A Look Back, May 2

200 Years Ago

• William C. Prentiss, of Northampton, has on hand and for sale at his shop a few rods west of Curtis’ Inn, a complete assortment of chairs. He will at all times punctually attend to orders for ornamental and other painting. Wanted, two boys, 14 or 16 years of age, as apprentices to the painting and chair making business.
• Thomas Shepherd of Northampton offers to rent one division of his farm of 20 acres to plant with broom corn. This land is in a high state of cultivation, having had nearly 1,000 loads of manure put on it last year. If not leased for cash this week, it will be let out on shares next Monday.

100 Years Ago

• Since Swift River, in the eastern end of the county, has been proposed for a metropolitan water supply which would wipe out the towns of Enfield and Greenwich, it is reported from Boston that a large power company is interested in the development of the stream for electric power along the plan of the New England Power company along the Deerfield.
• Muriel and Gloria Parent entertained several of their little friends at a May basket party at their home on Nonotuck Street, Florence. Games were played and refreshments were served.

50 Years Ago

• Security at the Hampshire County Courthouse has been stepped up in the wake of last Thursday’s bombing of the Suffolk County Courthouse. A group claiming responsibility for the Boston explosion has threatened additional bombings in the state, unless demands for change in state prisons are met.
• Smith’s Vocational High School is undergoing the most far-reaching investigation yet in Western Massachusetts, concerning alleged violations of the state’s antidiscrimination law. Seven women students at Smith’s had filed complaints alleging discrimination in course selection, job training, recruiting, athletics and other extracurricular activities.