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John McKennan served as mayor from 1956 to 1959. Current city Mayor David Roefaro held a ceremony in his honor Wednesday at the site of one of his proudest accomplishments, the Utica Memorial Auditorium. The event center celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

McKennan was very active in his term to build recreational parks within the city and the "Aud" was his brightest jewel, though he admits he did face opposition from city government at the time.

"Generally, they were against it. They gave me the idea that auditoriums weren't profitable, but I, in talking with coaches and people interested in sports and events, I decided to go ahead with it," said McKennan.

McKennan is also a World War II veteran and will turn 91 at the end of the month.