50 Years Ago
- Despite the lateness of the snow this season, business is booming in local ski areas. As thousands of cars from New York City pass through Hampshire County each weekend to head for the Vermont ski slopes, hundreds of area residents travel only a few miles to local ski areas in Holyoke, West Cummington and Charlemont.
- The Northampton conservation commission last night endorsed the limited road salt policy adopted by City Engineer Francis Ryan and Streets Foreman William Warren and suggested that no salt be used in the vicinity of the city’s wellfield, except in emergencies.
25 Years Ago
- The civic mindedness of Frederick MacInnis did not die with him. More than a month after the city resident passed away at the age of 73, the American flag he purchased to donate to Northampton High School was raised in a ceremony attended by friends, family, and city officials. Family members said it is a fitting symbol of MacInnis’ devotion to the community.
- John E. Cotton said he was shocked when he learned that the assessment of his 1928 home on Turkey Hill Road increased by 70 percent from last year. Property tax bills are out, and some Northampton residents share Cotton’s reaction at how the values of their homes — and, correspondingly, their tax bills — have increased.
10 Years Ago
- Valley retailers report a healthy holiday sales season fueled by shoppers who, encouraged by the mild weather, left the comfort of their computer chairs to venture into town to buy at brick-and-mortar stores. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts reported a 4.7 percent increase in sales for the holiday season.
- Water from a sprinkler pipe caused extensive damage to the kitchen, office and attic at the World War II Club, but management at the 50 Conz St. building is doing what it can to make sure all events at “The Deuce” go on as scheduled. “Right now, it’s business as close to normal as possible, under the circumstances,” Jennifer Rex, manager of the club, said Monday.