Published: November 20, 2006 07:25 pm            

Grand Island history this week — Nov. 20-25

50 YEARS AGO

n The effects of the newly opened Thruway were considered by businesses along Grand Island Boulevard, which at the time was called Express Highway. Imagine merging with 50 mph traffic headed for Buffalo. That was one of the pluses cited by the Island Dispatch in its Nov. 15 edition. However, Express Highway was already seeing a lessening of traffic, and that no doubt concerned the motels, restaurants and gas stations along the stretch.

n The rapid growth of the ’50s also expressed itself in the building of a new water intake in the west branch of the Niagara River. The new intake facility was the final stage in the project, which was being built entirely independent of the old one. The two were expected to be connect some time by the early summer.

n Elections were about to take place for the 1975 Isle Teen Town officers. Nominations were made the previous week, and voting took place at the island’s youth center. A 9-year-old, Kathleen Butler, took to the neighborhood with can in hand when the Grand Island Community Chest — Red Cross appeal fell short. She managed to wangle $4.50 more out of the community, and it was accepted by Mrs. Edward W. Kinney, wife of the appeals chairman.

n The bread basket passed hands as Dick Sharpe, an independent bakery delivery man sold his route after 61/2 years to Kenmore Bakery. Dick was lauded for delivering bread to island homes "through all kinds of weather and traveling on some might poor roads."

25 YEARS AGO

n The Grand Island Fire Company set Dec. 12 for the groundbreaking of its new $550,000 addition. Although a tax-free loan of $350,000 was secured, the remaining $200,000 would need to be raised through a drive. Cannon Design would be the architects for the expansion, which was possible through the Economic Recover Tax Act of 1981 and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.

n LaVerne C. Luther was getting quite mad at the vandals "destroying" the town’s linear park between Bedell Road and Buckhorn State Park. Tennis courts were dismantled to prevent further damage while gate and parts of shelters have been taken for firewood. "If it is found to be youngsters, their parents will be held responsible," Luther said, according to the Nov. 20, 1981, edition of the Island Dispatch.

10 YEARS AGO

n The Thruway Authority acknowledged the paint jobs on the Grand Island bridges were not up to par. The bridges were observed being sandblasted and painting taking place days after. A "knowledgeable source," however, said painting should take place within 24 hours to prevent the onset of oxidation. Bridge surface pavement was also cited as being in poor condition. But the solution is hardly more palatable: road work in the middle of the day and forcing traffic to one lane. An upcoming redecking of the bridge will have crews working at night only.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.