Twenty years ago — 1998

The idea of casino gambling in the city of Dunkirk came up a winner with the majority of people participating in a petition survey. Eighty-eight percent of people signing the petition were in favor of casino gambling in the city. A total of 1,058 people signed the petition. Of that number, 927 were in favor of a casino while 131 were opposed. Mayor Robert Kesicki believes casino gambling may be a viable option for the city of Dunkirk and discussed the possibility of establishing a casino on the waterfront near the Four Points Hotel — with the cooperation of the Seneca Nation of Indians. The mayor added that based on the results of the survey, the casino issue will move forward.

Thirty years ago — 1988

Closing ceremonies for the weeklong display of the Vietnam Moving Wall Memorial were held at the Dunkirk Lighthouse Grounds. According to Harold “Dick” Lawson, a final count shows that 110,000 visitors were in the city to see the display. The Moving Wall is said to exert a power over the living and many have called it a healing place. It is a half scale replica of the Wall in Washington, containing the names of all the members of the armed forces killed in Vietnam.

Forty years ago — 1978

Dr. D. Bruce Thering of Fredonia has assumed the dental practice of Dr. Harry A. Pogorzelski of Dunkirk who retired Aug. 1, ending a 35-year career in dentistry. Dr. Thering has relocated the office to 726 Central Ave., Dunkirk. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Thering, 463 Chestnut St., Fredonia, Dr. Thering is a 1970 alumnus of Fredonia High School. He is also a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dentistry.

Fifty years ago — 1968

On Sept. 8, ground was broken at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Temple Street in Fredonia for its new worship and education building. A contract was recently signed with Meister Contracting Co. for the construction of the building, which is expected to begin this week.