Twenty years ago — 1998

A proposal to locate a church in a building at 268 Lake Shore Drive East has been rejected by the City of Dunkirk Planning Board. During a special meeting, board members denied an application from Iglesia Pentecostal y Misionera Inc. to move into the building on a temporary basis. Concerns from nearby residents over parking congestion in the area were a factor in the board’s decision. Parking along Pangolin and Armadillo streets is already congested by the presence of a church, school and social club. In addition the building’s owners, John and Valerie Mackowiak, told the board the off-street parking behind the building would not be available for use by the church.

Thirty years ago — 1988

A “Do You Remember?” series of four photos recalls one of the worst train disasters in Dunkirk’s history. It took place July 1, 1919 on Third Street when a New York Central passenger train smashed into some railroad cars. A total of 12 people were killed and many were injured. This was, of course, long before the elevated tracks were put in Dunkirk. The photo was submitted by Robert “Joe’ Lisi of Dunkirk.

Forty years ago — 1978

Work on the Silver Creek elementary school building is coming along nicely. Workers at the J. Migliore Construction Co. Inc, the general contractors, have completed one wall which connects with the existing junior-senior high school structure and are now working on two walls of the elementary school gymnasium. Work on the $2.9 million project began July 5. The general construction is expected to take about a year to complete. The general construction alone will cost $1.6 million.

Fifty years ago — 1968

The Silver Creek Hose Company honored Walter Seegert for his 57 years with the Silver Creek Fire Department. Mr. Seegert started as a lantern boy at the age of 17, joined the Silver Creek Hose Co. at 18 and has been a member since that time. Born in 1893, he is still very active and works every day at Seegert’s Dairy. He is a member of Zion Lutheran Church and the Dads of Foreign Wars.