Twenty years ago — 1998

From a sports column by Jim Rush …. Fredonia High and St. Bonaventure graduate Ryan LaMattina has posted a 2-0 record with a 3.72 earned run average for the Portland Rockies in the Class A short-season Northwest League. Another St. Bonaventure grad, Gowanda Central alumnus Rob Vogtli, has posted an 0-1 record with a 2.45 ERA withe the Oneonta Yankees of the Class A short season New York-Penn League.

Thirty years ago — 1988

Forestville Elementary Principal Donald Lazar has retired after having held that position for the past 26 years. He came to Forestville in what was supposed to be a temporary fill-in position for the 1962-63 school year. The job obviously became permanent. Prior to becoming the Forestville principal, he taught for about five years in Gowanda. Mr. Lazar also a formerly served as mayor of the village of Gowanda for 10 years. He also has been working at the Collins Correctional Facility as an instructor for the past few summers.

Forty years ago — 1978

After being intrigued with the end result of a tattoo, Sal Culmo of Dunkirk became interested in pursuing the art himself. Tattooing has become a popular art in the last few years and Mr. Culmo has decided to join the numerous tattoo artists who attend fairs, flea markets and the like. His first big experience in the tattooing business will come when the Chautauqua County Fair opens and Mr. Culmo sets up his portable shop. He said the most popular tattoos for men are motorcycle insignias and for women, butterflies or flowers.

Fifty years ago — 1968

Jack Shubert will soon face the toughest task of his golfing career. The 31-year old Shorewood Country Club pro will be playing against Bob Goalby and Ken Venturi in an exhibition match at Shorewood. Goalby and Venturi, two of America’s best golfers, will be here for a noon luncheon and exhibition match. It will be the first time in 20 years the pro golfers have given a clinic and played an exhibition in this area. The entire program is sponsored by Hartley Ford of Fredonia. Mr. Shubert will team with Dan O’Neil, the newly-crowned 17-year-old amateur golf champion, in an attempt to upset the two pros in the 18-hole exhibition.