October 16, 2006 10:11 pm
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50 Years Ago
n Islanders were treated to first government-released photo of 24 surface-to-air missiles eerily silhouetted against the sky at the old Nike military base. Additional missiles were housed in underground chambers and were capable of being raised to the surface in seconds, according to the Oct. 11, 1956, edition of the Island Dispatch. Single missile launchers were also stationed at Model City and Cambria Center.
n Grand Island was no doubt anticipating the imminent opening of the Niagara Thruway across the island, but unnamed sources said the Oct. 15 debut of the 5-mile, $4.3 million stretch of motorway would not be ready on time, which it was not.
n The island’s first funeral parlor was announced to be opened at 2025 Whitehaven Road, home of Franklin Klocke. "Suitable rooms" would be converted to be used as a full-service funeral home.
n Town supervisor George J. Burgstahler broke ground on the island’s first "super-plaza" at Express Highway and Baseline Road. The $2 million, 640,000-square-foot plaza was planned to have space for 1,700 cars, and the project was expected to be completed in six months. However, water lines were not expected to be installed immediately, necessitating the use of wells and cisterns. Nu-Way Inc. and Lane Drug Company were announced as the first tenants.
25 Years Ago
n Islanders fighting bridge tolls vowed not to abandon their cause, according to the Oct. 9, 1981, edition of the Island Dispatch. At that time, the entrance to the south bridge began at the Scajacuada Expressway, miles away from the island. It was this fact that the group thought it could argue the New York State Thruway Authority had no right to impose tolls on islanders.
n A 17-year-old islander, Thomas J. Loubert, was killed when the tractor he was riding on overturned at Baseline and Webb roads. A truck pulling the tractor was reported to have fishtailed, causing the accident and fatally crushing the Grand Island High School senior.
10 Years Ago
n A fire at 1981 Marjorie Drive caused $60,000 in damage, according to the Oct. 11, 1996 edition of the Island Dispatch. The fire appeared to have been caused by a clothes dryer, but early detection by a resident who was home saved much of the house.
n Blessings went to the dogs as pets were blessed at St. Martin’s in the Fields Episcopal Church. All through the singing of hymns and scripture reading, the recipients – all dogs – were well behaved, and the event went off "without a hitch." A prayer was also given for deceased animals; the Rev. Earle C. King Jr. conducted the service.
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