Jim Bridgman

50 Years Ago

  • Florence Mobil Service Station had an unusual customer early Friday afternoon . . . a goose! Resembling a wild duck, the goose did not cause any disturbance, according to Gordon Brawn, an attendant. It was observed quietly inspecting gas pumping operations, then just walked away southwest on Maple Street.
  • A thief or thieves ripped open the safe at H. L. Childs & Son Model Railroads & Raceways at 25 State St. overnight Sunday and made off with an undisclosed amount of money. Entry was gained through a side window in the roof of the building. The safe was “peeled” open with some kind of prying device, such as a wrecking bar, police said.

25 Years Ago

  • A new Smith College parking garage with 352 spaces for students, faculty and staff is due to open Jan. 15, about a month and a half after the planned completion date. William Brandt, who oversees campus operations for Smith, said last week the $5.4 million structure is finished except for a front tower housing the stairwell and elevator.
  • Former City Councilor John “Jack” E. FitzGerald Jr., who served six terms under three mayors, was remembered today by friends and colleagues as someone whose lifelong devotion to the city was marked by a love of politics and people. FitzGerald died Thursday after suffering a heart attack at age 80.

10 Years Ago

  • Mount Holyoke’s president, Lynn Pasquerella, will step down from that role to accept a position leading the Association of American Colleges & Universities. Her last day will be June 30, and Sonya Stephens, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty, will be appointed acting president July 1.
  • Northampton City Council President William Dwight presented a key to outgoing Ward 2 Councilor Paul Spector during a swearing-in ceremony for Northampton elected officials Monday at the Senior Center. The key was presented as a joke: Dwight said it is for the downstairs restroom at City Hall, which is available for public use and is always open. Moments later, he presented Spector with a plaque to honor his six terms of service.