, Westfield, Jason is listed in “Who’s Who Among American High School Students.” He plans to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology or Pittsburgh Art Institute to major in film and video production.
Thirty years ago – 1984
In recent league bowling action, Richard Bryant of Seymour Street, Fredonia rolled 279-249-268 for a 796 series. This series was rolled in the West Sheridan League on lanes 11 and 12 for the Burgen Farm team.
Forty years ago – 1974
Elizabeth Meade of Westfield was awarded first place in the March of Dimes Walkathon held in Dunkirk during October. She will receive a 10-speed bicycle from Schlichter’s Bicycle Shop, Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Robert R. McClaren of Cable Road, Fredonia announced the opening of his new portrait and commercial photography studio at 35 West Main St., Fredonia.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
Conceding that he still aspires to be the state’s chief executive, Lt. Gov. Stan Lundine said he will run for re-election on the Democratic ticket with Gov. Mario Cuomo in November. A former congressman from the Southern Tier and mayor of Jamestown, Lundine ran with Cuomo in 1986 and again in 1990. He said he would have run for governor this time if Cuomo had not. But if he had chosen not to run for re-election with Cuomo, that would have meant the end of his political career.
Thirty years ago – 1984
The Gowanda time and temperature sign has returned to its West Main Street site after a lengthy absence, largely because of a trust fund that was established by the Franklin Herdeg Family. Several months ago when the old sign was replaced by a Goldome Bank sign that did not include the time and temperature, there was a public outcry that indicated the community’s high regard for the 35-year-old service. The village has agreed to administer the Herdeg Family Memorial Fund established in trust for the sign.
Forty years ago – 1974
James Miller was honored for 50 years of membership in Dunkirk Hose Co. No. 2 during a party at the Range Lite Restaurant in Dunkirk. Those attending included Edward Jasinski, Robert Tworek, William Dybeck and Frank George.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Arthur L. Goodrich of Fredonia was elected president of the Chautauqua County Vacationlands Association Inc. during its monthly meeting held at the Dunkirk Club.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
Santa Claus made his pizza-spinning debut at Napoli Pizzeria during the recent holiday season. New owners Kihm Carlson and Walter Rodgers hosted this special event which featured a free slice of pizza for each child and low prices for the adults. Besides pizza, Napoli’s features fish frys, chili, lasagna, wings and more. It is located at the Tops Plaza, Vineyard Drive, Dunkirk.
Thirty years ago – 1984
Ogden Broadcasting of Virginia, Inc. has announced the promotion of Sebastian Russo to general manager of WAMT/WAJX Radio in Titusville, Fla. The Dunkirk native assumed his new duties on Jan. 1. The son of Iris Russo, 49-A Seel Acres and the late Anthony P. Russo, he held a similar position at another Ogden station, WTON in Staunton, since March 1983.
Forty years ago – 1974
In a 15-minute meeting of the Fredonia Board of Trustees, Dominic Battaglia was named temporary superintendent of the village’s Streets Department. He was selected on the basis of seniority.
Fifty years ago – 1964
All that is left of the cleanup operations connected with the New York Central freight train derailment several days ago in Dunkirk is the removal of some debris and several cars on the West Third Street embankment.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
T.J. Maxx Inc., a major clothing retailer throughout the United States, will officially open a store on Vineyard Drive in the town of Dunkirk by the end of March. A company spokesman said Dunkirk was on the company’s list for spring openings and the store was expected to open March 27. T.J. Maxx Inc. owns the building which used to be the home of Zayres and Ames discount retail stores. The company sells mostly clothing and other name-brand products at discount prices. There are three stores in the Buffalo area and more than 500 across the country.
Thirty years ago – 1984
Forbes and Wagner Inc. of Silver Creek was recently awarded “Supplier of the Month” for October by Honeywell Inc. Tampa Operations. The award was in recognition of the firm’s outstanding performance in the manufacture of custom transformers, which are crucial to the operation of Honeywell’s Inertial Reference System used in Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft.
Forty years ago – 1974
Cadet Timothy Felt has returned to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point after spending the holiday with his family at 54 Middle Road, Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1964
The morning Mass tomorrow in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Silver Creek will be sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 52 and Cub Scout Pack 52. The service will be for the late President John F. Kennedy.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
Lemolene Furniture Polish is still manufactured by the Lemolene Mfg. Co., 400 Central Ave., Dunkirk (located inside Ehlers Furniture and Carpeting). With a history of more than 100 years, the non-acid furniture polish is now prepared by Bob Jagoda and sold at Ehlers. The long-standing local product is great for restoring quality furniture, pianos and woodwork – and it will not gum!
