Jim Bridgman

50 Years Ago

  • Vandals shattered some 15 car windows in the downtown area last night in an episode that police said bears a strong resemblance to an escapade three weeks ago. Windows in automobiles parked at King Street and Pleasant Street businesses, including three auto dealerships, appeared to have been shot with an air rifle that fires pellets.
  • The decision to raze the “Little Red Schoolhouse” on Pine Street, owned by Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, will be reconsidered, the steering committee has decided. The vote follows a petition drive to save the school and a meeting Sunday with about 13 parishioners. Over 400 signatures were collected opposing the demolition of the school.

25 Years Ago

  • The Citizens Advisory Committee overseeing redevelopment of the former Northampton State Hospital into a mixed-use urban village will hold a public forum on the possibility of saving the sprawling historic main complex from the wrecking ball. Marilyn Marks, coordinating chair of Save Old Main, whose 25 members are split into eight subcommittees, presented the petition to the panel.
  • Thirty-one World War II veterans entered the Frontier Regional School auditorium Thursday to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” and applause from friends and family before receiving their Deerfield High School diplomas as part of Operation Recognition. The veterans left high school between 1940 and 1946 to serve in the military.

10 Years Ago

  • Owners of Zen closed their restaurant Monday, ending a decade at 41 Main St., leaving employees out of work and prompting a sidewalk protest Tuesday afternoon. A new restaurant, Oriental Taste, is expected to open in the former Zen space next month by Chenghui Zheng, owner of the Chinese restaurant Oriental Flavor in Amherst.
  • Mayor David J. Narkewicz announced Tuesday the city’s bond rating has been upgraded to AAA, the highest possible ranking, which will allow the city to “stretch tax dollars further.” “I am extremely proud to announce this significant financial milestone for the City of Northampton,” Narkewicz said.