Twenty years ago — 1999

The Rev. Daniel Walsh, pastor of St. Anthony’s Church for the past 13 years, will be leaving the parish this month. Father Walsh plans to study in Ireland at the Marianella Center in Dublin for several months before resuming his diocesan duties. His time in Ireland will be a sabbatical experience that promotes renewal, theological updating and development of personal skills. A reception was held recently in his honor at the St. Anthony’s Parish Hall with about 700 people attending. Father Dan Walsh Day was proclaimed by Pomfret Supervisor Edward Woloszyn and Mayor Frank Pagano.

Thirty years ago — 1989

The Rev. Richard D. Hemann of Gowanda was honored as “Citizen of the Year” by the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce at its annual dinner dance held at the Gowanda VFW Hall. The Rev. Hemann, who serves as pastor of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Gowanda, was presented the award in recognition for his many years of exceptional community service. An active member of the Gowanda Ministerium, he also is credited for his dedication to Habitat for Humanity and the Kairos Prison Ministry.

Forty years ago — 1979

The Dunkirk Urban Renewal Agency has rejected an offer by Graf Furniture to buy back its building at 319 Central Ave. for $70,000, but the company still looms as the favorite to acquire the three-story structure through negotiations. The agency turned down the bid following a nine-minute closed door session to discuss ramifications of the offer. The agency purchased the building for $199,000. While rejecting Graf’s bid to buy back its store, the agency all but shut the door to other prospective buyers. It will continue to negotiate with Graf.

Fifty years ago — 1969

Lake City Hose Co. No. 3 is this year observing the 75th anniversary of its organization. A diamond jubilee committee was recently appointed. Three stages of development are prominent in the company’s history. The first was the organization of the company at Weiss Hall, Lake Shore Drive East and Ermine Street. The year 1898 marked the second stage of development with the erection of the wooden fire hall on Middle Road. The purchase of the old Ahrens Fox sets the third state. In this period, members saw the building of the present hall in 1953.