Published: August 29, 2008 03:23 pm            

HISTORY: GI history for week of Aug. 30-Sept. 5

50 YEARS AGO



A 23-year-old Beaver Island lifeguard was the first to swim the 28-mile route around Grand Island, according to the Aug. 28, 1958, edition of the Island Dispatch. James “Fritz” Lavell accomplished the task in 14 hours and 41 minutes. Lavell was also a frequent winner of Niagara River swim races.



Mr. and Mrs. Ed Bellings won the egg-throwing contest at the Sandy Beach Property Owners’ parade, which saw many children dressing up as Zorro, Little Red Riding Hood, clowns and circus performers.



A driving rain last week forced the cancellation of the first sanctioned regatta of the Buffalo and Tonawanda Boat Club at Edgewater Park. While a break in the weather allowed a few races to be run, the rain and haze convinced boaters to cancel the rest of the day. Of the 50 entries, some had come as far away as Long Island and Massachusetts. Islanders at the event included Frank Reichlin, Ed Endres, John Gast and Al Brinkman.

        

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