A Look Back, Sept. 2

50 Years Ago

■Bus service for Hampton Gardens children attending Vernon Street School will not be provided despite threats by Hampton Garden parents of a school boycott. Mayor Sean M. Dunphy, chairman ex officio of the Northampton School Committee, said he “sees no reason” to change school policy and provide a bus for children living less than a mile and a half from school.

■Mayor Sean M. Dunphy has endorsed former state Rep. Michael Dukakis’ bid for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Speaking at a joint press conference with Dukakis in Springfield today, Dunphy, who is head of the Massachusetts League of Cities and Towns, said Dukakis had dedicated most of his public life to improving local government.

25 Years Ago

■At long last, Avis Circle will be plowed by workers from the city Department of Public Works. About a year after a request was first made, the City Council has voted to officially accept Avis Circle, which has about 14 homes on it, as a city street.

■Less than two hours into “Limeypalooza,” Tuesday’s English-themed concert benefiting arts in Northampton schools, the fans stormed the stage. The light-hearted mischief began shortly after the Northampton band Playtopia took the stage in a mock performance of Black Sabbath. Several enthusiastic young listeners danced onto the stage.

10 Years Ago

■A renovation project at Thornes Marketplace includes installation of a new Thornes sign made out of tall metal letters similar to the script aluminum letters used by the former McCallum’s years ago. McCallum’s was the longtime department store that filled what is now Thornes for many years.

■With gear piled high atop car roofs and minivans filled to capacity, thousands of new and returning students arrived on campus this weekend at Hampshire County’s four private colleges and the University of Massachusetts. The students come from about 30 countries and close to all 50 states.