Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
While the number of local farms may be on the decrease, Chautauqua County is still number one in New York State. According to U.S. Census figures, there are 1,600 farms in the county. To be considered a farm, one must produce at least $1,000 annually in farm produce, so some are small, part-time farms. Chautauqua County generates $75 million in farm income annually. The figure breaks down to $50 million in dairy and beef, $20 million in grapes and the other $5 million in vegetables and other crops. There are 155,000 acres of crop land in the county of which 16,500 acres are grapes. The county contains 730 grape growers, with the largest farms being between 250 and 300 acres. The average farm size is 20 acres.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Engraved plaques were presented by Frederick Bartin, honored as “Humanitarian of the Year” and Charles Ferarro, guest speaker, at the annual Knights of Columbus dinner dance held at the East Town of Dunkirk Fire Hall. Mr. Bartin was recognized for his faithful service to the community through Dunkirk Irondequoit Lodge 301. He has been especially active in teaching first aid, serving as chaplain of Sharif Grotto, and as a clown entertaining the handicapped, underprivileged and the aged. He has also worked diligently for the dentistry for the handicapped program.
Forty years ago – 1975
An auction to benefit muscular dystrophy will be held at Fredonia State University College, with the highest bidders earning the right to throw a pie in the face of Dunkirk Mayor Leon Damian and Fredonia Mayor Charles St. George.
Fifty years ago – 1965
A state law doubling the tax on cigarettes from 5 cents to 10 cents will go into effect April 1.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
In an OBSERVER photo, Chet Kozlowski cleans up glass from a window smashed out of his wife’s car overnight on Armadillo Street between Lake Shore Drive East and Pine Street. Police said 11 cars were entered on the street. Four damage and theft reports were filed.
Thirty years ago – 1985
The Rev. Irwin W. Reist has been appointed pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Dunkirk. He conducted his first service on Sunday, March 17. The Rev. Reist comes to Dunkirk from the United Methodist Churches of Kennedy and Ellington in Chautauqua County. Previously, he was pastor of a two-church charge in Fillmore, NY. Prior to entering the full-time pastoral ministry, he was professor of Bible and theology at Houghton College for 12 years. He also has had many essays and book reviews published in a number of theological periodicals and journals.
Forty years ago – 1975
The town of Portland is being sued by the Chautauqua County Department of Health for failure to cover the town landfill.
Fifty years ago – 1965
An OBSERVER editorial eulogizes Quentin Reynolds, a world-renowned journalist who made Dunkirk known throughout much of the Western world in his article about Dunkirk-to-Dunkerque Day published in Collier’s magazine.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
“Sugaring” is considered by a good many area residents as a sure sign of spring. For close to 100 years, the Newton family farm, “Sugar Bush,” located off Thorton Road outside of Sinclairville, has been part of this process. Starting with the family patriarch, Lyman Newton, who first tapped the woods in the early 1900s, an unbroken line of four succeeding generations has continued the practice each spring. According to Ruth Newton, good sugaring weather requires cold nights and warm days. And generally, it takes anywhere from 35 to 40 gallons of sap to produce a gallon of syrup.
Thirty years ago – 1985
“Witness,” currently showing at the Cine theater, has Patti LuPone as a cast member. An OBSERVER caller said this morning, “She has a very small, but very definite part in the movie.” A Tony Award winner for her role as “Evita” in the Broadway show of the same name, Patti is the daughter of Dr. O.J. “Chick” LuPone of LaMesa, Calif., a Dunkirk native, and Mrs. Patricia LuPone of New York City, formerly of Jamestown.
Forty years ago – 1975
Members of the newly-created Dunkirk Planning Board include Robert Manzella, Mrs. Olive Rusch, William McGraw, Robert Muscato and Robert Harris.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov left his spaceship for 20 minutes while orbiting the earth, a feat never before accomplished.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
A heart-tugger of a photo by OBSERVER photographer Kevin Polowy captures a true rite of passage. Brandon Shaver, 5, gets a push on his bicycle from his father, Charles Shaver, on a Sunday afternoon near the corner of Second Street and Roberts Road in Dunkirk. This was Brandon’s first day riding a bicycle without training wheels.
