Thirty years ago — 1991

Chautauqua County grape growersmay be looking at a banner year in 1991, according to James Kamas, regional grape specialist for Cornell Extension Service. The 1991 grape crop could be worth up to $24 million at the farm gate. Current plantings amount to 17,500 square acres distributed among 750 farms in the county. Chautauqua County represents the largest grape-growing region in the state and in the eastern United States. Yield for 1991 is estimated at 5.5 tons per acre. Countywide, the industry generates about 1,000 jobs and grape farms pay about $1 million annually in property taxes.

Forty years ago — 1981

Silver Creek’s village park has a new look as park employees have completed the installation of new benches and trash receptacles in the square. The modern redwoodtype benches have replaced the antique benches which have stood in the park since the early 1900s.

Fifty years ago — 1971

Despite a stellar performance by O.J. Simpson, the Buffalo Bills were defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles in an exhibition game, 34-28. The key to victory for the Eagles was their bargain-basement quarterback, Pete Liske, who passed for two touchdowns and set up another one with a breath-taking 50-yard bomb.