Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
St. Hyacinth Parish in Dunkirk recently honored Msgr. Casimir A. Zak on his golden jubilee in the priesthood with a dinner banquet in the Msgr. Casimir A. Zak Auditorium. Msgr. Zak celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving preceding the event. A native of Depew, Msgr. Zak attended St. John Kanty College in Erie, Pa., and Our Lady of the Angels Seminary in Niagara Falls. He was ordained into the priesthood at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in 1945. Msgr. Zak was pastor of St. Hyacinth’s in Dunkirk from June 1967 until he retired in October 1994.
Thirty years ago – 1985
If the organizer of the upcoming “Great Halloween Happening” in Dunkirk continues with plans to use the former Town and Country story as a rain site for the event, the city may consider canceling its support. That was the warning issued to organizer Randal Goss by Dunkirk City Attorney Jane Love, who pointed out that since part of the vacant store is also being used as Republican City Committee headquarters, using it for a city-supported event might be a violation of federal law. The “Great Halloween Happening” is a series of activities planned for area children around Halloween at the end of October. Goss, who is a Republican candidate for the common council, is also the organizer of the happening.
Forty years ago – 1975
Pictured is the Best in Show from the recent Festival of Grapes Antique Auto Show – a 1956 Packard 400 shown by Russell Joy of Fredonia.
A mural depicting a lighthouse coastline and sun was painted this summer on the west wall of the Regent Theater in Dunkirk by members of the Chautauqua Conservation Corps under a “hometown” beautification program.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Marlene Butcher, Miss New York State, has resumed her studies at Fredonia State University College. She was on hand to greet Lt. Gov. Malcolm Wilson during his visit here.
Calendar Girl for the month of October is Martha Brumagin, 17, a senior at Westfield Academy and Central School, who aspires to a teaching career.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
It required cooperation from four county legislatures to negotiate the sale of a railroad line vital to the Southern Tier, but Conrail says it is no longer for sale. The line in question runs from Hornell to Meadville, Pa., 188 miles of track through Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany and Steuben counties in New York and Erie and Crawford counties in Pennsylvania. It serves a number of industries in both New York and Pennsylvania. Negotiations to purchase the railroad line began in the mid-1980s at a cost of $250,000. A spokesman for Conrail said, “We feel it is in the best interests of Conrail, its shareholders and employers to retain the rail line.”
Thirty years ago – 1985
A crowd of Dunkirk Moose Lodge members honored Raymond Bentley with a testimonial dinner and class enrollment. On Oct. 1, Mr. Bentley will become the first area Moose member to move to Moosehaven, Fla. Moosehaven is a retirement community for elderly Moose members and their spouses located 15 miles outside of Jacksonville, Fla. To gain admittance as a resident, a Moose member must have been a member for 15 years prior to the date of admittance. A wide range of social activities and recreational activities are available at Moosehaven.
Forty years ago – 1975
Under the direction of Dennis Nowocien, industrial arts teacher, students at St. Joseph’s School for Exceptional Children on Bennett Road, Dunkirk are building their own garden tool shed as part of the activities dealing with the construction industry.
Former employees of the Dunkirk Van Raalte plant met at the Kosciuszko Club for their third annual reunion. Among the 120 attending were Mary Elizabeth Orcutt, Hildegarde Polvino, Angeline San George and Josephine Privitera.
Fifty years ago – 1965
In a feature story written by J. Murdoch Dawley, the Fredonia State University College professor outlines the highlights of his trip around the world.
There are eight “Stage Door Johnny” participants in the 1965 High Fever Follies contest. They are Newell McCroskey, Larry Haase, David Reber, Richard Magliozzi, Tom Gregoreski, Sookie Tworek, Ron Kubera and John Brooks.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
From the OBSERVER’s Cheers and Jeers editorial: “Cheers” to Fredonia State University College. We always knew that Fredonia State was an “excellent value” but it’s nice to see that recognition coming from Money magazine and other publications. In fact, in the magazine’s news report on “Best College Buys Now,” Fredonia ranks fifth best in the Northeast. “Jeers” to Natalie Merchant, former lead singer for the 10,000 Maniacs, who has frequently bashed her hometown of Jamestown since leaving the group. Even if all her feelings about Jamestown are not that great, wouldn’t she be better off not saying anything at all? Frankly, we like the 10,000 Maniacs better since Mary Ramsey of Fredonia has taken over as lead singer.