Thirty years ago – 1985
A plaque on the Dayton Town Hall, to be dedicated March 30, is honoring three members of the Milks family for their total of 55 years of service to the town’s highway department. Three generations of the Milks family served as town highway superintendents in consecutive elected terms. Frank Milks was the first to hold the post 55 years ago. He was succeeded by his son, Clayton Milks. When Clayton Milks retired, Clayton Milks Jr. was elected and currently retains the position. The special acknowledgement to the Milks family was funded by donations acquired through the Cottage Grange 829.
Forty years ago – 1975
The Dunkirk Board of Education approved a resolution, twice defeated at public referendum, giving the go-ahead to the proposed $2.25 million new construction and renovation project at the Dunkirk Junior High School.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The Dunkirk Common Council decided to delay action on a franchise for a television antennae system in the city.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Richard S. “Rick” Johnson of Fredonia is the 1995 Business Person of the Year chosen by the Business Club of Fredonia State University College. Mr. Johnson is the co-founder of the certified public accounting firm of Johnson, Mackowiak, Moore and Myott, which has offices in both Fredonia and Jamestown. It employs a staff of 26. He is also a founding member of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation and serves on numerous boards and committees.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Gov. Mario Cuomo emerged from his meeting with General Motors executives confident that he did everything he could to convince the automaker to locate its proposed Saturn car assembly factory in New York state. Yet Cuomo and GM officials gave no indication where New York stands among the 23 states vying for the $1.5 billion factory, which would employ about 6,000 workers. Cuomo met for 90 minutes with William Hoglund, president of the Saturn Corp. and other GM officials. A presentation was made on two proposed sites, one being the Sheridan location.
Forty years ago – 1975
The grand opening of the Valu Home Center on Bennett Road (Rte. 60) in Dunkirk took place earlier this month.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The pilot of a Cessna 172 airplane, Marvin Goldblatt of Rochester, was guided to safety by ground and air personnel in three states after his plane became coated with ice during a snowstorm in Dunkirk.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Born March 18, 1895, Dollie Fancher Olson recently celebrated reaching her first century mark. The youngest of eight children, she has lived most of her life in the local area. She married Oscar Olson in 1920 and they lived in Perrysburg where they had three children. Mr. Olson died in 1935. Mrs. Olson did day work in many homes in the Dunkirk area. She is a former member of the Perrysburg WCTU and the First Methodist Church of Dunkirk.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Sue Stang of Perrysburg was selected to take part in the 50th annual New York State 4-H Capitol Day Program in Albany. The program provides older 4-H teens with opportunities to learn first hand about state government. A junior at Gowanda Central School, Ms. Stang is a member of the Sugar ‘N Spice 4-H Club in Perrysburg. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Werner Stang of the Gowanda-Perrysburg Road. The event will conclude with a reception with Gov. Mario Cuomo at the Capitol.
Forty years ago – 1975
Members of the Pomfret Town Board have approved plans for the demolition of the Laona School building.
Fifty years ago – 1965
In applying for $205,000 in federal funds for detailed planning, the Dunkirk Common Council has listed the cost of the urban renewal project at an estimated $1,400,000.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Gov. George Pataki’s proposed cuts to the state Medicaid program could threaten the financial stability of the Chautauqua County Home. Based on certain assumptions about the Medicaid costs, the loss in revenue for the home is estimated to be more than $530,000 in 1995. The staff of the County Home has established a committee to deal with the forthcoming cuts to avoid layoffs for the 300 employees at the facility.
Thirty years ago – 1985
The Dunkirk Babe Ruth League has been honored with a request to host this year’s New York State 13-year-old All-Star Tournament. The sports-minded community and the excellent field facilities were listed as primary reasons for the request. The tournament will be held at the Dunkirk site the week of July 13-18 with teams from all sections of the state participating. Seven teams with a total of over 100 boys will be housed locally. Galen Smith will serve as tournament director.
Forty years ago – 1975
The future of Catholic education in Dunkirk is in jeopardy because the Dunkirk Urban Renewal Agency has nixed a plan for a new parish complex that would include a school.
