Thirty years ago — 1992

An oil portrait of newly-retired state Supreme Court Justice Joseph Ricotta of Dunkirk was formally unveiled and hung at a ceremony that took place in the Supreme Courtroom of the Courthouse in Mayville on Jan. 24. The portrait, painted by George Palmer of Buffalo, was commissioned by the Northern Chautauqua County and Jamestown Bar associations. Judge Ricotta retired last Dec. 31 after serving 18 years on the State Supreme Court bench.

Forty years ago — 1982

A frame and partial walls are all that were left standing after a blaze ripped through the Captain’s Cove Restaurant on Routes 5 and 20 in Silver Creek. High winds clocked at nearly 50 mph fed the inferno, a water main break reduced the hose pressure and sub-zero wind chill temperatures made the parking lot surrounding the building into an ice rink. It took an hour and a half to bring the fire under control.

Fifty years ago — 1972

The Fredonia State University College’s College Help Service is set to begin operation sometime this month, providing “hotline” assistance to students who need help or just someone to talk to.