Thirty years ago – 1985
It was Sept. 10, 1910 when 23-year-old Frank M. Schrantz opened his first grocery store in the city of Dunkirk. On Sept. 14, 1985, 75 years and four days later, the door closed forever on the Frank M. Schrantz grocery store at 107 King St. and with the turning of the key came the end of another era in Dunkirk’s history. Neighborhood children were always important to this grocery business, with mention of “penny candy” also prompting memories of cookies encased in glass-fronted containers – fig-filled sandwich cookies, another with a marshmallow topping, pink icing and coconut, sugar cookies and others striped with chocolate. Bulk foods such as rice, macaroni, etc. were kept in drawers underneath the main counter, each drawer fronted with a picture of the product within.
Forty years ago – 1975
Within an hour after the opening of the sale, very few furnishings and fixtures remained in the former Sacred Heart Church, with about $5,000 realized from the sale.
For the 10th consecutive year, Leonard Catalano is the volunteer chairman of the Dunkirk Municipal Division of the annual United Way campaign.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Sen. Wayne Morse, Bennett Cerf and Premier Pierre Mendes-France are among the speakers booked for the academic year at Fredonia State University College.
Recognizing the trend toward larger and faster airplanes and the ever-increasing emphasis on business flying out of homeports for convenience and time-saving purposes, Fredonia Airpark Inc. on Van Buren Road, Fredonia has expanded its facilities.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
The 10,000 Maniacs have always been considered a “local” band even though most of their members come from the Jamestown area. Now, the Fredonia and Northern Chautauqua communities can truly call the band its own. Mary Ramsey, a Fredonia native and 1981 graduate of Fredonia High School, is now the lead singer in the group. She and John Lombardo joined the band less than a year ago and the county’s alternative/rock music group is poised to spin out a compact disc with the melodic voice of one of Fredonia’s own. The duo, formerly known as John and Mary, are now full-fledged members of the internationally known Maniacs. Ms. Ramsey replaces Natalie Merchant as lead singer while Mr. Lombardo rejoins the group that he originally co-founded and then left.
Thirty years ago – 1985
A new music store specializing in music and supplies for classical musicians is celebrating its grand opening. Poppenberg’s Music Store at 48 West Main St. across from the Fredonia Food Co-Op will be a branch of the successful Poppenberg’s Music Store in Buffalo, according to proprietor Sheila Kroon of Cassadaga. She said a major reason that Fredonia was chosen as the site of the store was the Fredonia State University College and its music department.
Forty years ago – 1975
Toby Halicki, the former Dunkirk man who made it big in show business circles with his first major motion picture production, “Gone in 60 Seconds,” is featured in the nationally distributed “People” magazine now on the newsstands.
Dedication of the new sanctuary and education facilities at the First Baptist Church of Dunkirk was marked by a capacity crowd at the church.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Special awards were given to Carl Promenschenkel and Cas Marmurowicz in recognition of their service to the city and their interest in education during the past 50 years.
A decision among Catholic high schools in western New York to de-emphasize football and phase it out of the athletic programs may be changed, according to the Rev. Anthony Della Neve, athletic director at Cardinal Mindszenty High School.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Construction of the new 4,600-square-foot Fleet Bank building on Vineyard Drive is well under way. The new building, expected to be open for business in early 1996, will replace two of the existing Fleet locations in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area: one at the D&F Plaza and the other on East Main Street in Fredonia. The branch in downtown Dunkirk will remain open. The new branch on Vineyard Drive will be a state-of-the-art facility, located in a major retail zone. Vineyard Drive development has exploded in recent years with the construction of Bob Evans, Kmart and the Comfort Inn along with several other businesses. The development on Vineyard Drive began in 1984 with Tops Markets and has been growing rapidly ever since.
Thirty years ago – 1985
The best seller list is no stranger to author Marjorie Holmes of Pittsburgh, who with her husband, Dr. George Schmieler, maintains a summer residence at Portland Bay on the shores of Lake Erie. Author of more than 20 books, among them powerful, inspirational best sellers, her newest “Three from Galilee – The Young Man from Nazareth” (Harper & Row publishers) arrived in book stores last week. It is a sequel to “Two from Galilee,” chosen among the 10 best novels of 1972 which has never been out of print and whose sales are in the millions.
Forty years ago – 1975
A 41-year-old California bicyclist, Peter Tuttle, was killed on rain-slicked Route 5 just west of Dunkirk, after traveling by bicycle from California with a destination of Glen Cove, L.I., his birthplace.
Vincent’s Shoes, 41 East Main St., Fredonia is conducting a going-out-of-business sale all this week and is advertising terrific buys on all children’s, men’s and women’s shoes.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Robert H. Altweis of Dunkirk was recently installed in Albany as vice president of the New York State Elks Association, only the second member of Dunkirk Elks Lodge 922 to hold a state office in the past 60 years.
