Twenty years ago — 1999

Excelco Developments Inc. and Newbrook Machine Corporation recently held their annual Christmas party at the Hideaway Bay Restaurant. More than 90 employees and guests attended. This year’s highlight was a ceremony recognizing five people for service to the company. Christopher Lanski, vice president, presented the awards to James Ketterer, 20 years; Robert Powell, 20 years; Richard Schulenberg, 30 years; Richard Trank, 30 years; and Greg Clark, 20 years.

Thirty years ago — 1989

Kathryn Lasky, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Lasky of 87 Howard St., Fredonia recently earned a Ph.D. in mass communications from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. Dr. Lasky presently teaches courses in film and video production at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. She is a 1970 graduate of Dunkirk High School.

Forty years ago — 1979

One Fredonia High School senior has been named a first-place winner and another a finalist in the 16th annual Nancy Thorp Memorial Poetry Contest sponsored by Hollins College near Roanoke, Va. Roger Ruckman Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Roger Ruckman, 32 Hamlet St., Fredonia is the first place winner. He received his distinction for his poem, “Lab Assignment.” Steve Griffith, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Griffith, 48 Barker St., Fredonia was named a finalist. His poem was entitled “The July 4th Accident.” This year there were 525 entries representing 22 states and the District of Columbia, with two first-place winners and 23 finalists.

Fifty years ago — 1969

The old red brick section adjacent to the Dunkirk Junior High School on Eagle Street will be a thing of the past within a few months. The Dunkirk Board of Education has approved bids for its demolition. The general contract was awarded to Meister Contracting Co. of Dunkirk. The building is currently being stripped for takedown in the spring. The contractor is salvaging as much material as possible. The bell in the tower will be removed and will be placed in a new location at the high school athletic field on West Sixth Street.