Historical clue formulations

• In the beginning stages — 2016-10-10
• Close to the start — 2015-10-27
• Toward the beginning — 2011-04-04
• In the initial phases — 2005-12-18
• Near the beginning — 2005-05-01
• While still not much has happened — 2003-04-05
• Near the beginning — 1997-11-07