Fifty years ago – 1965
A total of 92,712 boxes of Girl Scout cookies have been ordered by residents of Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Election of officers and plans for the upcoming year highlighted the annual board of directors meeting of the Community Christmas/Sharing With Children Toy Drive. Chet Kozlowski was re-elected president; Donald Swingle is vice president; Barb Rivera, treasurer; and Katy Muscato, secretary. Last year’s Christmas drive provided toys to more than 1,409 children throughout Chautauqua County. The group is making plans for its annual Santa Claus parade which kicks off the annual toy drive and is scheduled for Nov. 18 in the city.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Students at the Fredonia Elementary School recently completed the “Buy-A-Board” campaign to raise funds to build their creative playground at the Fredonia Central School District’s East Main campus. They sold over 1,130 boards which raised nearly $3,400. Each board was represented by a popsicle stick with the donor’s name printed on it. Members of the Wheelock School Children’s Committee included Justin Cobb, Bonnie Muller, Kristin McLean and Jeff Pienta.
Forty years ago – 1975
Thistle Development has been dumped as the preferred developer for the heart of the Dunkirk urban renewal district.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Park Shoe Store at the D&F Plaza was awarded a certificate of distinction during the 17th annual Brand Name Retailer of the Year Awards competition.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Thanks to a national advertising campaign that features Louise Dziduch, customers of ADD Lumber in Dunkirk know that she is a good neighbor. And so do more than two million people across the country. A photo of Louise’s smiling face graces an inside page of the SERVISTAR Pre-Spring 1995 Lumber/Home Center circular. Louise is part-owner of ADD Lumber, located at 148 Willow Road, Dunkirk. She is a member of SERVISTAR, one of the largest hardware co-operatives in the country. The full-color circular will be received by two million households across the country. Founded by Andy Dziduch, the lumber company has been in business since 1982.
Thirty years ago – 1985
The grand prize winner of the recent “Skate to Beat Diabetes” was Rachelle Stayman, 11, of Dunkirk. She raised $283.89 and received a 5-inch combination television/AM-FM radio. Second prize, a “hamburger lamp,” was awarded to Sara Halpainy, 12, of Dunkirk, who collected $278. The third prize winner was Charles R. Johnson, 34, of Fredonia, who collected $200 and received a pair of roller skates. Chad Ellman, 13, of Dunkirk won the fourth-place prize of an AM/FM walkman for collecting $180. The event raised a total of $2,978.89 for the Western New York Chapter of the American Diabetes Association.
Forty years ago – 1975
Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk has claimed four lives in the past six months as the result of traffic accidents.
Fifty years ago – 1965
During the four months that the poison control program has been in effect at Brooks Hospital, 53 poisoning cases have been recorded.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
The old Tops grocery store on East Main Street in Fredonia is again bustling with people. In mid-February, the J.N. Adam Developmental Disabilities Service Office opened its door with day habilitation activities and clinic services. Daily living skills activities are taught at the center for the residents of the 15 community residence properties J.N. Adam operates in the county. About 95 individuals attend daily from the group homes.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Joanne Archer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Archer, 44 Burton Ave., Ripley has been named Student of the Week at Ripley Central School. A senior, she is co-editor of the school yearbook, has played volleyball for four years and has been involved in gymnastics for three years. She also played basketball and was a cheerleader. Joanne also has written sports articles for the school newspaper. Following graduation, she hopes to attend the Erie Business Center, majoring in accounting.
Forty years ago – 1975
In a Consumer Reports magazine, Mitchell Foods Inc. of Fredonia was judged to produce the best liquid coffee creamer (Poly Perx) of all competitive brands.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The Fredonia School Board’s second request for a traffic light at the entrance to the high school has been rejected by the State Traffic Commission.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Kristen Bunge, 3-year-old daughter of Jim and Terrie Bunge of Dunkirk and granddaughter of Marion Bunge of Dunkirk, won “Miss Photogenic” and was a runnerup in the 2- and 3-year-old categories at the Sunburst USA Beauty Pageant held in Buffalo on Feb. 25. Kristen will advance to the state finals in Syracuse, NY.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Buffalo Bills pro football team owner Ralph Wilson is ready to help Chautauqua County score a touchdown with General Motors on the Saturn plant location. Mr. Wilson, who is a Detroit resident, responded to a letter from County Executive John Glenzer, who asked the team owner’s help in convincing GM executives they should locate their new Saturn auto plant in Sheridan. In his letter, Wilson wrote … “Having lost thousands of (Bills) ticket holders with the closing of the steel plants and many other businesses in the Buffalo area, nothing would please me more than the opening of a new plant in Western New York. Please send me some information and I will be happy to write to GM President Roger Smith and GM Board Chairman Jim McDonald in support of having the plant near Buffalo.”
