Thirty years ago — 1991

Magic Johnson, the basketball superstar whose skill and joy has charmed the world, shocked the nation with his announcement that he has the virus that causes AIDS and is retiring. Johnson, a 6-foot-9 point guard, called a press conference to announce his retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers after learning he had tested positive and was infected with the HIV virus.

Forty years ago — 1981

Francis Scott of Collins is an accomplished wood turner, creating his own art objects including goblets, bowls and basins. He has gained prominence, both locally (Chautauqua Institution) and abroad. Two sets of his goblets were put on display by the Turned Object Show in Philadelphia and toured the United States and Canada for over a year.

Fifty years ago — 1971

Nathaniel B. Ludlum, president of Ludlum’s Variety Store of Dunkirk, has purchased garages at 111 Eagle St. in the city and will use them for storage. The property was formerly owned by Ray and Carl Newell and was the terminal for Newell Trucking.