Twenty years ago — 1999

An effort is under way to restore Dunkirk’s King Neptune fountain. After 116 years, the statue, once the centerpiece of a fountain in Washington Park, is now in a fragile state. The seven-foot zinc sculpture suffered with maladies ranging from a broken arm to a worn finish. The Dunkirk Rotary Club and a group known as the King Neptune Restoration Committee are teaming up to raise money to restore the circa 1883 King Neptune to its glory. The statue was purchased by Horatio Brooks. Mike Sheffield heads the restoration committee.

Thirty years ago — 1989

Jamestown Community College now offers classes at Dunkirk High School, thanks in large part to the cooperation of DHS principal John Mancuso and his staff. The cooperative effort has allowed dozens of local people to pursue a college education for the first time. The new JCC North County Center has expanded its credit course offerings from five in its first semester last fall to eight during the current semester. Enrollment in JCC’s courses this semester is expected to well exceed the 122 people who took courses during the fall.

Forty years ago — 1979

Margaret Valone, owner of MarVal Unisex Salon in Fredonia and an active participant in community affairs, is the 1979 winner of the “Businessperson of the Year” award presented by the Economics/Business Club at Fredonia State University College. A special award was given by the club to a five-man management team at Al Tech Specialty Steel Corp. for their role in helping to save about 1,000 Dunkirk steelworkers’ jobs three years ago when the plant was in danger of closing.

Fifty years ago — 1969

The installation of the eight-ton pipe organ is under way at Fredonia State University College. The 3,000-pipe organ, when completely installed early this summer, will be the largest college pipe organ in Western New York. Herman Schlicker of Buffalo, world famous manufacturer of pipe organs, is directing the placement procedures. The organ will be located in the new Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center on campus.