It was a world to which many a young man would cut a class or dodge a warning to enter. Then there were the older regulars and, yes, occasionally women too, on the arms of dates, for the evening or midnight shows. It was the lure of hot jazz, leering comics, novelty acts, and, of course, the girls. Teasingly-named dancers with pinball-like bump and flash. An intoxicating mix of fun, frolic and fantasy.

Burlesque held sway on a variety of Buffalo stages since the turn of the century, in theaters like the Adelphi, the Lafayette Square, the Strand and the Gayety. But the prevailing forum for more than 50 years was the Palace Burlesk.

To read more of Jim Bisco's story, see page 44 of the Spring 2006 Heritage Magazine. Suscribe now!

On March 7, 1991, the residents of the town of Friendship in Allegany County fought a major fire that destroyed 13 buildings along its main street. A quickly formed bucket brigade was unable to control the blaze because the town did not have a fire department.

As a result of the devastating fire, the businessmen in the town of 1,900 residents made a decision to form a fire department and purchased a Silsby Steam Fire Engine.

To read more of Norman C. Bauman, Jr.'s story, see page 58 of the Spring 2006 Heritage Magazine. Subscribe now!