Twenty years ago — 1999

A 25-year-old dream has become a reality in the town of Ripley. The town is in the process of obtaining funds for the New York State Gateway-Thruway project and with the County Legislature’s support, the project just took a significant leap forward. The county agreed to commit as much as $500,000 in cash and in-kind services to the project. The Gateway project is looked upon as an important economic development opportunity for the entire county.

Thirty years ago — 1989

More than 600 people attended this weekend’s Ripley Central School 50th anniversary. The two-day event began with a dance at the school. On Saturday, a band concert was held on the school lawn with an opportunity to view memorabilia from the 1939-89 graduating classes. This event was followed by a catered reunion dinner. Guest speaker for the program was former TWA Captain John Testrake. Mr. Testrake gave a brief overview of his life experience and commented on how lucky he felt to have come from a small town like Ripley.

Forty years ago — 1979

The official ground-breaking ceremony for the One Temple Square housing project in Fredonia was held recently with Congressman Stanley Lundine (D-Jamestown) and village and town officials in attendance. The $3.6 million renovation of the former Fredonia Normal School affectionately known as Old Main into 91 units of senior housing, is now 45 percent complete. Tenants may be moving into the apartments as early as October. Chris Twichell is the resident director for the apartment complex.

Fifty years ago — 1969

Soprano Lynne Elisler, a 1957 Silver Creek High School alumna, will be heard in a joint recital with her husband, William Fleck, a baritone, at the Chautauqua Amphitheatre. The two young stars will appear with the Chautauqua Opera Association in “The Pirates of Penzance,” “The Magic Flute,” and “The Old Maid and the Thief.” They will also appear as soloists in the production of Handel’s Messiah. Ms. Elisler is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jolles, 81 Main St., Silver Creek.