A Look Back: June 8

50 Years Ago

■Federal District Court Judge Joseph L. Tauro made an unannounced visit and inspection of Belchertown State School yesterday to gather first-hand information regarding the pending case against the state. The Belchertown Friends Association filed the case against the commonwealth over a year ago, charging negligence and unequal treatment of the 950 residents at the institution for the mentally retarded.

■Paul Craig, a 35-year-old newsman, threw his hat into the mayoral ring today, and in the process, lashed out at the present administration for its “inflationary policy.” The Holyoke Transcript assistant city editor will be seeking the Republican nomination in the Sept. 18 city primary.

25 Years Ago

■Bicycle racing continues in the city this Saturday, when the Northampton Cycling Club puts on a circuit race that could attract as many as 500 riders. Adam Myerson, the race coordinator, said there will be eight different races for men, women and juniors starting at 10 a.m. on Reservoir Road in Leeds.

■The Florence beaver pond that has claimed a portion of some residents’ backyards is scheduled to be lowered. Cynthia Williams said the city has state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife permission to lower the pond between Florence and Burts Pit roads 2 feet in depth by lowering the outflow pipes already fitted into the beaver dam.

10 Years Ago

■Once a month, Group Sing meets at the Northampton Senior Center for a two-hour gathering that’s free, open to all — and all about sharing the enjoyment of song. It’s for singers and non-singers alike and, though it’s officially for those 50 and up, organizers say no one gets carded.

■The parking garage on the Smith College campus became a makeshift mountain Wednesday as firefighters from around the region began training to take on difficult rescues. The Hampshire-Franklin division of the Western Massachusetts Technical Rescue Team worked on its climbing skills.

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