Twenty years ago — 1998

Westfield Memorial Hospital officials have announced plans to fully affiliate with Saint Vincent Health System in Erie, Pa. Westfield Memorial Hospital, a 32-bed primary facility, began working with Saint Vincent in 1985 to increase cooperation in medical and support services and to become a more closely integrated part of a comprehensive health care delivery system. Full affiliation with Saint Vincent’s will become effective Jan. 1, 1999.

Thirty years ago — 1988

The main buildings of the Hayward Motor Company Inc. at 42 East Main St., Brocton were leveled the morning of Nov. 4 by a fire of undetermined origin. According to observers, there were several small explosions. One observer stated that the fire started in a new camper in the garage portion of the building when a propane tank on the camper exploded. No reports of any injuries were made. Firefighters from the Brocton, Westfield, Fredonia, Portland and West Dunkirk fire departments responded to the scene.

Forty years ago — 1978

The three-year old controversy over Market Place in Dunkirk is lingering on. The Dunkirk Common Council was expected to act to declare its intent to open the street for a distance of 200 feet between Market Street and Pulaski Street. The pre-filed resolution call for the council to reduce the right-of-way for Market Place from 80 feet to 50 feet and deed over the abandoned 30 feet to adjacent property owners, Walter and Martha Bialaszewski. However, an amended resolution was introduced which kept the entire 80-foot right-of-way in the city’s possession. After the amendment passed, the proposal was tabled until the council can review a plan to extend Pulawski Street to Roberts Road.

Fifty years ago — 1968

For the first time in many years, a Dunkirk High School student will be a member of the All-State Chorus. Thomas Parkman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Parkman, 9 West Fifth St., Dunkirk will sing Bass 1 with the group that will appear with the All-State Band and Orchestra on the final day of the New York State Music Association’s conference Dec. 7 at Kleinhan’s Music Hall in Buffalo. For his audition, Thomas performed “The Two Grenadiers” by Schumann, accompanied by Mrs. Ruth Mohney, Dunkirk High School vocal teacher.