50 Years Ago
- The administrator of the Hampshire County Hospital in Leeds last night recommended to the Hampshire County Commissioners that the five-year-old hospital be changed from a chronic-care facility to a nursing home. The Hampshire County Commissioners are divided on the issue; hospital employees say they are opposed to the switch.
- The planning board last night recommended to the City Council that it not act on the proposal for harness racing at the Three County Fairgrounds until it has additional information about the impact on the city. Board members said the council should have more information so it can determine how the racing would affect the city’s economy and traffic patterns.
25 Years Ago
- Famous television chef, cookbook author, and Smith College graduate Julia Child was back on campus this week as alumna-in-residence. The annual program, now in its fifth year, brings alumnae to campus to discuss their careers and life choices with students. Child said she relished meeting with students, an opportunity she missed during her reunion in 1994.
- Franklin King III, who spent 40 years on the board of directors at the People’s Institute, is retiring this month. He said he is making way for new blood on the board. “My biggest claim to fame is my longevity,” he said.
10 Years Ago
- Five weeks after finishing as the runner-up in the race for state representative, Eric Nakajima on Thursday was appointed to the Amherst School Committee. Nakajima said he is excited about the opportunity, even though it comes during a period of transition for the public schools following the August departure of Superintendent Maria Geryk.
- In her plan revealed Friday for a dramatically overhauled Smith College library, renowned architect Maya Lin aims to renew the campus’ connection to the landscape and create a warm, 21st century “library for the future.” Lin’s building, which is expected to be complete in fall 2020, will retain the century-old core while replacing the wings with what she calls pillow — or jewel — boxes.