Forty years ago – 1975
Dunkirk’s Common Council is planning to erect a monument at Memorial Park in honor of those city servicemen who gave their lives in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Mayor Russell Joy recently led the Citizens Party to a complete sweep in the Fredonia village elections.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
A “workaholic” is one way Joan Byrne of Gowanda describes herself and those who participate in L.K. Painter’s 50-Plus program couldn’t agree more with that assessment. Joan founded the seniors group at the center. The organization has grown by leaps and bounds over the past three years. She said she made the effort to found the program because retirement was in her future at the time. Joan wrote for several newspapers and worked as an alcohol counselor for the Gowanda Psychiatric Center until she retired in 1990. While working as a member of the board of the L.K. Painter Center, she began trying to develop a senior center.
Thirty years ago – 1985
David H. Nelson, 38 Liberty St., Fredonia is a featured interviewee on the television program, “Home Free,” a Massachusetts Audubon Society film about bald eagles that will air this week. A 1978 Fredonia High alumnus and 1982 Cornell University graduate, Mr. Nelson has spent the last three summers at the Quabbin Reservoir near Amherst in an isolated forest area. He raised two eagles in 1982, four in 1983 and six in 1984. The film is based on the 1983 project. Bald eagles were almost extinct in Massachusetts. The eaglets Mr. Nelson raised were imported from Canada at six weeks of age.
Forty years ago – 1975
A model and architectural drawings for the proposed St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish in Dunkirk were revealed at a press conference at the St. Mary’s Rectory.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Miss Patricia Gullo of Eagle Street, Fredonia was a contestant on the popular TV game show, Password, where she won $700.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
The Chautauqua County Health Department said the first case of rabies in a red fox has been confirmed. The fox was killed on Town Line Road in the town of Ellicott after attacking a dog. The incident is significant because it demonstrates that the rabies epidemic involves different species of animals. Although 90 percent of the rabid animals in the county to date have been raccoons, there also have been several skunks and one stray cat.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Fredonia’s Jim Mee bowled two 300 games in three days earlier this month. They were the 9th and 10th perfect games of the lefthander’s outstanding career. His first came on alleys 5 and 6 at Astro Lanes on his way to a 739 for Stroh’s in the Burgun Farms Classic League while the second came at the Oak Orchard Lanes in Albion. Jim averages 222 and 208 in leagues this season and has over 100 series of 700 or better in his career.
Forty years ago – 1975
The Italian Village Restaurant on West Main Street in Fredonia, which was gutted by fire on Nov. 20, 1974, has been completely refurbished and is open for business.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Planning should start immediately toward the construction of a new fire hall, officers of Murray Hose Co. No. 4 advised the Dunkirk Common Council.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Sears Merchandise Group has announced it is seeking an entrepreneur to open a locally-owned and operated Sears authorized retail dealer store in Fredonia. The new Sears dealer store will offer appliances, home electronics and lawn and garden equipment. All qualified candidates will be interviewed. Sears goal is to open the new dealer store six to nine months from now.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Joselle Robin Bifaro, a seventh-grade student at the Fredonia Middle School, was crowned “Pre-Teen Miss Majorette of the Northeast (intermediate division) during a contest held in Westfield, Mass., March 2 and 3. She also won the titles of “Northeast Regional Queen” and “Northeast Parade Majorette.” Winning these titles makes her eligible to represent the Northeast states in the nationals to be held at Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. Joselle is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bifaro of Fredonia.
Forty years ago – 1975
David Rosenbaum, a professional actor from New York City, is currently working with theater arts students from Fredonia State University College.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Lou Saban, coach of the Buffalo Bills, will be the guest speaker at a joint meeting of the Dunkirk and Fredonia Rotary clubs.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Nearly five years ago, Marshall Hall began a crusade to have his grandfather placed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Layne Hall, a resident of Silver Creek from 1916 until his death in 1990, will become part of history next year when his name is entered into the Guinness Book as the World’s Oldest Licensed Driver. At 110, Mr. Hall easily surpassed the oldest documented licensed driver, that being Roy M. Rawlins of Stockton, Calif., who died one day short of his 105th birthday in 1975.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Carol Dudley of Fredonia was named “Zontian of the Year” by fellow members of the Zonta Club of the Dunkirk-Fredonia area. The wife of Stewart Dudley, she is a 36-year member and past president, with a total of 96 annual points – representing offices held, attendance, committee work and involvement on a district and international level. In naming Mrs. Dudley, toastmaster Florence McClelland referred to her as the “First Lady of Pomfret.”
