Twenty years ago — 1999

The effort to bring Amtrak passenger service back to the city of Dunkirk is still alive and organizers hope to get city officials onboard. The Empire State Passengers Association has taken up the effort, which began about five years ago under former mayor Margaret Wuerstle. A petition drive gathered more than 8,000 signatures and more than 400 letters of support from business and community leaders were written. Amtrak agreed in September 1995 to add Dunkirk as a passenger stop on its Lakeshore Limited Run. However, issues related to the station at Third and Main streets prevented the stop from becoming a reality.

Thirty years ago — 1989

Robert J. Krupinski, son of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Krupinski, 227 Liberty St., Fredonia was invested as an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouting, at the Kosciuszko Club in Dunkirk. The ceremony highlighted the Court of Honor held by Boy Scout Troop 267 sponsored by Fredonia Memorial American Legion Post 59. Eagle Scout Krupinski gave recognition to his fellow scouts who assisted him with the Eagle Scout project, which included beautification and repair work in St. Joseph’s Parish Center in Fredonia.

Forty years ago — 1979

Edward F. Wisniewski Jr., president of the Dunkirk Little League for the past 11 years, was presented with the Humanitarian Award for service to the community at the 11th annual Knights of Columbus-Masonic charity dinner dance held recently at St. Hedwig’s Social Center. Known to many as “Mr. Baseball,” Ed “Cherry” received a standing ovation from the crowd of more than 200 persons when he received the Humanitarian plaque from John Woloszyn, a former city councilman.

Fifty years ago — 1969

A “Do You Remember?” photo from the Lehnen Collection shows the Alco Products complex in Dunkirk which became a beehive of activity practically overnight during World War II when the government threw orders for 155mm howitzers, “long tom” rifles and 104mm cannons. Pictured is one of the hundreds of “Long Toms’ as it rolled off the assembly line. With its range of some 15 miles or more, it was one of the most potent field weapons the nation used against the Nazis. Dunkirk’s workers bent to the task with a will and earned a Presidential Citation for a terrific job.