Pennbeck Music Services Inc., located in the Russo Building in Fredonia, is celebrating its grand opening this week with a special sale on organs and pianos, accord to owner Lee Frayer.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
A Gowanda store that has supplied the local area with everything from batteries and rubber bands to toys and crafts is closing its doors after 32 years. The Ben Franklin Store on West Main Street, which opened on July 25, 1963 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with then Mayor Norman Hogle, will vacate its building by the end of November. The village will not be losing a business, however. Ben Franklin is closing to make room for Tom Redding’s auto parts business, which will move into the larger building. The current owners of Ben Franklin, James and Jean Johnson, have decided to retire after 32 years and “lead the good life.”
Thirty years ago – 1985
George M. Lambert of Memorial Drive, Gowanda was honored recently by the Cattaraugus County Board of Health for his many years of volunteer service. Lambert has been a member of the board for 30 years and served as president for several years. He also spent many years as a member of the county board of supervisors. He received a special plaque from the board’s president, James J. Snyder, who is also chairman of the Cattaraugus County Legislature. Also present was Dr? James Garvey, the county’s public health administrator.
Forty years ago – 1975
The Dunkirk Planning Board has recommended that the proposed new building for senior citizens in the city be a multi-purpose center, housing other human services such as Dunkirk Recreation, Dunkirk Housing Authority and the Dunkirk-Fredonia Counseling Service, as well as facilities for senior citizens.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Superintendent of Schools Franklin H. Hazard presented a voluminous 132-page report entitled “A Proposal For Quality Education” on staffing and curriculum in the Dunkirk schools to the Dunkirk Board of Education. The report represented many months of preparation and Superintendent Hazard was commended for it by board members William Kutner and Norman Boorady.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Concerned city of Dunkirk residents crowded into the Hose 4 fire hall on Doughty Street to organize against the rash of arson fires and other crimes in the city of Dunkirk. More than 200 residents attended the meeting to hear Dunkirk police and fire authorities tell residents that their help and cooperation with the investigation will play an integral part in apprehending the persons involved in setting more than a dozen fires in and around the Fourth Ward since July 5. Dunkirk Police Officer David Ortolano reminded residents that in a similar situation several years ago involving fires in the Fourth Ward and East Town of Dunkirk, the residents rallied up and caught the arsonist.
Thirty years ago – 1985
The Peter Cooper Corporation is closing its Gowanda facility by Sept. 30 and there are tentative plans to put the entire Palmer Street complex up for sale. Twenty jobs will be affected when the small manufacturing plant ceases operation. The factory manufactures general industrial adhesives. The major change in the local plant operations began several years ago when the company reduced its Gowanda operation and moved engineering technicians and management staff to other areas of the country.
Forty years ago – 1975
Cynthia Moffett, a student at Dunkirk High School, and Thomas Beckman, Louis Crandall, John Mannion and Bruce Morrison, all of Westfield Academy and Central School, have been named as semifinalists in the 1976 Merit Scholarship Program.
The city of Dunkirk is considering a proposal to purchase the former Supkowski Market at 235 Lake Shore Drive East and the corner of Middle Road, and then demolishing it in order to improve traffic control at the intersection.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Louis P. Godina, a chemist at Kraft’s Dunkirk food plant, was honored by Kraft Foods with the presentation of the J.L. Kraft jade ring award in recognition of his outstanding service.
Another of the area’s new industries, Brake Specialists Inc. of Progress Park, displays its product in the window of the Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce office. Brake drums and disc pad brakes are shown both in casting form and after they have been machined at the plant.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
The cry of “all aboard” will soon be echoing through the former Penn Central Station in Dunkirk as the city has been added as an Amtrak passenger stop. Mayor Margaret Wuerstle had just collected another batch of signatures on the Amtrak petition and made her regular call to Amtrak officials. This time they had an answer. “They said they were going to go with it,” Mayor Wuerstle said. The Lake Shore Limited, Amtrak’s passenger line through Dunkirk, will begin stopping in the city on April 7. Amtrak officials said it was too late to add Dunkirk to the fall schedule. The Dunkirk stop is being added on a one-year trial basis. Amtrak officials said the letter writing/petition campaign strongly influenced their decision.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Amie Dillenburg of Forestville will reign as the 1985 Miss Festival of Grapes. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John “Jack” Dillenburg of Forestville and attends Forestville High School. Margaret Pagano was first runner-up and Jennifer Reynolds was named second runner-up in the competition. Both girls are students at Silver Creek Central School. Kathryn Ann Falcone, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony John Falcone Jr. of Walnut Road, Silver Creek was crowned the winner of the Little Miss Festival of Grapes contest. The Festival of Grapes is dedicated this year to the late Frederick “Fritz” Seegert of Silver Creek.
Forty years ago – 1975
A large number of staff turnovers took up nearly four pages of the agenda for the September BOCES board of education meeting and according to board president Delmar Brinkman “is starting to be a big problem.”
