Twenty years ago — 1999

Charismatic, a claiming horse in February, became a miracle worker on the first Saturday in May. At least he was to jockey Chris Antley after storming to a neck victory over Menilee in the 125th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The win was merely unbelievable to owners Bob and Beverly Lewis. Mr. Lewis exclaimed, “Isn’t that incredible? You can have a claimer today and all of a sudden have a champion tomorrow!” Shocking it was to many in the crowd of 151,051 as Charismatic paid a winning mutuel of $64.60, third largest in Derby history.

Thirty years ago — 1989

Fredonia High School basketball all-star Paul Olkowski has officially accepted a grant-in-aid to play basketball for Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa. A 6-foot-7 center for Fredonia High’s CCIAC championship basketball squad this season, Paul chose the Bisons over Lafayette and RIT. The son of Paul and Helena Olkowski of 17 James Place, Fredonia, the FHS honor student was Chautauqua County scoring champion this past season.

Forty years ago — 1979

Margaret “Peggy” Harp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Harp of Hanover Road, Forestville, has been chosen Calendar Girl for the Month of May. An 18-year-old senior at Forestville Central School, Peggy is currently serving as secretary of her class, an office she also held as a junior. A saxophonist, she has been an active member of the Forestville concert, marching and stage bands. Margaret plans to major in speech pathology and audiology at Fredonia State University College.

Fifty years ago — 1969

At a recent assembly held at the Forestville Central elementary school, an American History Month medal was awarded to Cindy Yochym for her essay on “Heroines of the American Revolution.” Thirty-eight certificates of appreciation were given to the sixth-grade students who submitted essays. Mrs. Raymond Orr, regent of the Major Benjamin Bosworth chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, expressed her appreciation for the interest shown in the contest.