Above is the full-page devoted to Amherst, which ran in the paper on May 23, 1956 – sixty-three years ago today. It’s a charming portrait. Photos include the Old Spring, Mayor Jack Koontz, a view of the business district, Powers Elementary School, the old Central High School and a shot of a neighboring quarry in Amherst Township.
Doug Kneeland, the author of the piece, describes Amherst as being more than a town, and more of a way of life. He writes, “From the soft green canopies of shade trees that shelter the neat homes and closely cropped lawns along its quiet streets to the dusty brick Park Avenue stores and the old cannons standing a proud but futile guard over the solemn-faced town hall, Amherst is Hometown, U.S.A.
“Cars move patiently through the narrow downtown streets and pedestrians saunter leisurely about their business.”
I’ll bet most of that description is still applicable today.
