Thirty years ago — 1991

The Gowanda Business and Professional Women’s Club held its 35th anniversary dinner at the White Inn. Organized on April 26, 1956, through the efforts of Dorothy Mangano, president of the Silver Creek BPW Club and other club members, the Gowanda BPW received its state charter on Sept. 13, 1956. Charter members still active are Mary Casey, Ann Markham and Gladys Weyand.

Forty years ago — 1981

Official word has been received that Holy Cross Seminary on Route 5 west of Dunkirk will be torn down beginning later this month. The decision to demolish the seminary follows a several-year attempt to find a buyer for the complex of buildings. The seminary officially opened in 1920, but due to declining enrollment the seminary for boys was closed in 1968.

Fifty years ago — 1971

Rioting prisoners took 33 guards hostage today at Attica State Correctional Facility. A series of fires was also started and Prison Superintendent Vincent Mancusi describes the setting as “an emergency situation.”