Twenty years ago — 1999

The red brick facade of the former Welch Building on West Main Street in Brocton is just that: A facing that covers a potentially dangerous piece of property. There is some discussion of the village acquiring the property through eminent domain proceedings. Brocton Mayor Harry Watters said the roof has collapsed over a portion of the building and inside there isn’t much left, except for some trees growing through the rubble. Inspections on the building have determined it is unsafe both structurally and environmentally.

Thirty years ago — 1989

The Daniel Reed Memorial Pier on Lake Erie is a hub of activities now that summertime is here. As many as 300 boats have launched in one day this season. The boats are making use of the new launching facilities that were constructed as part of a state grant. The pier had one launching ramp before the improvement project was completed. There are now four launching ramps. The project also included the expansion of the parking area. The pier now has room for about 90 vehicles with trailers and 30 regular vehicles.

Forty years ago — 1979

The Newbrook Machine Corp., Mechanic Street, Silver Creek has been selected as the Department of Defense and NASA Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year for Western New York. Newbrook was selected from among all small businesses (those that employ fewer than 500 people) in the eight-county Western New York District. Newbrook has been supplying research and developmental equipment to the government and other customers since 1951.

Fifty years ago — 1969

Carl Nasca has become the third Cardinal Mindszenty High School athlete in history to win the Billy Kelly Award. The award, presented by the Buffalo Courier-Express to one person in the Smith Division of the Catholic League, is based on athletic ability, leadership qualities and scholarship. Carl was a four-sport athlete at Mindszenty as well as salutatorian of his class. He will attend RPI on a Regents scholarship and a partial football scholarship. Former Mindszenty winners of the Billy Kelly Award were Mike Baer in 1957 and Tom Dillenberg in 1960.