Forty years ago – 1975
Joseph Manzella will be honored at a testimonial retirement dinner for his many years of outstanding work on behalf of the area’s steelworkers.
Fifty years ago – 1965
At the age of 39, Yogi Berra is attempting to make a comeback with Casey Stengel’s New York Mets.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
In a first for the village of Fredonia, Frank Pagano became the first Democrat to ever hold the mayor’s seat. By a 24-vote margin, the two-term trustee ended the 16-year tenure of Republican Mayor Louis Mancuso. Mr. Pagano is the 60th person to hold the chief executive post of the village. The mayor-elect will also be the first mayor to serve a four-year term.
Thirty years ago – 1985
A “Do You Remember?” photo shows a group of officials alongside the first saddletank locomotive built in 1901 after Brooks and several other locomotive builders amalgamated to form the American Locomotive Co. The Dunkirk plant remained the Brooks Works. Identified are Cornelius McCarthy, foreman of the tank shop, and John Player, the man who invented the Player Compound System for steam locomotives. He was a familiar figure around Dunkirk in the 1920s and 1930s. Alco and Brooks built 13,245 steam locomotives in Dunkirk. The last locomotive built here in 1930 was a saddletank locomotive.
Forty years ago – 1975
The J.N. Adam Developmental Center plans to use a house at 539 Washington Ave., Dunkirk as a halfway house.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Highly-specialized machinery is being installed at the Red Wing Company of Fredonia as peanut butter production is being implemented.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
VFW Commander-in-Chief Allen F. Rent recently announced that James F. Gallant of Fredonia, Commander of District 6 in New York, won an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The trip is an award for being one of the top VFW District Commanders in this year’s membership drive. There are more than 860 VFW Districts worldwide.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Dunkirk resident and former area businessman Randy Goss addressed the Dunkirk Common Council, reminding them that there was no Halloween parade in the city last year and that the parades over the last several years have been disappointingly small. He then proposed a “Great Halloween Happening,” which he offered to organize and manage free of charge because he feels some type of organized events in connection with Halloween would not only be fun for area children, but would also diminish the problems that have come to be associated with the holiday in recent years, such as increased vandalism. In addition to a big parade, there would be a candy distribution in Memorial Park.
Forty years ago – 1975
Meister Contracting Company will build a combination field house and concession stand to serve the football-baseball complex at the rear of School 7 in Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1965
A 1907 “Do You Remember?” photo shows the road fleet of rigs, horses and operators used by the former Dunkirk Laundry Company on Central Avenue in Dunkirk.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
By mid-week, standing-room only tickets were all that remained for the Buffalo Sabres’ match with Montreal on Sunday night. It’s Northern Chautauqua Night at the Aud, an event co-sponsored by the OBSERVER. Youth hockey players from this area get to take a spin on the ice between the first and second period. Sabres’ officials say Northern Chautauqua Night is always one of the most successful Sabres’ promotions.
Thirty years ago – 1985
The Most Rev. Edward D. Head, D.D., Bishop of Buffalo, has written to the General Motors Corp. urging the company to consider Sheridan as the site for its Saturn manufacturing plant. The letter was directed to Thomas Murphy of Bloomfield, Mich., a member and former chairman of the General Motors Corp. Board of Directors and a native of Western New York. The letter stated in part, …”I am also sure you are aware of the serious economic climate which exists in Western New York, since the closing of our steel production plants. …”
Forty years ago – 1975
An explosion at the Petri Bakery in Silver Creek occurred while a workman was attempting to light a baking oven.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Calendar Girl of the Month for March is Jeanne Palcic of Gowanda, a senior at Cardinal Mindszenty High School.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
The Silver Creek Central School’s new grading system is coming under fire from a group of parents who want to see the old system back in place. The replacement of traditional grades with a new system of portfolio assessment is part of the district’s Vision 2000 plan, which was approved by the school board last year. The group opposed to the changes is known as PURGE – Parents United to Restore Graded Evaluation. A recent meeting drew more than 100 concerned parents. The group supports the restoration of grades and grading standards, the necessity of a report card every 10 weeks, and the suspension of the assessment booklet.
