Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
The Fredonia Kiwanis Club recently presented its February Elder Salute Award to Ms. Marian Anderson of Fredonia. Ms. Anderson played an important role in forming the Share and Care Senior Center in Fredonia. She has also served various leadership roles with senior citizen organizations in the community for a number of years, earning the respect of her peers. Marian also has a special place in her heart for children and is a poet. The award was presented to her by Bill Boyd, Kiwanis Club president.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Don and Carolyn Briggs of Fredonia have returned home from a weekend trip to New York City. Accompanying them was their daughter, Kelley Jean, who remained in New York to serve an internship with CBS studios in Manhattan. While there, the couple visited their daughter, Cindy Jo, who works for fashion designer Mary Ann Restivo, and their youngest daughter, Beth Ann, who resides in West Patterson, N.J.
Forty years ago – 1975
Tim Woodbury, a senior at Fredonia High School, is this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Teen-Age Young Man award presented by the Fredonia Jaycees.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The Fred Koch Brewery of Dunkirk won a major award in the annual safety contest sponsored by the U.S. Brewers Association. The brewery was cited for its disabling injury-free record in 1964 in the delivery department of its Dunkirk plant.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Dr. John R. Berner, DDS of North Chautauqua Dental Group, 744 Central Ave., Dunkirk recently visited Angie Leone’s second grade at the Wheelock School in Fredonia as part of an on-going educational program for proper maintenance of your teeth. Both Dr. Berner and his partner, Dr. Bruce Thering, DDS, have donated much of their time this month (National Dental Health Care Month) for the past 15 years visiting various classrooms in the area.
Thirty years ago – 1985
A film crew is scheduled to be at the Gowanda Fire Hall to document the results of cold remedies tested by Gowanda volunteer firemen for Miles Laboratories. Fire Chief Nick Crassi declined to speculate whether the filming would become a television commercial, although he admitted the possibility may exist. One of the cold remedies was Alka-Seltzer Plus, which does feature this type of commercial. The Gowanda Fire Department agreed to participate in the tests. In return, the company is expected to make a donation to the department.
Forty years ago – 1975
The Dunkirk city harbormaster is pushing for a large turnout for a public hearing on a proposed federal project to construct breakwalls in Dunkirk Harbor.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Malcolm “John” Reed has been honored as the “1964 Man of the Year” in Dunkirk.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Persistence has paid off for the city of Dunkirk in its quest for an Amtrak passenger train stop. Conrail officials notified the city that they have changed their minds and will allow the city to lease a portion of the former depot at the foot of Main and Third streets. City officials state a train stop would help boost Dunkirk’s tourist and business trade, and could be a link to the waterfront, Fredonia State college and other areas of Chautauqua County.
Thirty years ago – 1985
It was announced today that construction would begin shortly on a new assembly storage plant in Ripley. The building will be known as the H & S NY Warehouse. H & S Manufacturing Co. Inc. is an assembler of farm equipment. The Ripley location will not be a primary manufacturing location, but rather a point at which units are assembled for distribution throughout New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the New England states. H & S Mftg. has acquired a 5.7 acre parcel of land located at the intersection of Route 5 and Route 76 in the Town of Ripley.
Forty years ago – 1975
At one of the largest Republican caucuses in Silver Creek, John Olszewski Jr. defeated incumbent Mayor Donald P. Studd for the nomination of village mayor.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Irving C. Faber, son of Mrs. Sidney Faber of Dove Street, Dunkirk and the late Mr. Faber, has been awarded a Dewitt Clinton Poole memorial prize scholarship for summer research from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Opening at the Adams Art Gallery is an exhibition by local sculptor, Robert Booth, a sculpture professor at Fredonia State University College who is best known locally for his 1991 restoration of the public fountains in the Barker Common of Fredonia. The work presented at the Adams gallery reflects his more recent interest in a mixed media approach. Mr. Booth has been at SUNY Fredonia since 1978.
Thirty years ago – 1985
A service of consecration was held Feb. 10 at the Tri-Church Parish in Brocton, believed to be the only United Lutheran-Methodist Church in the United States. Bishop Forrest C. Stith of the United Methodist Church and Bishop Edward K. Perry of the Lutheran Church in America performed the consecration of the consolidation. The Tri-Church Parish received its official incorporation papers on Nov. 9. It was created by joining together three local churches: the Salem Lutheran Church of Brocton, the Brocton United Methodist Church and the Portland United Methodist Church. The Rev. Frank Scott is the pastor.
