As the countdown continues, we find one of the most positive events of 1951 is the announcement that the Korean ceasefire talks begin. Another headline of the year notes the first use of atomic energy to generate electricity in the United States.

        On the lighter side, Academy Awards are given to Humphrey Bogart for his role in "The African Queen," Vivien Leigh for her performance in "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "An American in Paris" for best picture.Once again, the New York Yankees nab the World Series, while Ben Hogan proves he is a links legend by winning the Masters. In the world of speed, Count Turf wins the Kentucy Derby using only single horsepower, while the multi-horsepowered car of Lee Wallard crosses the finish line of the Indianapolis 500.

        Like a futuristic announcement, word comes that soon there will be "A 'seeing-eye' fire alarm that responds to both flame and reflection of flame; six detectors are equipped with tiny photoelectric cells which cover a radius of 20 feet each; when a detector 'sees' a flame or its reflection, it sends an impulse to the control box, which rings the alarm."

        New York Telephone Company also announces that as of Jan. 6, coin telephone calls will cost 10 cents, up from a nickel. They add that this is the first rate increase in 60 years.

        Diet tips, and other tidbits of information, fill modest column space in publications. One item, in particular, called "Been Eating Too Much?" suggests tossing a deck of cards into the air and then picking them up - one by one - and placing them on a table. "Fifty-two bend downs and walk arounds will give you plenty of exercise."

        As the nation, and the world, pick up pace, changes also occur in the Beautiful Valley Between the Hills.

        Early in March, Otto J. Gutekunst sells his milk delivery buisness to Farner andts of that year. So, until next aises ticket pri HREF="#TOP">         Other buisness news includes the acquisition of the Ritz Store from Richard Decker by Mr. and Mrs. Norman Hogle. Hogles sell the establishment later in the year to Kenneth Anderson of Jamestown. Meanwhile, Decker takes over the western Auto Associate store.

        A fire guts two buildings on Jamestown Street - one houses Leisner's the other the office of Dr. David Lipchick, oculist.

        Name changes also take place as the law firm, Wilber and Weyand, becomes Weyand, albrecht and Maguire.

        Additional buisness news includes the election of Warren Parker as president of the Gowanda Buisness Association, the opening of Don Smith's Ten-Pin Inn on St. Patrick's Day, the grand opening of Don Campbell's Red and White Supermarket at 10 Buffalo St., Gowanda Sport Shop throws open its doors to customers at 27 Jamestown St. by owner Frank Cocca and Storey's Jewelry opens at 21 East Main St.

        Tri-County Memorial Hospital keeps the community abreast of health-related and facility-related matters.

        Aside from weekly reports on admissions, discharges and births (the first baby of 1951 Ronald Edward Pfeffer of Otto), regular announcements of activities and events include: the opening of a hospital gift shop on March 14, the resignation of Florence Ida Townsend as superintendent of the facility and subsequent appointment of Elizabeth Jan Dekert as superintendent.

        Organizations also share occasional limelight. It's during this year that the Gowanda Moose Lodge on Buffalo Street is dedicated and Charles Sage Jr. is elected chief of the Gowanda Fire Department. Walter Malek is named first assistant and Marvin Fose is second assistant.

        A centennial celebration takes place as the Gowanda Chapter No. 136 Royal Arch Masons reaches its 100-year mark. Charles Van Etten is re-elected Master of Phoenix Lodge No. 262, Free and Accepted Masons in Gowanda.

        In local politics, Charles Cocca is appointed village trustee by Mayor George Maulbetsch, and motorists must now use the parking meters installed in the buisness district. Rates are: one cent for 12 minutes, five cents for one hour and 10 cents for two hours.

        Once parked and paid up, motorists can then visit the many buisnesses and take advantage of their specials.

        Eddy's Indian Motorcycle, 29 Jamestown St., lures the more adventurous type with their Indian Brave, 250 cc, 4-stroke engine motorcycle for only $370.

