Jim Bridgman

50 Years Ago

  • Pumpkins and flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables are cropping up in downtown Northampton on Saturdays at a farmers’ market on Merrick Lane next to the new county government building on King Street. The market was first set up by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce during sidewalk sale days in July, but it has been extended and is being run each Saturday morning.
  • David W. Cramer of 98 North Elm St. today became the second candidate to announce for the Democratic nomination for mayor. Cramer, a former campaign manager for outgoing Mayor Sean M. Dunphy, said that Dunphy will endorse his candidacy. Ward 6 Councilor Harry S. Chapman Jr. is the other announced candidate for the nomination.

25 Years Ago

  • The University of Massachusetts and the government of Kuwait are about to form a partnership that could bring the university money for research, increased international visibility, faculty and student exchange programs and classrooms in the oil-contaminated deserts of Kuwait. “We think it will have great effects for the university system,” said UMass Trustee Robert S. Karam.
  • Students returning to Smith College this September should find Elm Street transformed, as the college moves ahead with plans for a more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly corridor. Part of the plan is to build “nub-outs” that will protrude seven feet into the street at crosswalks.

10 Years Ago

  • The Williamsburg manufacturing business criticized earlier this summer for displaying a metal Confederate battle flag at its shop and flying another flag outside the owner’s neighborhood home has been asked not to participate in the 2015 Cummington Fair. The fair’s executive committee made the decision to rescind an invitation to CRD Metalworks in an effort to distance the fair from the flag controversy.
  • Owner Maura Glennon says she expects to open the Florence Pie Bar in the early fall at the corner of Main and Chestnut streets in downtown Florence. Glennon and manager Claire Hawley-Crews envision the place as a small community center, one that fosters an intimate and laid-back atmosphere.