Area grape growers have been urged by the New York Farm Bureau Marketing Cooperative to attend a meeting to discuss disappointing Concord grape prices being offered by processors, which are considered to be far below the cost of production.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Irving C. Faber of Dove Street, Dunkirk is pictured presenting a gift to Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. Mr. Faber was one of a select group of college students chosen by Sen. Kennedy to work in his Washington, D.C. office as a political science summer intern.
A bolt of lightning during this morning’s fierce electrical storm set off a newly installed fire alarm system in St. Mary’s Church rectory. The Rev. Maurus Schenk, CP, a member of the parish staff, went outside to check on the damage, where he slipped and fell, sustaining a possible broken ankle.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Plans are under way for the fifth annual Dunkirk Free Library Telethon Auction to be held Oct. 26. The 1995 Telethon/Auction is dedicated to the memory of Bill Dill, founder of the Friends of the Library and member of the Library Board of Directors. “The Telethon has grown bigger and better each year,” said Mrs. Joanne Bentham, Telethon co-chairperson. “The continuing success can be directly attributed to Mr. Dill’s promotion and support.” This year’s goal is to surpass the $9,600 total raised during last year’s production. The late Mr. Dill was a former reporter for the OBSERVER and the former assessor for the city of Dunkirk.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Norman Bell of Sheridan received a Special Service Award at the annual Southwestern Volunteer Firemen’s Association convention held recently in Frewsburg. Mr. Bell joined the Sheridan Fire Department in 1936, serving as president from 1944-47. In 1940, he became a member of the Chautauqua County Firemen’s Association, where he had also served as president. He was elected fire commissioner for the Town of Sheridan from 1940-1956 and also served as deputy fire coordinator of Chautauqua County for two years. Mr. Bell also served as supervisor for the Town of Sheridan and was a seven-term member of the Chautauqua County Board of Supervisors.
Forty years ago – 1975
Claude C. Sharpe, a lifelong Dunkirk resident and the recently elected president of the New York State Bowling Association, was the guest of honor at a recent inaugural dinner-dance attended by the more than 250 people at Rusch’s Restaurant.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Dunkirk, believed to be the first in the world named to honor the first American-born saint, was the scene of a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sept. 15, just hours after the impressive canonization for Mother Seton in St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Richard Joseph Pagano of Dunkirk has been named a Peace Corps volunteer, having completed 12 weeks of training at Georgetown University in Washington and is now on leave at home prior to a late September departure for Brazil.
Ross A. DiBiase of Dunkirk was elected president of Chautauqua County Vacationlands Association at its meeting held recently at Peek ‘n Peak Ski Resort in Clymer.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Good work, a good product and a family atmosphere can be found at the Ethan Allen furniture plant in Mayville. About 125 people are employed at the plant which makes fine, hard maple residential furniture. A sister plant in Frewsburg makes cherry furniture. The plants use mostly local wood. Ethan Allen is currently the only factory in Mayville, although Belknap Business Forms is setting up shop.
Thirty years ago – 1985
The concept of creating a regional high school of excellence in Chautauqua County is a huge task, according to Fredonia School Superintendent James M. Merrins. However, if the concept can be developed and the state continues to finance the project, a high school of excellence “has the potential to change education in a distinct and dramatic way,” Dr. Merrins said. “We are looking at creating an entire new school district, without the same structure (of a school district). It requires a unique curriculum. We have to define it, then create it.” Six county school districts – Brocton, Forestville, Pine Valley, Silver Creek, Westfield and Fredonia – have been awarded a $40,000 State Education Department grant to carry out the study. Dr. Merrins projects 150 to 200 truly gifted students would be targeted for the school drawn from up to 15 county districts.
Forty years ago – 1975
District Attorney Robert J. Sullivan of Dunkirk was defeated in the recent primary by one of his former assistants, Paul M. King, who had never before run for public office, but still managed to capture the Republican nomination.
James A. Crolle Jr. of Westfield, operator of the Westfield Agway, was recently named one of the Outstanding Young Men of America.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Ned DiPasquale of Dunkirk, a third-year medical student at the University of Bologna, Italy, has been cited in numerous medical journals for his cancer research in bladder stripping techniques.
The new Fredonia-Pomfret Park, a 22-acre facility on Glasgow Road, will be officially opened at 1 p.m. on Sept. 19 with an open house and basket-type family picnic planned for the afternoon.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
A fourth-generation employee of Harry Austin Milling in South Dayton keeps the equipment and computer systems running smoothly in this state-of-the-art feed mill. Mark Mosher is in charge of maintenance and repairs to all the machinery and trucks at the feed mill located on Maple Street. In the past five years, the mill has become mostly computerized. He is following in the footsteps of his father, Kenneth Mosher, the current owner of the mill; his grandfather, Ralph Mosher; and his great-grandfather Harry Austin – who built the mill and established the family business. His mother, Barbara, also works in the mill’s office.