Thirty years ago – 1985
The Dunkirk Common Council has learned that a tentative agreement has been reached for the city to purchase the Moose Club on Lake Shore Drive East so the land can be used as part of the city’s harborfront project. Moose Club members still need to vote on whether to accept or reject the sales price being offered by the city. The club also wants to remain in the building for several more months while another clubhouse is acquired elsewhere.
Forty years ago – 1975
A feature article highlights FSUC Professor Terry Lindquist’s avocation – building homes.
County Medicare payments during 1974 totaled $7.3 million.
Fifty years ago – 1965
A “Do You Remember Photo?” features the New York Central Station which was combined in the old and since-razed Erie Hotel.
The village of Forestville’s tentative budget in the amount of $32,628 has been filed for the fiscal year June 1, 1965.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Service, community involvement and horses are among the lifelong interests that have taken up the time and talents of Arkwright resident Albert “Al” Gaus. Anyone who has seen the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Mounted Division at various parades or on duty at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds has likely seen Mr. Gaus as well. He has been a member of this organization for more than 40 years. He rode a horse named “Coconut Joe” for 24 of those years.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Karl Sisson and Tonja Nichols, seventh graders at Cassadaga Valley Middle School, were first and second respectively in the school’s recent Spelling Bee. Karl is the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Sisson of Sinclairville and Tonja is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Nichols of Sinclairville. Karl will now take a written test and if successful, go on to the area championship in Buffalo. Two Cassadaga Valley students – Jean Danton and Patricia Bauman – have advanced to the championship in recent years.
Forty years ago – 1975
Dunkirk Mayor Leon Damian was scheduled to be interviewed for a Voice of America radio program that will be broadcast in Poland.
Fifty years ago – 1965
For the second time in less than two months, the 10-year-old twin sons of Dunkirk Patrolman Leonard Drozdiel have found a cash register that was taken in a burglary.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Dunkirk was the first location in New York for Quality Farm and Fleet, a Michigan-based chain of stores that target farm supplies, feeds, lawn and garden, automotive and sporting goods markets. The local store will be celebrating its first anniversary soon. Store manager Dan Norman reports the third New York store is about ready to open. The new location, joining Dunkirk and Arcade, is in Salamanca.
Thirty years ago – 1985
New York Gov. Mario Cuomo is tentatively scheduled to go before officials of General Motors Corp. in Detroit armed with data showing the advantages of at least two sites in this state for the company’s new Saturn auto manufacturing plant. The governor will pitch the Sheridan site and the former Stewart Air Force Base near Newburgh. The plant will employ 6,000 and generate another 12,000 to 14,000 jobs in support services in the area. The news that GM is looking for a plant location has touched off a veritable circus among the states. At least 25 have now made bids or plan to make bids, for the plant.
Forty years ago – 1975
Daniel Ellsberg, the one-time Marine Corps officer who released the Pentagon Papers to the press, is slated to speak at Fredonia State University College.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The Dunkirk Aero-Modelers will hold their first model airplane cavalcade at the J.C. Brady Ford building at the plaza.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Former Fredonia resident Dr. Robert R. Conti has accepted a position in the radiology department at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo. He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Louis Conti of Fredonia and a 1973 graduate of Cardinal Mindszenty High School. Dr. Conti graduated from the University of Notre Dame and earned his M.D. from Hahnemann Medical School in Philadelphia. Prior to joining ECMC, he specialized in magnetic resonance imaging serving in the department of radiology at Physicians Memorial Hospital in La Plata, Md.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Patricia Bauman, daughter of Dr. Daniel and Hilary Bauman of Stockton, has been selected as Student of the Week at Cassadaga Valley Central School. A senior, she is the recipient of a New York State Regents scholarship and a Dunkirk Elks Lodge scholarship. During the 1983-84 school year, Patricia spent a year in Denmark as part of the Rotary Exchange Program. She has been accepted and plans to attend Middlebury College in Vermont, majoring in foreign languages and political science with her goal of becoming a diplomatic translator.
Forty years ago – 1975
John Mitchell, H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman recently were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for their part in covering up Watergate, America’s worst political scandal.