Forty years ago – 1975
Miss Rhonda Stuhlmiller, a former Dunkirk resident and the daughter of Allan Stuhlmiller of King Street, Dunkirk, has been chosen as a finalist for the Pennsylvania State Teen-Age Beauty Pageant.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Stein Eriksen, world-famous ski personality, was a visitor at the Veneko Corporation in Dunkirk.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
A Queen Anne-style concrete block house on Route 20 in Sheridan is illustrated in color in the March-April issue of Old House Journal, a national magazine with a readership of more than 300,000. The house is included in an eight-page article, “Return to Concrete Block Houses.” Photographs of more than 106 houses in 32 different states were examined by the editors. The Sheridan Queen Anne dwelling was one of ten selected to be illustrated. The photo was taken and submitted by Daniel D. Reiff, professor of art history at SUNY Fredonia. The Old House Journal is available at local newsstands.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Marge Kochersberger, fondly known as “Mrs. K.,” retired recently as elementary school nurse at Pine Valley Central School. Her last day was very similar to every other day as she administered medical care with lots of love. The students’ fondness for her was very evident on her last day on the job. That day, all the students in the elementary building came to her office with make-believe complaints so they could get a last hug and say “good-bye.” Mrs. Kochersberger joined the staff at Pine Valley in September 1969.
Forty years ago – 1975
In honor or Black History Week, the NAACP presented a series of books concerning black history to the Dunkirk school system.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Among the Boy Scouts running Dunkirk city offices for a day were Bill Barthold, mayor; and councilmen Ricky Haase, Mark Czekanski, Don Sage, Mike Fabritius and Tim Jakubiec.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Gov. George Pataki campaigned on a promise of bringing the death penalty back to New York. Now it appears the fulfillment of that pledge is imminent. After several days of tense, meticulous negotiations, the Republican governor and legislative leaders have announced an agreement to have New York join the other 37 states with capital punishment. New York executed its last prisoner in 1963. The new legislation would substitute lethal injection.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Carl Link, 17-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Link of 5393 Kelly Hill Road in the town of Pomfret, has been selected as Student of the Week at the BOCES LoGuidice Vo-Tech Center. A senior at Brocton Central School, Carl is in the second year of the construction technology program. He is a member of the varsity football, basketball and baseball teams at Brocton Central School. Following graduation, Carl plans to join the U.S. Marine Corps in September in the field of radio communications.
Forty years ago – 1975
Janet Angelino of Silver Creek has accepted a position as the first woman steel inspector at Roblin Steel Company’s Dunkirk plant.
Fifty years ago – 1965
A 1916 “Do You Remember?” picture features a group of young ladies enrolled in the Brooks Hospital School of Nursing, which closed its doors in 1925 after many years of operation.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
In the tradition of small town work ethics and self-help, the community of South Dayton is undertaking its own revitalization. Mayor Karen Strickland received word that this village of 600 residents bordering Chautauqua County was awarded a community development grant for revitalization of its business district. With a budget of $172,509, this single project is nearly the size of the annual operating budget for the community. This current shot in the arm for South Dayton is a result of four years of trying for grant money and was bolstered by the success of the Cherry Creek Woodcrafter company in South Dayton.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Karl T. Davis, advertising director of the OBSERVER, has been appointed chairman of the newly formed Chautauqua County Sports Fishery Advisory Board, according to an announcement by Chautauqua County Executive John Glenzer. Mr. Davis, an avid fisherman, has called the first meeting for Feb. 25.
Forty years ago – 1975
Beaverbrook Development Corporation of Dunkirk is seeking a variance to convert the Unitarian Church in Dunkirk into a medical clinic.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Because the number of deaths from lung cancer has continued to increase, the Labor government today banned cigarette advertising on British television.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
The Silver Creek School District prides itself in being a technological leader, and the district computer system displays significant proof. Silver Creek is one of the few school districts in the area to have a completely self-contained, in-house, financial and student management system. The system is run by Dennis J. Corsaro, business manager of the Silver Creek Central School District.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Julie VandeVelde, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James VandeVelde of Dunkirk and a seventh-grade pupil at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, has been selected by Girl Scouts of the USA to attend “Western Saddlebag” from June 15-19. A national event for 36 girls, it will be held at Girl Scout National Center West, a 14,000-acre site bordered by the Big Horn National Forest near Ten Sleep, Wyo. Currently a member of Cadette Troop 31 led by Julie Deszcz and Gloria Pochylski, Julie has been a Girl Scout for six years.