Thirty years ago – 1985
During the Miss America competition, Jill Renee Privateer (Miss New York) was the first contestant to receive a $3,000 scholarship for her talent presentation. Eight contestants received scholarships for being the most talented contestants in the entire group. A photo of Jill appeared on the front page of the New York Daily News, which claims to have the largest daily circulation of any newspaper in the country. Her photo also appeared in other New York City newspapers. Jill was not selected as a finalist in the competition.
Forty years ago – 1975
Mrs. Jean Schubarga Valvo, a Dunkirk native and Republican candidate for Chautauqua County Clerk in the November elections, recently kicked off her campaign at the Kosciuszko Club in Dunkirk. Guest speaker was Alfreda Slominski, Erie County comptroller and former member of the Buffalo Common Council.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Classes at St. Columban’s Seminary on Route 5 in Silver Creek began recently with 106 students enrolled for the coming year. Only one, incoming freshman Harold Odell of Fredonia, is a native of the local area. Twenty of the students come from cities west of the Rocky Mountains.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Gowanda Electronics Corporation, a 32-year-old firm located in the village, has gained world-class status for excellence in the global electronics market. Located on Industrial Place, Gowanda Electronics has been awarded the Hewlett-Packard Delivery Performance Award. The award’s major measurement is on-time delivery and tight schedules. Gowanda Electronics was recognized as one of only two suppliers of components in the world to rate in the Top 10 from November 1994 to April 1995.
Thirty years ago – 1985
From Ad News … Ames Department Store of Dunkirk-Fredonia recently helped raise funds for the Jerry Lewis Telethon and Muscular Dystrophy Association. A total of $1,833 was raised by selling hot dogs and Pepsi, a bowl-a-thon event, plus canister collections. Winner of first place in canister collections was Greg Brooks who won the bicycle and second place winner was Jason Majka who won a stereo. Greg raised $355.25 and Jason raise $296.81 …. Donald F. Smith has announced the opening of the real estate broker’s office in the Russo Building in Fredonia.
Forty years ago – 1975
Brooks Hospital administrators are hopeful that a settlement can be reached prior to the expiration of a labor contract with hospital employees later this month, although various hospital employees, who wish to remain anonymous, have expressed their feelings that a strike is imminent.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The inspection of bingo games in the city of Dunkirk is now under the jurisdiction of the city. The Dunkirk Common Council created the position of part-time bingo inspector and retained Joseph Tomkiewicz of 315 Hoyt St. at the rate of $12 per inspection. Inspections in the past have been handled by a state representative.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Seven members of the Silver Creek Cheerleaders Squad have qualified for either the National Cheerleaders Association All American Team or the Universal Cheerleaders Association All Star Team. They are: Emily Sunzeri, Christi Wilson, Sarah Anderson, Kim Burlision, Kimberly Ibach, Kacie Henry and Sara Nowak. Kacie Henry and Sara Nowak received top recognition from the NCA while Kim Ibach and Kim Burlision received similar honors from UCA. For the first time, two girls were selected to participate in the Macy’s Day Parade in New York City on Thanksgiving Day. Tapped for that honor were Sarah Anderson and Christi Wilson.
Thirty years ago – 1985
An alternative will now be available for parents of trick or treat age children leery of letting their kids out for the traditional Halloween festivities. The Great Halloween Happening will be held in Dunkirk Oct. 26, according to chairman Randal Goss. The event will be held at Memorial Park and there will be a beggars’ alley with eight or 10 stops for candy or other treats. A parade is also planned, featuring the Dunkirk junior and senior high school bands and the school’s homecoming floats.
Forty years ago – 1975
James Merritt Sr., president of Triple M Farms in Forestville, has been named grand marshall of this year’s Festival of Grapes parade slated for Sunday, Sept. 28.
HPC Inc. of Latham was named as the preferred developer for a covered shopping center in downtown Dunkirk, becoming the fifth preferred developer for a major shopping center in Dunkirk’s beleaguered urban renewal program.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Fifteen-year-old Adele Canfield of Westfield received a letter from Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, thanking her for returning his plane tickets which were mistakenly placed in the pocket of her father’s suitcoat during a plane flight.
The first officially sanctioned American Quarter Horse races to be held in the Northeast are scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18 on a newly constructed quarter horse racetrack at Cockaigne.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
ORBITT students from the Fredonia School District appeared on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon on Channel 2 in Buffalo to present their donation of $1,295 and to challenge similar programs elsewhere to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The students raised the money through a number of different activities, including odd jobs, bake sales, contact with local businesses and a carnival.
