A Look Back: April 21

50 Years Ago

■Neighbors to a proposed nursing home complained last night that the new building might worsen storm sewer problems, in a public hearing of the Zoning Board of Appeals. The nursing home would occupy land between Federal Street and Elm Street, near Nutting Avenue, part of which is marshy and would have to be filled in.

■The establishment of a Northampton Historical Commission was endorsed by the ordinance committee of the City Council last night and will come before the full council for approval tonight. The commission will, if approved, have seven members, to be appointed by the mayor with the confirmation of the City Council.

25 Years Ago

■Construction crews this week installed water mains on Carlon Drive, the street that will lead to the city’s new fire station. The road is expected to be completed by the end of July. It will be in the shape of an L, connecting Barrett and King streets.

■State Sen. Stanley Rosenberg, D-Amherst, will be the recipient of the 1998 Good Scout Award of the Metacomet District, Great Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America. Rosenberg will be recognized for his support of youth developmental programs, including the Boy Scouts of America.

10 Years Ago

■Smoke billowing out the back of the iconic Shaw’s Motel brought about two dozen firefighters from four departments to the dilapidated former rooming house Sunday night. Once they’d crowbarred their way inside — the ramshackle building is condemned with its doors and windows boarded up — firefighters put out the fire on the first floor in short order.

■Shoppers were evacuated from the Hampshire Mall Sunday after a moving van aroused suspicion because it was parked awkwardly across three spaces in the lot near the Arizona Pizza restaurant. A bomb squad team was called and, according to state police, the van was discovered to contain books.

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