Forty years ago – 1975
The Kraft Food plant in Dunkirk is hiring new workers while the True Temper plant in Dunkirk has laid off 23 of its employees.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The former parsonage of the First United Methodist Church on Church Street in Fredonia, an 83-year-old landmark, has been razed and a new parsonage is located on Central Avenue.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
The Silver Creek-Irving Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual installation banquet and awards ceremony at the Colony Restaurant in Irving. This year’s award recipient for small business achievement was Nancy Smith-Klyczek of Smith’s True Value in Irving, which will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary. The community service award went to the Festival of Grapes volunteers while the service to humanity award was presented to the Silver Creek Emergency Squad.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Gov. Mario Cuomo is expected to go to Detroit within the next three weeks to pitch several possible New York State locations for the new General Motors Saturn auto plant – among them the Town of Sheridan site. Niagara and Erie counties and several utilities have formed a consortium to push the Sheridan site. Saturn will represent an entirely new line of cars for GM. They will be designed to compete head-to-head with Japanese imports and will feature 60 miles-per-gallon fuel ratings as well as the latest technology in construction and engineering, a GM spokesman said.
Forty years ago – 1975
A study on the new assessment on Dunkirk residences revealed that Mayor Leon Damian and Councilman-at-Large William Schlichter will pay less in city taxes this year while the other four councilmen will pay more.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Since the adoption of the dog leash law in Fredonia last Dec. 26, no incidents of dogs biting people have been reported.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
There is a battle brewing among state lawmakers over raising the speed limit on some highways across New York to 65 mph. The dispute isn’t so much about whether, but where. The State Assembly has now easily approved legislation that would raise the speed limit to 65 mph on rural stretches of the New York State Thruway. The measure, if approved by the State Senate and Gov. George Pataki, would make New York the 43rd state to adopt the higher speed limit on at least a portion of its interstate highway system. The speed limit was lowered nationally in 1973 to 55 mph in response to gasoline shortages caused by the Arab oil embargo.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Pam Burmaster, licensed Real Estate Agent, recently joined the staff of Century 21, Rod Pennica Realty. Mrs. Burmaster has been a dealer for Lincoln Logs Ltd., for the past two years. Before entering the real estate field, she was Personnel Supervisor for the Cassadaga Job Corps Center and Welch Foods Inc. Pam, her husband Gary and daughter Bethany reside in the Town of Sheridan.
Forty years ago – 1975
New York Yankees centerfielder Elliot Maddox and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker and South Dayton native Bill Bergey will attend the second annual WDOE sports banquet.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Jammed ice at the mouth of Cattaraugus caused four Sunset Bay families to evacuate their homes.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
The Gourmettes enjoyed an overnight 25th anniversary party at the Sheraton Harborfront Inn while decked out in their commemorative aprons presented to them by president and charter member Fran Price. Members include Rosemary Crocoll, Rose Marie Spann, Bettie Lachiusa, Diana Lee Thurston-Cross, Kathleen Ehrheart, Barbara Shalkowski, Pat Kaczar, Sandra Farrell and Kathie Christian. The Gourmettes group is a spin-off of the Newcomers Club originally formed by 12 young women who moved to the community several years ago.
Thirty years ago – 1985
A total of 801 contestants started the seventh Chautauqua Overland Ski Marathon held between Clymer and Mayville. A total of 461 entrants completed the 34-mile course. An even 1,000 had entered the event. The marathon, the oldest and largest in the state, started in Mayville. Taking top honors for the second year in a row was Randy Chadwick of Jamestown with a time of 3:24:072.
Forty years ago – 1975
The State Senate unanimously passed a bill which would permanently set the state’s maximum speed limit at 55 mph.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The Dunkirk Post Office reports that 300 aliens registered here during the alien registration period in January.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Word has been received from a Forestville native serving as a Baptist missionary in Kobe, Japan that he and his wife were unhurt by the devastating earthquake which rocked the region three weeks ago. The Rev. Dan Rider, formerly of Lodi Street, said via telephone from Japan that he and his wife, Charlene, plus their cat, Dolcie, are safe in their fifth-floor apartment built on a hillside in the port city. The Riders survived the immense earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale which claimed the lives of thousands of people and left more than 100,000 homeless.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Student of the Week is Joanne Ramsey, daughter of Faye vanOyen Ramsey and John S. Ramsey. A senior at Fredonia High School, she is a writer for the school newspaper, The Spectator and has received numerous awards for her work. Joanne is a four-year member of the choraliers and mixed chorus. She served as a representative to the 1981 Empire State Press Association convention. Following graduation, she hopes to attend Vassar, Allegheny or Wells College.
Forty years ago – 1975
Political comedian Mark Russell will entertain guests during the 71st annual banquet of the Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce.