The Dunkirk Elks Lodge 922, with the assistance of Schlichter’s Bicycles, helped restore the bicycle of Richard Mekus which was damaged in an accident a few months ago.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Katherine “Kay” Privateer will be with her daughter, Jill Renee Privateer, Miss New York State, in thought and heart all this week. As Jill prepares for final competition on Sept. 14 in the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, N.J., her mother will be watching from the audience and the sidelines. “That’s white knuckle time,” she said, describing the grip that each of the family members have on each other’s hands while Jill performs. “My heart pounds so hard, I think it will burst.” Mrs. Privateer credits Jill’s education at Fredonia schools for developing her talent.
Forty years ago – 1975
The final Mass celebrated Sept. 7 at Dunkirk’s Sacred Heart Church by the Rev. Kenneth Menge was a highly emotional event, with many parishioners wiping tears from their eyes while others appeared stunned, gazing stone-faced at the edifice as the bell in the church spire tolled for the last time. More than 7,000 persons have been baptized at Sacred Heart Church during its 117 years of existence and more than 1,800 couples have exchanged wedding vows before its altar. Following a decision earlier this year by the Most Rev. Edward D. Head, bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, the parish was consolidated with that of St. Mary’s Church on Aug. 15 to form a new single parish, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. The Sacred Heart Church building will be torn down by the city’s Urban Renewal Agency.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The New York State Employment Service office in Dunkirk fears an acute shortage of unskilled workers to harvest and process the anticipated record grape crop later this month.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
The 28th Miss Festival of Grapes was crowned in Silver Creek High School auditorium. Jennifer M. Paluch, the daughter of Kathy and Dan Paluch of Fredonia, was crowned by Event Chairwoman Michele Ehmke and 1994 Miss Festival Cathy Buckley. Kristina Krtanjek, daughter of Kathleen and Michael Krtanjek of Silver Creek, was crowned Little Miss Festival of Grapes. Kurt Negal, the son of Dawn Cross of Silver Creek, was named first Grape Prince. As part of being Miss Festival of Grapes, Miss Paluch will volunteer 10 community service hours at the Lakeshore Humane Society. She chose the humane society because she would like to become a veterinarian.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Sgt. Hilda E. Whyte, daughter of Felicia Echevarria, 425 Plover St., Dunkirk and Salvador Echevarria of Westminster, Calif., has been decorated with the U.S. Army Commendation Medal at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The medal is awarded to those individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement or meritorious service in the performance of their duties on behalf of the Army. Sgt. Whyte is the wife of Michael Whyte of Sault Sainte Marie, Mich.
Forty years ago – 1975
Richard Kalfas, who has retired after more than 20 years with the Dunkirk Police Department, will be the Democratic candidate in November for town justice in the town of Dunkirk.
New staff at Cardinal Mindszenty High School this year include, Norma Jean Bouwagurio, math; Bruce Bercun, Spanish and English; the Rev. Lawrence L. Conners, vice principal and theology; and the Rev. Franklin L. Bartel, theology and European studies.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The Harbor Inn, at Lake Shore Drive East and Central Avenue in Dunkirk, is celebrating a grand opening after having been remodeled, refurnished and redecorated by its owner, Mrs. Thelma Messere.
Miss New York State, Marlene Butcher, the former Miss Dunkirk-Fredonia, is hard-pressed to compete in the Miss America Pageant, as only $500 in financial backing has been offered.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Dunkirk Mayor Margaret Wuerstle recently launched her campaign for a third consecutive term as mayor. In her remarks, Mayor Wuerstle, the endorsed Republican and Conservative candidate, noted, “The outgoing Democratic administration slashed the budget and left me with a projected $500,000 deficit my first year. Through a lot of hard work by all department heads and unions, we brought the ’92 budget year in with a $500,000 surplus and a 37-cent tax reduction. The surplus has increased every year while the taxes have continued to decrease. During my administration, overtime costs have been reduced by more than half – from $500,000 to $600,000 a year to $180,000 to $250,000 a year. By shopping around, we have saved $300,000 on general liability and employee insurance.”
Thirty years ago – 1985
John Luensman is marking his 25th year on the job as Chautauqua County’s first and only director of planning. He was hired July 1, 1960. Mr. Luensman has become more and more concerned about the economy of the county. He stated that “as our industrial base becomes less and less the dominant force, our economy slows down. The driving force of Chautauqua County is manufacturing. Farming provides less than two percent of the personal economy in the county. To suggest that tourism can fill the gap is to believe the propaganda put out by the tourism industry. The average tourism job is equivalent to one-fourth or one-third of the average metal-working industrial job in the county. To turn to tourism as a mainstay is to turn down the economy.”
Forty years ago – 1975
Robert Paganelli, U.S. Ambassador to Qatar on the Persian Gulf, was in Fredonia last week visiting relatives. He is married to the former Donna Smith of Fredonia.
