200 Years Ago

• John Clarke, directly opposite the Meeting House in Northampton, has on hand Lorrillard’s chewing & smoking tobacco; also, Maccoboy Snuff by the pot, and Scotch Snuff by the bladder, at New York prices.
• On Tuesday, April 18, Mrs. Smith, the mother of Deac. Jacob Smith of Hadley, completed the 100th year of her age. The longevity of the family of which she is a member is remarkable. She has a brother living who is 94, and three sisters whose ages are 90, 86 and 84 Ð the united ages of the five, 454.

100 Years Ago

• City Engineer William I. Baucus and a number of men employed by the city took measurements on King Street at the site of the proposed hotel this morning, preparatory to changing the street line by moving the sidewalk back from the road. This change will give more room to vehicle traffic on King Street at this point.
• Daylight savings went into effect yesterday morning without any disastrous results, so far as the Gazette has learned. Those who set their clocks ahead Saturday night were on schedule for Sunday, though finding it increasingly difficult to get up on time, owing to the loss of one hour, which will be given back to us in the fall.

50 Years Ago

• Connecticut Valley saw a record-breaking spring heat wave this week, several days after record low temperatures were set. High temperatures, windy conditions, and the lack of rain, contributed to unusually high danger of forest fires.
• Negotiations began Tuesday between the Northampton Teachers Association and the Northampton School Committee for new teachers’ contracts. Professional negotiator Edwin C. Warner, a former school committee member, squared off with Richard Rivers from the MTA. Rivers has said that it will be “very difficult” to settle a new contract unless it includes provisions for pay raises.