Thirty years ago – 1984
Assistance in solving the high lake problem caused by beaver dams clogging the Cassadaga Lakes outlet may be forthcoming from the county. The Chautauqua County Legislature has formed a new Environmental and Natural Resources Committee, which will undertake studies to bring about solutions to this and other environmental concerns.
Forty years ago – 1974
Jim Dengler of Dengler Chevrolet in Fredonia presented George Kaltenbach with a special plaque of appreciation and gratitude. Mr. Kaltenbach recently retired from the dealership’s mechanics department.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Mary Ann Walas, 17, a senior at Dunkirk High School, is the student council’s choice as the outstanding teenager of the week. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Walas, 85 Lincoln Ave., Dunkirk.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
Jamestown Community College officials have announced plans to purchase the Rogan Center on Bennett Road in Dunkirk from Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. The college plans to substantially renovate the building and to double the space it already uses for classes. The total cost of the purchase and renovations is $2.25 million. The JCC Foundation will actually purchase the building and then lease it to the college. Since opening the JCC North County Center in 1988, the college has had a tremendous response from this community.
Thirty years ago – 1984
The first baby of 1984 at Brooks Hospital is Stephen Matthew Keech, who arrived at 1:14 a.m. Jan. 2 weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces. The third son born to David P. and (Cynthia D. Bush) Keech of 2728 Straight Road, Fredonia, Matthew is the winner of the “First Baby” contest co-sponsored by the OBSERVER, Brooks Hospital and area merchants.
Forty years ago – 1974
Private Cindy Maternowski, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Maternowski, 223 Maple Ave., Dunkirk has been newly assigned to Fort Huchaua, Ariz., after completing courses in advanced office training at Fort Ord, Calif.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Dunkirk Police Chief Clem Lutz has announced that the number of traffic accidents in the city dropped from 254 in 1962 to 233 in 1963.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
The first baby of 1994 born at Westfield Memorial Hospital was a daughter, Yainelis, to Martimiano and Noemi Nieves Atayde, 50 West Second St., Dunkirk. Yainelis was born at 1:06 p.m. today and was delivered by Timothy Gorman. She has a 2-year-old sister at home.
Thirty years ago – 1984
Josephine Johnson, a former resident of Chestnut Street, Forestville celebrated her 101st birthday recently at the Chautauqua County Home where she has been a resident for the past four years. The celebration included a birthday cake and visits from her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Johnson of Forestville and many friends.
Forty years ago – 1974
Bruce Straight of Shumla Road, Fredonia has been appointed plant manager of the Fredonia Seed Company. He succeeds Harold Hatch, 65 Spring St., Fredonia, who retired from the company at the end of 1973.
Fifty years ago – 1964
Susan Stearns, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Stearns of Water Street, Fredonia and a senior at Fredonia High School, is the recipient of the Benjamin Prescott Chapter, NSDAR Good Citizenship Award.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1994
Dunkirk Mayor Margaret Wuerstle launched her second two-year term of office during an hour-long inaugural ceremony at city hall on New Year’s Day. In her speech, she stressed the need for the mayor and council to work together. Mayor Wuerstle went on to note that during her first two years in office, she learned that it takes a real team effort to successfully direct the city through such changing times.
Thirty years ago – 1984
Sheridan Town officials were sworn in today at Sheridan Town Hall by Sheridan Justice Roger Gloss. They include: Peter T. Smith, town justice; Beverly Niebel, town clerk; Wayne Luce, town supervisor; and Joan Woods, John Pagano and Jacob Meyers Jr., town councilman. Also, Matthew Pasierb, town highway superintendent; and Robert Butcher and Richard Langworthy, town assessors.
Forty years ago – 1974
Earl Kommer has been temporarily appointed head of the Dunkirk Department of Public Works until new City Engineer William Larson Jr. reports for work later this month. Mr. Kommer currently lives in Fredonia but is house-hunting in Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1964
The area around the Monroe Building on Central Avenue in Dunkirk has been roped off by Building Inspector Stephen Sekula because of the danger of the building collapsing. Cracks and bulges in the building’s wall were noted following the derailment along Third Street of a New York Central train. One of the cars ripped a gaping hole, which has since been boarded up, in the north side of the building.