Twenty years ago — 1997

A move by Fieldbrook Farms Ice Cream Inc. to acquire the assets of a Maine-based frozen dessert company could bring more production and jobs to the Dunkirk facility. The company has signed a contract to purchase Deering Ice Cream Inc. of Portland, Maine. While the final decision on how to integrate the new acquisition has not been made, Fieldbrook Farms CEO James Greco said the move “potentially could add more jobs” at the Dunkirk facility. Fieldbrook Farms acquired the Dunkirk plant in June 1996.

Thirty years ago — 1987

Retired now, after more than 31 years of employment as a registered nurse, Dolores Pallen Marmurowicz still misses the work and helps out at the Margaret-Anthony Nursing Home when they need her. She was director of nursing there for 15 years prior to her retirement. Dolores is married to Casimer Marmurowicz, whose family owned a Dunkirk grocery/meat market for about 80 years. She noted that her parents, Louis and Helen Pallen, were owners of several Dunkirk restaurants and taverns, including the Dunkirk Diner and Five-Point Grill.

Forty years ago — 1977

Patricia Ciepiela of Dunkirk was the winner of a new microwave oven given away during the Patton Electric Co.’s 32nd anniversary sale. The microwave oven was the grand prize given away during the event. Thirty-one other prizes also were distributed. There was no purchase necessary in order to be eligible to win.

Fifty years ago — 1967

There is a very real possibility of a Christmas tree shortage occurring this year in the local area. Frank Straight of Laona, probably the top Christmas tree grower in Chautauqua County, said there are lots of trees, but he is unable to get to them because of the extreme wetness of the ground. He normally cuts anywhere between 3,000 and 7,000 Christmas trees yearly, but so far has cut only 2,000 scotch pines, which will sell for $4 to $7.