Twenty years ago — 1998

Chautauqua County voters elected a new family court judge on the Democratic Party line, unseating a 20-year Republican incumbent in the only contested countywide race. Democrat Judith Claire, matrimonial referee and confidential assistant to State Supreme Justice Joseph Gerace unseated Family Court Judge Lynn Hartley, the Republican incumbent, 21,338 votes to 17,488. Mrs. Claire was unsuccessful in her election bid 10 years ago against Judge Hartley.

Thirty years ago — 1988

A formal dedication of the Jennifer Klein Kuhlman Memorial Exhibit will take place at the Patterson Library in Westfield on Nov. 6. The dedication will include the unveiling of two puppet display cases as well as a brief performance of Das Puppenspiel. The exhibit will remain a permanent fixture at the library and will feature a revolving display of the hundreds of puppets created by Ms. Kuhlman over a 15-year period. A display of her drawings also will be exhibited.

Forty years ago — 1978

Calendar Girl for the month of November is Mary Amanda Near, a student at Westfield Academy and Central School. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Near, RD 2, South Portage Street, Westfield. The 17-year-old senior is currently serving as a representative to the Student Council. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Westfield’s high school bowl team. Mary has also performed in a number of school musicals.

Fifty years ago –1968

Pictured in the OBSERVER are students from Dunkirk High School who will compete on “It’s Academic” Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. on Channel 4, against Starpoint Central and West Seneca Central High School. Representing Dunkirk High will be Mary Ann Kolassa, Charles Acker and Donna Parmelee. Their coach and scorekeeper will be Joseph Kawski. Van Miller is quizmaster for the high school quiz series on WBEN-TV.