Twenty years ago – 1995

Paul V. Gestwicki has been named valedictorian and Steven J. Pauszek, salutatorian of the senior class at Dunkirk High School. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gestwicki of Middle Road, Paul has an overall average of 98.233 which ranks him at the top of his class of 145. He will continue his education at Fredonia State University College in the fall with an undeclared major. Steven, son of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Pauszek of West Doughty Street, attained a 97.115 GPA. He will be attending Long Island University’s Southampton campus, majoring in microbiology.

Thirty years ago – 1985

It’s been two decades of progress and growth for Lake Shore Hospital in Irving. The hospital is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month. In 1964, Howard Collins became the first hospital administrator and presided over the opening ceremony on Jan. 4, 1965. Opening day was a busy one for the new hospital with 10 admissions, one surgery and two emergencies. On Jan. 7, three days after opening, Robert Lee Richmond Jr. became the first baby born at the hospital. When it opened its doors, the new hospital had 39 available beds. Eight beds were in the maternity section and 31 were listed as medical-surgical. A surgical suite, laboratory, X-ray department and emergency room completed the facility. There were 78 on the staff, including 10 doctors, five dentists and two podiatrists.

Forty years ago – 1975

Miss Bernice Peters, a public health nurse who has served Chautauqua County for the past 27 years, announced her retirement, which was effective June 1.

Fifty years ago – 1965

Pictured on a torrid five-minute shopping spree at the Loblaw Star supermarket in Fredonia is Mrs. Philip Hendren, who won the recent Pepsi Cola contest and amassed $542.27 worth of groceries for her efforts.