×

Retrospective

Twenty years ago — 1999

Dunkirk’s AL Tech Specialty Steel Corp., a 92-year-old Western New York steelmaker one mired in a $250-million debt, has risen from the ashes of bankruptcy and has been renamed Empire Specialty Steel Inc., the United Steelworkers of America announced recently. Faced with the dismal reality of outright liquidation, the USWA led the fight to keep the company alive and retain the jobs and benefits of those workers.

Thirty years ago — 1989

John Straight, operator of the Bear Lake Tree Farm on Route 380 between Brocton and Stockton, is preparing for the Christmas season. Between 5,000 and 7,000 new trees are planted each year at the 238-acre farm, which was started in 1945 by John’s father, the late Frank K. Straight. Many area families come to the farm to choose and cut their own Christmas trees.

Forty years ago — 1979

Among the winners in the Dunkirk city elections was Carol Brown, who is believed to be the first woman ever elected to the city council. A Republican, she defeated Democratic incumbent Alex Uszacki by 329 votes in the Fourth Ward. She is the only Republican winner among the 13 elective offices in the city.

Fifty years ago — 1969

A new book written by SUNY Fredonia adjunct professor of education Dr. Louis E. Raths is entitled, “Teaching for Learning.” Dr. Raths, a native of Dunkirk, has put ideas from his 25 years of interviewing teachers across the country into his book. He has listed 10 major categories a student has to meet to qualify as a teacher, with the hope of improving teaching staffs.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today