A Look Back, Oct. 16

50 Years Ago

■Northampton will have a new post office by late 1975, Postmaster John F. Murphy revealed yesterday. Sites are now being considered for the new post office, and according to Murphy, “every consideration will be given to any program the city has to revitalize the downtown area, but we’re concerned with serving the community’s needs.”

■Caldor Discount Department Store on North King Street has been remodeled and expanded, with a new home improvement center added. Caldor’s “new look” according to store manager Douglas Williams, includes “deep, rich colors and stylized signing to highlight our many departments.”

25 Years Ago

■In a raucous and bitter debate that frequently broke into a shouting match, Acting Gov. Paul Cellucci and Attorney General Scott Harshbarger traded punches Wednesday night at the Mullins Center, on education, the state’s economy, welfare reform and each other’s fitness to lead the commonwealth for the next four years.

■A group of Northampton neighbors — The Hatfield Street Neighborhood Citizens — applying a little used law called an initiative petition, is trying to force the city government to put a homeless shelter in the soon-to-be-vacated Masonic Street Fire Station, rather than at the DPW on Locust Street.

10 Years Ago

■The Academy of Music has been named one of Reminisce magazine’s favorite vintage theaters. The list includes the seven top cinemas across the country that offer rich history, gorgeous architecture and an entertaining show.

■Dr. Ira Helfand, 64, a former Cooley Dickinson Hospital emergency room doctor who now practices in Springfield and is co-president of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, will address the Nobel Peace Laureates’ summit in Warsaw, Poland on Oct. 21.