Fifty years ago – 1965
A reception was held at the First Baptist Church in Dunkirk to welcome its new pastor, the Rev. Donald Longenecker, and his family.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Dunkirk Elks Lodge 922 announced the local winners of the Elks National Foundation “Most Valuable Student” contest. They are Tonia M. Kuzara, a senior at Dunkirk High School and the daughter of Barney and Linda Kuzara of Dunkirk; and Adam D. Burgoon, a senior at Fredonia High School and the son of Pamela Burgoon of Fredonia. Kory R. Ahlstrom, a Dunkirk High School senior and the son of Keith and Cynthia Ahlstrom of Dunkirk, was the sole winner of the New York State Elks Association Scholarship. Each student will receive $100 toward their college expenses from the Dunkirk lodge. Their applications are now being forwarded to the District level for further judging.
Thirty years ago – 1985
A hairless calf was born on the Joseph Szumigala farm in Arcade in November, the family reports. The only hair the animal had was on the tip of its tail and some on its belly.
Forty years ago – 1975
Dunkirk-Fredonia area car dealers are enthused about the additional business being brought to their showrooms by the advent of the “rebate system” instituted by the major American car manufacturers.
Fifty years ago – 1965
A classified advertisement placed in the OBSERVER last year by McCroskey’s has been rated one of the “Best Ads of the Year” by Lakeland Manufacturing.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Mark Sundlow and David Sundlow have both been placed on the dean’s list at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. Mark is a freshman majoring in history and David is a senior majoring in human factors. Their parents are Can and Linda Baldridge of Brocton and Daniel Sundlow of Dewittville.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Four new businesses have opened in Fredonia’s “mini-mall,” bringing the number to eight. The large building, which formerly housed Mitchell Foods Inc. and the Good Seed Co., prior to that, is located at the bottom of West Hill, at 112 West Main St. The new businesses and their owners are: Dee’s Bridal Shop, Carol Ozga; Sullivan Photography, Dan Sullivan; T’s Tuxedo, Theresa Dillenburg; and TNT Automotive, Dave Trippi and Joe Tenamore. They join Pucci’s Carpets and Furniture, Gazebo Decorating Center, The Variable Computers and Software; and The Gallery Fine Kitchens and Baths.
Forty years ago – 1975
The 1975 tax rate for the city of Dunkirk will see an increase of $9.20 over the 1974 rate of $23 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
Fifty years ago – 1965
A testimonial dinner will honor Casimer Zientowski, recently retired city of Dunkirk streets superintendent, whose employment with the city spanned more than 40 years.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Dunkirk Assessor William Dill said the city will initiate a city-wide revaluation this spring. It will be the first revaluation in 20 years. The revaluation will insure property assessments throughout the city are kept on a uniform and equitable basis. In preparation for the reval, Mr. Dill spent much of last year modernizing the assessor’s office with updated data processing systems and computer facilities that will be needed once the revaluation is under way.
Thirty years ago – 1985
The family owned and operated L.C. Classics Family Restaurant and Catering Inc., 453 Lake Shore Drive East, Dunkirk recently held its grand opening. The restaurant, which features a home-cooked menu and a unique antique car decor, opened Oct. 15, 1984. Family members involved in the business are Lorna Dudzinski, Gladys Crowell, Larry Crowell and Lonnie Crowell, all of Forestville.
Forty years ago – 1975
Lois Richter and her myriad musical abilities are featured in this week’s “People in Profile.”
Fifty years ago – 1965
Official measures guarding against rabies may be initiated following laboratory confirmation of two cases of the disease in Chautauqua County since Jan. 1.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
A chemical reaction of a metal bag waste mixture and a fire extinguisher touched off some tense moments at the Dunkirk International Glass and Ceramics Plant. Fourteen production workers were taken to Brooks Hospital and the plant and adjacent warehouse were evacuated. Large clouds of white smoke were billowing from the Stegelske Avenue factory this morning as most of the first-shift employees were evacuated and kept more than 500 yards away from the facility.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Gary C. Eckhart, professor of theatre arts at Fredonia State University College, recently designed the set for the world premiere of Arthur Miller’s new play, “The Archbishop’s Ceiling,” performed by the Cleveland Playhouse. Professor Eckhart is a regular guest set designer for the Cleveland Playhouse. He is one of a handful of artists who have designed the sets for Arthur Miller world premieres.
Forty years ago – 1975
Bishop Edward D. Head, D.D., was in Dunkirk the afternoon of Feb. 4 to implement the establishment of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, by combining the parishes of St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart.
