A Look Back, March 19

50 Years Ago

■An estimated 1,700 children in Northampton between the ages of 1 and 6 risk lead paint poisoning, according to a report issued recently by the University Year for Action Center at the University of Massachusetts. The number is based on those living in homes built before the 1950 law, which bans lead paint on house interiors.

■The Northampton School Committee will be in the unusual position tomorrow night of considering the appointment of an ethnic studies coordinator for Northampton High School. The coordinator would develop an ethnic studies curriculum to be used at the school and help train college students a Smith to teach ethnic studies courses.

25 Years Ago

■Two industrial air-conditioners were removed Thursday from the wall bearing a landmark mural on women’s history, less than 24 hours after the devices were installed. A spokesman for Bell Atlantic, the Masonic Street building’s owner, said the company regretted the move that for a few hours Thursday added the air-conditioners to the midst of the 20-year-old mural about famous women in Northampton history.

■The City Council Thursday night endorsed a 100-page Open Space and Recreation Plan outlining the city’s priorities in those areas through the year 2004. It names these goals: improving recreation facilities and bike paths, managing conservation areas, acquiring land for conservation, and adopting rules to protect water sources and preserve natural resources.

10 Years Ago

■Neither politician nor citizen was spared from jokes Tuesday morning at the 35th annual St. Patrick’s breakfast — whether they had an “O” in front of their surname or were just wearing green. Nearly 250 people gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Northampton to kick off a day of fun and interesting conversation, what the Irish call “craic.”

■An Easthampton High School senior has been honored with a national community service award. Bryan Delaney, 18, was named a gold recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a recognition granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barack Obama, for completing more than 250 hours of community service.