The Fredonia Fire Hall on Church Street has a new bunker. Through the cooperation of Mayfair Kennels in Jamestown, the Fredonia Firefighters Association recently purchased a purebred Dalmation named Booster.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Quick thinking by 5-year-old Scott Swanson of Fredonia (who ran for help) saved the life of 3-year-old Jonathan Victor of Fredonia who had fallen into a three-foot ditch filled with water next to his home.
Andrew’s Furniture Store on Central Avenue in Dunkirk is advertising a four-piece solid cherry bedroom suite for $299.50.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
It was as easy as dialing 202-555-1212 and asking for the White House. President Bill Clinton accepted an invitation to join Chris Berman and Buck Martinez last night in the broadcast booth when ESPN televised Cal Ripken’s record-breaking 2,131st straight game for the Baltimore Orioles. Clinton moved into the booth in the sixth inning after the game became official and the Orioles had a chance to honor Ripken with a brief ceremony. ESPN producer Phil Orlins said he decided to invite Clinton into the booth after hearing he would be at the game.
Thirty years ago – 1985
A 23-year-old marathon swimmer from Wellington, New Zealand, thwarted by strong currents and a looming lakebound electrical storm, was pulled from choppy water two miles short of becoming the first woman to cross Lake Erie. Meda McKenzie at one point was only one half mile from Sherkston, Ont., and completion of her 28-mile swim which began with a rousing sendoff at 12:35 a.m Sept. 1 at Wright Park in Dunkirk. She was pulled out at about 11 p.m. the same day near Port Abino, Ont. Ms. McKenzie was pulled from the water against her wishes. She wanted to continue but the storm was putting everyone in danger. Her departure from Wright Park attracted a crowd of about 150 who lined Lakefront Boulevard to see her off with cheers, horn blasts and lights flashing.
Forty years ago – 1975
Haber’s Inc., a Dunkirk women’s clothing store operated by Nathan Warwick of Fredonia, is moving from 333 Main St. to 338 Central Ave., the former location of Miller’s Drugs.
Two Dunkirk senior Girl Scouts, Elizabeth Boorady and Sandy Mirek, recently returned from a 25-day western camping trip covering 13 states and a round trip distance of 4,200 miles.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Karnaporn Jane Karnkij, an American Field Service scholarship student from Thailand, will stay with the Kenneth Ahlstrom family of Lincoln Avenue, Dunkirk during the following year while she attends Dunkirk High School.
Alex Klaybor of Dunkirk has been named the winner of the A.O. Schilling Memorial Trophy at the New York State Exposition in Syracuse for exhibiting the best leghorn bantam.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
The spokesperson for Dunkirk clothing manufacturer Intercontinental Branded Apparel said a story in Business First Magazine regarding the future of the company is off-base. “There is no truth to the rumor that our Dunkirk and Buffalo operations are going to be consolidated,” IBA spokesman Peter Ellinger said. Mr. Ellinger said the magazine did not have the proper information when it printed a story stating the company would be consolidating operations into a building on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo. The magazine is printing a retraction. The Dunkirk plant is located on East Chestnut Street and employs about 450 people.
Thirty years ago – 1985
It’s Lotto fever and everyone’s catching it. And the cure is only a few hours away. Millions of New Yorkers and out-of-staters who are gambling for a record $41 million Lotto jackpot will soon know if they have struck it rich. A reported 6-million-to-one odds is not stopping Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and other out of state residents from making the trek to the Empire State to purchase their tickets. According to East Main News manager Bob Lancaster, his Fredonia Lotto outlet looks like it has wiped out the state of Ohio. “No one in Ohio stayed home today,” he said. Hundreds of people waited in line at Matt’s News in Dunkirk. Some people were flying in to place their bets. Dunkirk and Fredonia are having an unusual number of out-of-state ticket buyers because of a reported state line computer breakdown at Ripley. Other border outlets were reportedly running out of tickets. Statewide, Lotto maniacs bought 18,900 tickets a minute yesterday afternoon.
Forty years ago – 1975
Lt. Andrew Balzer was named as the city of Dunkirk’s new assistant to Police Chief Edward Mulville, replacing Conrad Nowak, who retired earlier this year.
Didier Peuple, a resident of Dunkerque, France, visited his “sister city” of Dunkirk, NY, while on vacation and was greeted with warm applause when introduced at the Common Council meeting.
Fifty years ago – 1965
The new McCroskey’s Men’s Shop, located at 19 East Main St., Westfield opened for business on Sept. 2 and will operate on the same format as the Dunkirk store.
