A Look Back: Sept. 23

200 Years Ago

■Died, at Westhampton, on Friday last, Mr. John Pittsinger, aged 72. Mr. P. was a native of Hesse Cassel and was taken prisoner by the Americans at the Bennington battle. He has resided in Westhampton about 40 years, and has sustained the character of an honest, industrious man, a good citizen, and a sincere Christian.

■Horace Barns, at his shop a few rods west of the meeting house in Northampton, continues to manufacture all kinds of cabinet furniture of good materials and in modern style. Those who favor him with their custom may depend upon having their work done in the best manner, for cash, produce or lumber.

100 Years Ago

■The first chapel service at Smith College this morning was marked by an overflow which necessitated the barring of all guests except the immediate relatives of undergraduates from the exercises. President William Allan Neilson announced that due to an unexpectedly large entering class, and an unusually large number of “survivals” from the three upper classes, the college is larger than ever before.

■Clear skies and fair weather favored those who started out for the Cummington Fair today. One of the largest crowds ever in attendance at this old and reliable fair was present today to see the fine exhibits of cattle, vegetables and fruit, as well as all of the other attractions which were planned for the day.

50 Years Ago

■Nearly all gas stations in Hampshire County were open and pumping gasoline today despite efforts by the Springfield Gas Dealers Association to whip up support for a massive three-day shutdown that began yesterday.

■Some 500 Smith College students poured out of their dormitories Thursday night in a spontaneous celebration of Billie Jean King’s tennis victory over Bobby Riggs. The students marched through the campus, chanting and singing for some 50 minutes before the demonstration ended at about midnight.

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