Countdown to the Millennium
1949
Gowanda PennySaver - January 25, 1999
On Feb. 9, 1949 a block of wooden buildings on West Main Street were destroyed by fire. Many local companies responded to the blaze that flared up again in the early morning hours two days later. The buildings, which housed buisnesses and residents, were condemned and torn down. (Photo courtesy of the Gowanda Historical Society)
by Mary Pankow
Staff Writer
The year 2000 will be here before we know it and who knows what it may hold in store, Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, almost too quickly to keep up with; changes take place constantly not only on the home front but internationally as well. And each affects the United States in some form or another, altering the way we live, work and approach everyday activities.
While time speeds by and the Millennium approaches, it seems to be the perfect time to recall the past. What better way to forge ahead to the future than to remember the days gone by and see how much has changed just over 50 years. With all this in mind, I begin my series of Gowanda's 50-year countdown to the year 2000.
The year is 1949. Life in Gowanda is settling back into a normal routine following the centennial celebration of the year before. It's a time when phone numbers are primarily two or three digits and many stores close Wednesday afternoons. Unfortunately, the biggest news of the year is a devastating fire that wipes out a portion of West Main Street.
The mayor at that time, Elmer Gayvert, and fire officials estimate the loss at $125,000. The wooden structures, built in 1869, housed Russell Refrigeration Service, Bentley's Grocery & Produce Market, Dr. William Muir's dental office, and Dial Furniture Company, where the fire is believed to have originated. Several residents of the structures are also rescued. To add insult to injury, fires rekindle in the buildings and the village board then determines 22, 24 and 28 West Main Street are condemned, requiring owners to tear the charred remains down.
On a more uplifting note, some of the movies of the year featured at The Holliwood include: "The Three Musketeers" with Lana Turner and Gene Kelly, "Big Jack" with Wallace Beery and Richard Conte, "Crime Doctor's Diary" with Warner Baxter and Stephen Dunne, and "Jiggs and Maggie in Court" with Joel Yule and Renie Riano.
"Gowanda's Beautiful Theater" also notes that Bob Palcic will be "at the console of the Golden Voiced Organ"
In other news, Andrew Musacchio and W. Howard Allen are re-elected to the board of education and Dr. Allen Cole serves as its president. Contracts are awarded for construction of Tri-County Memorial Hospital on Memorial Drive and a groundbreaking is held June 24. John Eggen, Lyle Spillman and Coe Brower are re-elected directors of the American Legion.
In school news, Royal Dunkleman is recognized for perfect attendance in Mrs. Read's first grade.
Entertainment includes Curley Wieder's Barrel of Fun every Wednesday night, with occasional round and square dances on Saturday nights at the Depot Hotel. The village also gears up for Gowanda Thrift Days June 16, 17 and 18. Participating merchants include: Nagle's "The Man's Store", Western Auto Associate Store, Farner and Parker Milk Co., Wallace's Men's Wear, Fred J. Campbell Furniture, Whiting's, Dial's Sales, Leisner's, Gowanda Jewelry Store, Don Campbell's Red and White Store, Himelein and Co., The Fashion Shop, Goodyear Store of Superior Motors and Army-Navy Surplus Store.
In local sports, the Gowanda 409'ers take on the Buffalo Bill's Basketball Team. The Bills team includes former tackle John Kerns, tackle Jack Carpenter, and defensive end Vincent Mazza. The Gowanda Tigers baseball team defeats Ellicottville. Gowanda State Hospital baseball team defeats Brant. The "Staters" include Dick Draudt, Junior Stitzel. and Ted Stitzel. In another contest, the Staters defeat Silver Creek. Earl Tharnish and Rod Griewisch receive recognition for their contributions to the win. The VFW Softball Team leads the Gowanda Softball League. In basketball, Coach Hillis's Gowanda Panthers defeat Falconer's Golden Falcons.
Buisnesses also offer specials, including: Gowanda Food Store - butter is 65 cents a pound, chuck roast is 49 cents a pound and DelMonte coffee is 55 cents for a 1-pound tin. Nagle's advertizes baseball/sports caps for 65 cents, beach shirts for $1.95, suits for $24.85 (a $45 value), wool sweaters are $4.89, wool gloves are $1 a pair, 50 percent wool union suits are $4.49 and ties sell for 95 cents.
Himelein and Co. announces a fabric sale that includes printed seersucker at 79 cent a yard, plain chambray at $1.39 a yard and Simplicity patterns are 25 cents each. Ballerina shoes can be had for $3.95 a pair.
Nu-Way Food Mart is offering grapefruits in a 10-pound mesh bag for 49 cents, Campbell's tomato soup, six cans for 57 cents; Sunshine Krispy crackers at 27 cents a 1-pound package, Sweetheart soap, three bars for 26 cents and standing rib roast at 53 cents a pound.
Don Campbell's Red and White Store features short ribs at 29 cents a pound, lean ground beef for 49 cents a pound, carrots, two bunches for 15 cents; and three packages of Jello for 23 cents.
Fox Motor Sales & Service advertizes the "New '49 Pontiac" which features a fingertip start button. The Western Auto Associate Store runs a tire and tude special: Davis Safety Grip Tire (6.00 x 16) and a Davis Deluxe Butyl Tube are $13.25 (and your old tire).
Seider Motor Sales, at Main and Water Streets, advertises the new Dodge Wayfarer 2-door sedan. Also, prices of some vehicles are as "low as $1,694.15 delivered in Gowanda."
Another merchant, Luce Hardware, at 12 Jamestown Street, touts the Kelvinator Model RD, featuring a 30-pound frozen food chest and twin sliding 24-quart vegetable crispers.
A few of the classified ads in the Gowanda News at that time read as follows: 135 acres, 60 acres tillable; gas well pays $100 per year and free heat; fairly good buildings. About four miles from Gowanda. $6,000.
5 acres; 5 room house; several turkey houses. Needs some repairing and decorating. $3,000.
Superior Motors also offers these used cars for sale as "Low Cost Transportation" - 1939 Terraplane 2DR Sedan, 1937 Chevrolet 2DR Sedan, 1932 Pontiac 4DR Sedan and 1936 Ford 3-passenger Coupe.
These are just some of the many highlights from 1949 that made the pages of several local papers and were noted by residents either in print or by photos. Next week, the journey continues on as we visit 1950.