Pictured is the former Walter J. Baker home at 24 East Main St., Fredonia, which is being razed for a new M & T Trust Co. drive-in bank.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Family and friends of Jeffrey Bull gathered recently to dedicate what they hope will be a lasting tribute to the young man who was reported missing on Christmas Day 1993 and later found murdered in the town of Dunkirk. The town dedicated a pavilion at the Sheridan Park, which was built with funds that were originally being used as a reward for the safe return of the 21-year-old taxi driver. Judy Kahabka, Jeffrey’s mother, said the pavilion and the dedication are a fitting tribute to her son. She added that her son spent a lot of hours at the park. Town Supervisor Alan LeBarron presented a plaque to Roger Bull, Jeffrey’s father, and Mrs. Kahabka. The plaque will be mounted on the pavilion.
Thirty years ago – 1985
A resort in Bemus Point will attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records through an unusual means – chicken wings. Wings are a Western New York specialty and the Casino on Lake Chautauqua serves them. Big Flap III, as the Wing Festival is being billed, is the casino’s third attempt to get a category established in the Guinness Book. The casino last year served 20,030 wings.
Forty years ago – 1975
Fredonia Village Hall’s meeting room was jammed recently when a large group of Clinton Avenue residents came to protest what was termed “under the table” issuance of a building permit for a five-apartment complex along the residential street.
Fifty years ago – 1965
Malcolm C. Reed, president of the Dunkirk Radiator Corporation, recently announced the sale of the Marsh Valve Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dunkirk Radiator, to the White Consolidated Industries of Cleveland, formerly the White Sewing Machine Company.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
From Ad News: Patty’s Pet Grooming, 629 Brigham Road, Dunkirk is now open for all your pet grooming needs. Father Gerald Sheehan bestowed his blessing on the shop at a recent grand opening. Father Sheehan brought along his pet dog, Bandit. Winners of the two free groomings were Joan Mosier of Brocton and George Mangus of Dunkirk. Owner of Dunkirk’s newest business is Patty Latona.
Thirty years ago – 1985
The heroism of a 26-year-old Point Chautauqua architect who saved an elderly Buffalo man from drowning in Chautauqua Lake was rewarded as he received a plaque and certificate of commendation from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department. Timothy Steen dove into the water to save 71-year-old Samuel Siegel of Buffalo after his boat sank. A former lifeguard, Mr. Steen was able to calm Mr. Siegel, a non-swimmer, and bring him ashore. Afterward, Mr. Steen got back in his car and drove off. He was later identified to investigating deputies by witnesses to the incident. Sheriff John R. Bentley praised Mr. Steen’s prompt action in saving Mr. Siegel’s life.
Forty years ago – 1975
A group of executives in the Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corp. has taken preliminary steps in preparing a plan for buying the company’s Bar Products Division based in Dunkirk. The group, which includes Adolph Lena, vice president and manager of the Bar Products Division, is seeking a federal loan to make the deal with the Pittsburgh-based company.
Fifty years ago – 1965
A U.S. Marine Corps transport plane flying Marines back to Vietnam from a week’s leave in Hong Kong, crashed and exploded in the Hong Kong harbor, killing 58. The disaster raised to 249 the number of Americans killed in plane crashes while en route to Vietnam.
Retrospective
Twenty years ago – 1995
Miss Carla Maslakowski, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Maslakowski of Dunkirk, was recently honored by the University of Texas at Houston School of Pharmacy with the “Hospital Preceptor of the Year Award for 1995.” Director of Pharmacy at Northeast Medical Center Hospital in Humble, Texas since 1988, she exhibited outstanding contributions in the advancement of hospital pharmacy through her teaching skills with pharmacy students. Carla is a graduate of Dunkirk High School.
Thirty years ago – 1985
Alona M. Forbes of Dunkirk was appointed principal for the Gowanda Elementary School on Center Street. She will receive an annual salary of $26,000. Mrs. Forbes completed her course requirements toward a doctorate in educational administration at the University of Buffalo where she served as a graduate assistant. She has worked as an assistant professor, supervisor and instructor at Brockport State University College campus school. Most recently, she was employed as a middle school teacher in Dunkirk. She also served as attendance supervisor at the former Cardinal Mindszenty High School in Dunkirk.
Forty years ago – 1975
Today’s People in Profile highlights the accomplishments of Rheva Walldorff of Temple Road, Dunkirk.
The top three winners in the OBSERVER’s Labor Day essay contest for county youths aged 18 and under are 1) Loretta Edmonson, 14, of Fredonia; 2) Tammy Kwiej, 11, of Dunkirk; and 3) Teena Paul, 16, of Forestville.
Fifty years ago – 1965
After having spent a record eight days in space, Gemini twins Gordon Cooper and Charles Conrad, the nation’s newest space heroes, are huddled in seclusion and will not be allowed to see their families until Sept. 9.