Twenty years ago — 1999

Elizabeth L. Crocker of Fredonia, Chautauqua County’s first historian, died today in the Chautauqua County Home in Dunkirk at the age of 104. In May 1965, the former physical education and health teacher was appointed the first and only historian of Chautauqua County, a position she continued to hold at the time of her death. As a historian and genealogist, she spent countless hours assisting teachers and other persons engaged in research. She also wrote a series of five books entitled, “Yesterday in and around Pomfret.”

Thirty years ago — 1989

Dunkirk Schools Superintendent Terry Wolfenden announced a site selection has been made for a centralized elementary school within the district. The proposed 36.4-acre site will include the high school and the Babe Ruth and Little League fields located behind the school and bounded by Lucas Avenue. Also included in the parcel is a lot across from the high school bounded by Dove and Sixth streets. The majority of the proposed site is already owned by the school district, except for the 9.5 acre portion encircling the baseball fields which is owned by the city.

Forty years ago — 1979

Mayor Claude Provoyeur is in Dunkirk today (his third visit in eight years) to lay the groundwork for a visit to Dunkirk next summer by the Orchestre D’Harmonie — Dunkerque’s internationally-known, 100-member marching band. The band, which is composed mainly of young people, may be coming to Dunkirk late next summer to perform during the city’s 100th anniversary as an incorporated city.

Fifty years ago — 1969

SP-4 Stephen E. Cobb received the Army Commendation Medal recently. He was cited for his exceptionally meritorious service while serving in the Republic of Vietnam during the period March 1968 to February 1969. The 1964 graduate of Fredonia High School finished his associate certificate from the University of Buffalo before entering the Army in September 1967. The 22-year-old soldier is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Marden E. Cobb, 14 Reese Parkway, Fredonia.