Fifty years ago – 1965
In an attempt to avoid future train wrecks, a bill proposed by Assemblyman A. Bruce Manley of Fredonia, establishes a 25 mph speed limit for trains traveling through Dunkirk.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Professor Dan Berggren, of the communications department at Fredonia State University College, played a key role in the making of the documentary, “Seasons of a Poet: The Jeanne Robert Foster Story.” Professor Berggren’s extracurricular talents as a folk singer and writer were showcased when he wrote and performed the music for the River Driving segment of the film. He also provided the narrative for “Flint,” one of the program’s featured poems.
Thirty years ago – 1985
The Town of Sheridan site which Western New York is promoting as the location for a new, 5 million square foot General Motors Corp. plant to manufacture GM’s new Saturn autos meets almost every specification that GM has listed as requirements for the project. Such deficiencies as do exist in the existing infrastructure can be corrected for an estimated $9.5 million, which county officials state is nothing when you consider the benefits of an operation which can generate 20,000 jobs in the area and the fact that most of the money would likely come from the state.
Forty years ago – 1975
Another city landmark, the “Harper Drug Building,” at East Third and Main streets in Dunkirk, is in the process of being razed by the urban renewal wreckers.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The Dunkirk Recruiting Station announced that today, as never before, there is a great demand for women to serve in the U.S. Army.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Dunkirk Mayor Margaret Wuerstle unveiled the city’s plan for harborfront development. The plan includes an amphitheater, farmers’ market and community culture and awareness center for the undeveloped area of the waterfront adjacent to the Sheraton Harborfront Inn. Preliminary cost estimates for the project are listed at nearly $4.5 million.
Thirty years ago – 1985
A “Do You Remember?” photo features a well-known area band. In 1940, The Tubby Wallace Band was a regular performer at the College Inn on Roberts Road in Dunkirk. Band members were Joseph Wallace, Joseph Battaglia, John Cutrona, John “Tubby” Wallace, Robert Zielinski and John Dubnicki. The photo was submitted by John “Tubby” Wallace.
Forty years ago – 1975
The state of the economy insures a year of “hard choices” and “more than a few sacrifices” ahead at Fredonia State University College.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The Dunkirk Zoning Board will meet to consider a variance for the erection of a medical building at 614 Central Ave. at a cost of $75,000, which is being sought by Dr. Edmund M. Tederous.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Forestville native George Abbott, a native of Forestville who wrote, directed, produced or acted in more than 120 plays and musicals, died Jan. 31 at the age of 107 at his home in Miami Beach. Mr. Abbott was born in the home now owned by Village Clerk-Treasurer Betty Higgs, 8 Walnut Ave., Forestville. Abbott’s shows won 40 Tony awards, including five for himself as author, director or both.
Thirty years ago – 1985
A recent article in a Grand Rapids, Mich., newspaper told of the birth of Philip James Domenico II as the first baby of 1985. The newborn is the grandson of another “first baby,” Philip James Domenico, a former Dunkirk resident who, according to the article, was “the first child of the New Year in 1915.” The senior Mr. Domenico, who moved from Dunkirk to Chicago at age 24, lived and worked in that city as a produce man for 50 years.
Forty years ago – 1975
Sales and earnings of Allegheny Ludlum Industries for the year 1974 were at new record highs, it was reported today.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The Christian Nursery School opened on Feb. 1 in the new educational addition of the Fredonia Baptist Church.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Paul Speziale, owner of Paul Jewelers Inc., recently presented a $500 gift certificate to Larry Kingsley of Dunkirk, the winner of a fundraiser held to purchase a new defibrillator for Brooks Memorial Hospital. The prize drawing was held Dec. 15, 1994 at Paul Jewelers Inc., Village Square, Fredonia.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Red Wing peanut butter, which already has garnered national attention through the praises of well-known political commentator and syndicated columnist William F. Buckley Jr. and his good personal friend, actor Charlton Heston, was recently featured in “The New Yorker” magazine. In an article entitled, “Peanut Butter Notes: Organolepsis in Fredonia,” regional correspondent James Stevenson describes his love for peanut butter throughout his life and his discovery of Red Wing peanut butter. He also writes about his drive from Connecticut to visit Fredonia last April and his tour of the Red Wing plant with president and CEO Douglas Manly.
Forty years ago – 1975
The Rev. Maurice Kansletter, a former pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Dunkirk, recently celebrated his 75th year as a Passionist priest.
Fifty years ago – 1965
A huge audience is expected at the Dunkirk Common Council meeting where pay raises for city firemen and public works employees will be discussed.