        The Fashion Shop, 30 West Main St., touts its dress sale with prices ranging from $1.98 to $12.98 on dresses regularly priced from $3.98 to $22.98. Not to be outdone, Whitting's also offers Fruit of the Loom dresses for $1.88, fancier Mother's Day dresses sell for $8.98.

        Other attention-grabbers include: Main Street Service Station's new 1951 Cadillac, Dial's Sales 19-inch Zenith television set (anything smaller is considered obsolete), and Liuce Hardware's Kelvinator 8 cu. ft. refrigerator with freezer.

        Shoppers can take a respite from bargain hunting at Porpiglia's Resturant, 3 Buffalo St., "on the square," where a roast beef or pork roast dinner is $1.25 and a hamburger or hot weiner on a roll is 25 cents.

        Assual, the price war among the numerous grocery stores and markets continues throughout the year. Ads of all sizes are published regularly by the merchants, each hoping to lure customers with special prices, special promotions, or both.

        The Market Basket offers a 12-ounce bottle of Log Cabin syrup for 27 cents, a 16-ounce bottle of Staley's Golden corn syrup for 10 cents, three large bunches of "fresh Texas radishes" for 15 cents and three pounds of sweet potatoes for 27 cents.

        Nu-Way's specials include: 9-ounce bottle of French's mustard 13 cents, two pounds of bananas for 29 cents, a package of Quick Mother's oats for 15 cents, a one-pound package of raisins for 19 cents and comic books for five cents each. Those collecting Dollar Doubler coupons may also "purchase" a "regular $4.75 pure aluminum oval roaster (holds up to 17-pound roast)" for 119 of the coupons.

        Breakfast foods can be purchased at Gowanda Food Store for a nominal cost. Two regular-sized packages of Kellogg's Corn Flakes are only 25 cents and Armour's Star bacon squares are 25 cents a pound.

        Another relief from shopping comes in the form of entertainment.

        Early in the year, Little Joe's resturant, South Water Street, hosts the "Tumbling Weeds" of the Niagara Frontier Jamboree, featuring Tex, king of the accordian; Larry Smith, with his trick fiddling; and Gene and Helen Page, with their famous whip act.

        The popcorn crowd can take in the single or double features showing at The Hollywood, such as "Return of Jesse James" with John Ireland and Ann Dvorak, and "For Heaven's Sake" with Clifton Webb, Jean Bennett, Robert Cummings and Edmund Gwenn.

        Those in the mood for a tune or two can attend the Sept. 29 Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America Concert where the Cowling Brothers of Toronto, Ontario, are appearing with other local and national talents.

        Others searching for events beyond the valley can enjoy the opportunity to leave the driving to someone else as the Greyhound bus line offers an Ice Follies Party. The round-trip excursion from the terminal at 43 Jamestowm St. includes a $2.50 reserved seat in Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, all for the cost of $4.28.

        Another method of easing the stress of driving is to call 272, Vet's Taxi. The company is known for its "too" advertising campaign - "Too slippery?" "Too dampish?" "Too snowy?"

        Local sports also attract crowds and make headlines.

        Harold Hollenbeck is named head coach of basketball at Gowanda High School, Coach Howard Hillis' Panthers basketball team wins the bi-county championship against Chautauqua County teams. the New York Yankees sign Allan Stuhlmilller and the Gowanda Juniors baseball team wins the Erie County Championship defeating St. Augustine's from Depew.

        An annual event and highlight of the summer is the Little Valley Fair.

        Top honors are bestowed upon the Gowanda High School homemakers, the Gowanda Firemen's Auxiliary is judged the best appearing auxiliary, and Larry B, owned and driven by Frank Kewley; and Glendale Dainty, owned and driven by Don Kewley, recieve acclaim for their harness racing achievements.

        As 1951 winds down, the municipal Christmas tree is erected in the square and the holidays, on the threshold of a new year, have everyone anxiously anticipating what 1952 may hold in store. We will. indeed, venture on and examine some of the high points of that year. So, until next week...