Jim Bridgman

50 Years Ago

  • A parade through Northampton and a ball will highlight Hampshire County’s celebration of the Bicentennial in June 1976. The theme of the county’s Bicentennial celebration is “independence.” The parade and related ceremonies will all be focused on the principal events leading to the independence of the nation.
  • Northampton will be using energy-saving white lights on two Christmas trees as the focal point of holiday decorations in the city this year. High electricity costs and continued concern over the use of energy have dictated the restrained Christmas displays, according to Paul Walker, executive director of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce.

25 Years Ago

  • Holding “No More Electoral College” and “Revote in Florida” signs, about 150 people demonstrated in front of the Hampshire County Courthouse Saturday, taking over the corner sidewalk on Main and King streets to demand a revote in Florida. Alerted by mass e-mails, word of mouth and some press reports, people of all ages demonstrated peacefully Saturday in a protest participants said was one of many taking place around the country.
  • Statewide MCAS scores have been released. Almost half of all 10th graders failed the math portion of the third round of MCAS tests given last spring, a slight improvement from the past two years. More than one-third failed in the English and science portions of the state assessment test, little change from the past two years.

10 Years Ago

  • Student protesters seeking equity for marginalized students at Amherst College praised College President Carolyn “Biddy” Martin for meeting with them and agreeing to a number of their demands Friday evening. Among student demands were that Martin issue a statement of apology to Amherst College community members who have been the victims of injustices on campus related to being a part of a marginalized segment of the population.
  • Former Northampton mayor David W. Cramer died Thursday at the age of 86. Cramer was elected in 1975 and served one term as Northampton’s mayor in 1976 and 1977. He is remembered by family, friends and colleagues for his five decades in state and local politics, dedication to athletics and lifelong involvement in community organizations.