Thirty years ago – 1994

The former Sidey’s department store in the D & F Plaza seems to have caught the eye of the special subcommittee seeking a unified Chautauqua County government office building in the north end of the county. While the 35,000-square-foot former family- owned store is by nomeans the only property looked at, it seems to have some distinct advantages. Among these are an open floor plan interior layout, handicapped accessability and ample parking.

Forty years ago – 1984

In a surprise announcement during the spring meeting of the Dunkirk Ladies of the Elks, Christine Piede of Dunkirk was named “Lady Elk of the Year” (1983-1984). She was presented with an engraved pewter dish and a signed cranberry glass basket. The award recognized Mrs. Piede for “her devotion, allegiance and caring for Dunkirk Lodge 922.” She has served on several Ladies of the Elks committees, both as chairman and as a committee member.

Fifty years ago – 1974

Lt. Hiroo Onoda, 52, of the defunct Japanese Imperial Army, surrendered his Samurai sword to an official with the Philippine Air Force. Onoda is the second Japanese straggler found alive in the Pacific. When he learned that WorldWar II ended 29 years ago and that Japan was defeated, he said, “Victory or defeat, I have done my best.”