Twenty years ago – 1999

The Norfolk Southern Corp. is again asking the city of Dunkirk to close four at-grade crossings in the Fourth Ward. The four crossings in question are located between Route 60 and South Roberts Road. While railroad officials are seeking permission from the city, it appears the company could go to the state with its proposal regardless. Railroad officials pointed out there are nine grade crossings within 6/10ths of mile in the Fourth Ward, while the federal standard is four crossings per mile. Cul-de-sacs would be created on streets where crossing closures take place.

Thirty years ago — 1989

An OBSERVER front page photo shows 4-year-old Greg Maye, son of Ken and Denise Maye of Silver Creek, taking a rest on the ice during the Beginner Hockey Clinic at the Steele Hall ice arena at Fredonia State University College. The free clinic, sponsored by the Buffalo Sabres in cooperation with the Northern Chautauqua Youth Hockey Association, attracted more than 100 children.

Forty years ago – 1979

The D&F Plaza shopping center, only an idea some 27 years ago, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month. The idea for the plaza was conceived in 1952 when the W. T. Grant Co. was looking for a site in Dunkirk for a new store. Plans for a plaza went into full force in 1957. The Plaza opened Oct. 1, 1959 with nine stores — Plaza Bakery, Quality Laundromat, W.T. Grant, A&P Supermarket, Lee’s Drug Store, Tot ‘N Teen, Paul Jewelers, Neisners and Park Shoe Store.

Fifty years ago — 1969

An estimated 1,500 marchers made their way from the Fredonia State University College campus to Barker Common in downtown Fredonia during a daylong moratorium held to protest the Vietnam War. Among the marchers was college president, Dr. Oscar Langford, who took part in the procession as a private citizen.