Fifty years ago – 1965
An OBSERVER photo shows members of the Dunkirk Elks Club planting a huge “Boost Dunkirk” sign on the front lawn.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Former Silver Creek resident Susan Clarke Fricano was featured in the kick-off event on the annual Variety Club Telethon in Buffalo. Mrs. Fricano is the creator of “Captain Kiddo,” a character featured in promotional items and a book which benefits the Variety Club. She said the cartoon-like creation is a friendly character who encourages children to help other children. He was featured in the first volume of a book which contained children’s limericks, drawings and stories. A second volume is now planned which will include recipes which appeal to children. A 1960 graduate of Silver Creek High School, Susan is the daughter of Melville Clarke of Silver Creek and the late Geraldine Clarke. She is married to Thomas Fricano, a 1957 Silver Creek grad.
Thirty years ago – 1985
The Brocton Central School Student Council and chapter of the Future Homemakers of America hosted a senior citizens day at the school recently. A light breakfast was served and a tour of the school was offered to area residents. Members from the cast of the school musical, “Oliver,” and the madrigal chorus entertained during breakfast as well as selected duets and soloists.
Forty years ago – 1975
The performance of “Madame Butterfly” at Fredonia State University College will showcase the combined efforts of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the theatre arts and music departments at Fredonia State.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Brake Specialty Inc., Dunkirk’s newest industry, has started its operation at Progress Park.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
A cleanup took place at the former Cardinal Mindszenty High School in anticipation of the building possibly being sold in the near future. Mancuso Landscaping and Lawn Mowing worked for three days to complete the cleanup, which included removal of old books, broken glass, rocks and pigeon droppings. Both Chautauqua County and a group hoping to restart a Catholic high school in the area have approached the Diocese of Buffalo in recent months about the building. The group is eying a fall 1996 opening for the school.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Jesse Thomas, second vice president of the Dunkirk-Fredonia Chapter of the NAACP, recently announced the winners of an essay contest on “Why Black History is Important to Me.” Kenny Porter and Rosalind Tell of Dunkirk High School and Maureen Sheedy and Lori Perkins of Dunkirk Middle School received their prizes at the Black History Month dinner held in the community room of the Courtney Arms Apartments on Feb. 28.
Forty years ago – 1975
Conditional leases for the rental of space in a proposed shopping mall in downtown Dunkirk have been mailed to more than 20 prospective tenants, according to Thistle Development and Management Inc.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Silver Creek Patrolman John A. Kohler received a citation from the National Police Officers Association for the arrest and capture of four men who were burglarizing a warehouse.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Jason C. Delcamp, an Auto Mechanics student at the Philip J. LoGuidice Center in Fredonia, has been named a local winner in the SERVISTAR/Coast to Coast All-American Vocational Student Awards program. As a local winner, he will receive a $100 US Savings Bond. Jason, of Thayer Hill Road, Portland, was one of more than 1,300 local winners in the competition, which was sponsored locally by Add Lumber Company, 148 Willow Road, Dunkirk. Jason and the other local winners will now advance to state competition.
Thirty years ago – 1985
The preferred developer for the uplands area of the Dunkirk harborfront development project revealed that her company is “leaning heavily” toward the idea of building condominium or rental apartments in the harborfront project area. Karen Hansen of Wilmorite Development of Rochester said 75 to 100 units would be built on the second, third and fourth stories of a building or buildings that would also house a total of 60,000 to 80,000 square feet of retail store space on the ground level.
Forty years ago – 1975
Streakers, about eight in number, were observed “doing their thing” early this morning in Dunkirk’s First Ward.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The chairman of the State Senate’s Public Health Committee is proposing that the state undertake a crash program to wipe out measles.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Pat Deibel, midwife, has joined the staff of Gynecare, PC, 306 Central Ave., Dunkirk. One of the few midwives now in the area, Pat trained in England and had been in private practice in Rochester, NY for over 15 years, attending women in home and hospital. Pat brings an alternative choice to area women – seeing them regularly at the office and attending them for prenatal care and when in labor.
Thirty years ago – 1985
The Dunkirk Board of Education recently appointed Dunkirk Middle School Principal Ms. Terry Wolfenden as superintendent of schools. She is the first woman superintendent of an individual school district in Chautauqua County, and the only woman superintendent currently in western New York. There are about 17 women in similar posts throughout the state. Ms. Wolfenden does not become the superintendent officially until July 1.
Forty years ago – 1975
Maintenance, production and clerical workers went on strike against National Fuel Gas and set up picket lines at most company offices, including two in Dunkirk.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Dr. Samuel A. Graziano of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of Mrs. Lena Graziano of Eagle Street, Dunkirk, has been named president-elect of the Milwaukee Chapter of the Wisconsin Academy of General Practice.