A Look Back, May 9

200 Years Ago

• L. White respectfully gives notice that he will commence a second quarter of his dancing school on Tuesday, the 9th of May, in the Masonic Hall in Northampton, where young ladies and gentlemen will be instructed in the most modern style of dancing. Terms of tuition, $4.
• For sale, a lot in Middle Meadow in Northampton, containing about six acres. Also, a smart, active mare, seven years old. Inquire of the subscriber, or of Dr. Stebbins, at his office. — J. H. Breck.

100 Years Ago

• What is to be the name of Northampton’s new hotel? The decision of the directors of the hotel company will be made within a week. Shall it be “Coolidge,” or “Jonathan Edwards,” or “Seth Pomeroy,” or “Seelye,” or “Burton,” or “Neilson,” or “Sophia,” or “Smith,” or “Bradley,” or just plain “Chickwallup”?
• The excavating of the cellar hole of the new hotel is advancing steadily. This morning the steam shovel uncovered a very wet spot a short distance above the former location of Hamburg Street. There is apparently a spring at this point, as the brook which flows underneath the property fifty feet from this spot is several feet lower.

50 Years Ago

• Rainbow Beach, a wooded and sandy area along the Connecticut River, has been purchased by the Connecticut River Watershed Council. The 55 acres have provided a habitat for migrating waterfowl and other wildlife and will be designated by the council for conservation purposes like boating, birdwatching, and hiking.
• The Northampton school department has been told by State Education Commissioner Gregory Anrig to begin a breakfast plan in the Bridge Street, Jackson Street and Williams Street schools for the rest of the school year. If the department fails to do so, it will violate State Department of Education regulations on the issue.