Twenty years ago — 1998

This week’s People in Profile focuses on Julius Leone Jr., who has been an active member of the Fredonia community all his life, devoting much of his volunteer efforts to the Fredonia Fire Department. The former Fredonia fire chief has served as director of environmental services at Brooks Hospital since 1981. In 1987, he was the Brooks Hospital nominee for the Dr. Frist Humanitarian of the Year Award sponsored by Hospital Corporation of America. He also was honored by the Fredonia Fire Department as Volunteer Fireman of the Year for two years in a row. Mr. Leone said his most challenging task during his tenure as fire chief was the tornado of 1993, which cut a path through the downtown business district.

Thirty years ago — 1988

Steve Martin and John Candy are big movie stars, but their roles were overshadowed at the recent premier in Gowanda of the film, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” Prior to the showing of the movie, 15 local movie extras were introduced on stage. The audience later went wild whenever local people or a familiar landmark flashed on the screen. Although all the scenes shot in Gowanda were cut out of the film, local people will recognize area sites. The Cottage Road to South Dayton is seen and there’s a great shot of the village of South Dayton. Route 219 also serves as a backdrop for many scenes.

Forty years ago — 1978

Chautauqua County finished up 1977 with nearly a $1 million surplus. County Executive Joseph Gerace said in his “State of the County” address that it is the creation of new jobs which is his administration’s chief aim for 1978. Mr. Gerace wants to see the present 7 percent unemployment rate in the county cut to 5 percent in 1978. He said the 7 percent unemployment rate means that more than 4,700 people in the county are out of work.

Fifty years ago — 1968

Calendar Girl of the Month is Carole J. Hall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Ray Hall of King Road, Silver Creek. The 17-year-old high school senior at Forestville Central School plans to enroll at Fredonia State University College in the fall to major in science.