Twenty years ago — 1996

A feature article by OBSERVER Sports Editor Jerry Reilly pays tribute to the Rev. Joseph Dowdell. The story begins, “He may have been Padre Jose to the men, women and children in the Diocesan Summer Migrant Program when he first came to Chautauqua County in the summer of 1964. By the time he left the county in August of 1975 — only to return eight years ago — the Rev. Joseph Dowdell had become ‘My Friend’ to hundreds of students and student-athletes at the former Cardinal Mindszenty High School in Dunkirk. Now the pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Lakewood, Father Dowdell spent 11 years at CMHS — including seven years as a coach and athletic director. His 1971 boys track and field team was 8-0 and won the Smith League title. In the article, Fr. Dowdell is quoted as saying, “Maybe it was good I wasn’t there when the school closed. It would have broken my heart.”

Thirty years ago — 1986

A desire to help others in need of assistance, a “Bet I can do that” attitude, an interest in new exciting challenges and a determination to not let setbacks defeat her are among the reasons why Ainsley Roll, 13 Church St., Sinclairville, is now a member of the Sinclairville Volunteer Fire Department. In March, Ainsley will mark her first full year as the first woman member of the SVFD — an achievement that did not come without struggle and a lot of hard work. She is also the current clerk/treasurer for the village of Sinclairville.

Forty years ago — 1976

Catherine R. Locke retired this month as office manager of Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk, ending a career that began 35 years ago. A resident of the area since 1922, she plans to make her home in California near her brother.

Fifty years ago — 1966

Barbara Kwiatkowski, 16, a junior at Brocton Central School, is the OBSERVER Student of the Week. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Kwiatkowski of Pecor Street, Portland, she is the vice-president of her class and has been chosen editor of the 1968 yearbook.