A Look Back, March 3

50 Years Ago

■Eleven persons were baptized at a ceremony held by the Assembly of God Church Saturday in the YMCA pool on Prospect St. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. Ronald S. Hale, who, while half-submerged in the pool, read the Bible’s account of Jesus’ baptism.

■Hampshire County Sheriff John F. Boyle will receive national recognition next month for his work with the inmates of the county jail. The National Conference of Christians and Jews has announced that Boyle will be presented the 1975 Human Relations Award.

25 Years Ago

■After nearly 105 years of promoting patriotism and civic spirit, the Easthampton chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has resolved to disband. “There aren’t many people coming anymore and we’re all getting old. We just can’t recruit young people,” said Mary Brewer, treasurer.

■Seven families moved into Northampton’s first cohousing community last weekend, after five years of intensive planning for a novel, create-your-own-neighborhood. “It’s been quite a bit beyond my expectations,” said Lundy Bancroft, who moved into his new home Friday at Pathways Cohousing, off Florence Road, with his wife, Gillian Andrews, and their two children.

10 Years Ago

■Six Amherst bars, including three establishments owned by business partners who sponsored the pre-St. Patrick’s Day event known as Blarney Blowout, are voluntarily delaying their openings Saturday. Town Manager John Musante said that he appreciates the willingness of the owners of the bars to work with the town, the business community and the University of Massachusetts in promoting a more tranquil environment.

■Thousands of state employees could receive incentives to retire early under a proposal Gov. Charlie Baker hopes will help plug a sizable deficit in the next state budget. The governor’s office is hoping about 4,500 workers will opt for early retirement.