What was going on when I was born?

Among the Finger Lakes here, along the tree- shaded shore of Keuka Lake, there is finally a feeling of optimism these days about the future of Keuka College. As recently as last fall, the small woman's liberal arts college, which spreads over 173 grassy acres near the northern tip of the lake, was foundering amid a mushrooming debt and an accelerating decline in enrollment. There was, it was widely thought, little life left at Keuka. So rampant were doubts about the 96-year-old college's future that many faculty members - who were ''in open revolt'' against the previous president, according to one administrator - began looking for new positions. For the first time in a decade, enrollment had dropped more than 10 percent under the year before.

President Reagan today rejected a petition by United States copper producers for protection from imports. His decision came despite a Government agency's earlier recommendation that the domestic industry was being hurt by imports and was entitled to protection. The action was announced by the United States trade representative, Bill Brock, who said it should ''encourage our partners around the world to resist protectionist acts.'' He said it should help such heavily indebted copper-producing countries as Chile, Zaire, Zambia and Peru, whose export earnings might otherwise be reduced.

''The religion clauses of the First Amendment do not need to be fixed; they need to be followed.''

Brief profiles of Gov. Martha Layne Collins of Kentucky on June 30 and July 16 misidentified her birthplace. It is Bagdad, Ky.

International Import protection for copper producers was rejected by President Reagan, despite an early recommendation by a Government agency favoring such a move. One trade official said the action should help heavily indebted copper-producing countries, whose export earnings might otherwise be reduced. The main reason for denying protection, however, was that it would have raised U.S. prices for makers of products that contain copper. (Page A1.) Citicorp has insured itself against loan payment delays by certain financially troubled developing countries with a $900 million policy. It is believed to be the first time a bank had resorted to private insurance on loans to a specific country. (D1.)

A report in New York Day by Day on Aug. 27 about the Wave Hill estate in the Bronx incorrectly described the origin of a plan to build an annex to the mansion shortly after World War I. George W. Perkins, who owned the house, had rented it to Prof. Bashford Dean, an armor expert, whom he permitted to build the annex.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1984 International The Kremlin's top military officer, Marshal Nikolai V. Ogarkov, was relieved of his post and replaced by his deputy. Some diplomats said the terse wording of the announcement suggested that Marshal Ogarkov had been dismissed. (Page A1, Col. 4.) Emperor Hirohito of Japan, who once ruled Korea as its colonial master, welcomed South Korea's President, Chun Doo Hwan, to the Imperial Palace and said he was sorry for Tokyo's past behavior. (A1:1.)

Friday MONSTER TALE AT ST. JOHN The animals of the earth will struggle tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 to overcome a monster who is about seven feet tall and twice as long, and who wants to eat them. This fearsome combat will take place in the garden of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, on Amsterdam Avenue and 112th Street, in a dramatic event called ''Out of the Dark,'' based on a Bantu story about the creation of the universe. The tale was adapted by George Sand. It will be performed by the Mettawee River Company, which is known for its masks and giant puppets designed by Ralph Lee, who originated the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade. Music for African, Japanese and South American instruments will accompany the tale. It's free. Information: 929-4777. AN OFF OFF KREMLIN FIRST

Marshal Nikolai V. Ogarkov, the Soviet Union's senior military officer, was relieved of his post today and replaced by his deputy. He had been been Chief of Staff since 1977. An announcement by the official Tass press agency, read on Soviet television, said Marshal Ogarkov had been succeeded by Marshal Sergei F. Akhromeyev. 'A New Appointment' The announcement said Marshal Ogarkov had been replaced ''in connection with a new appointment.'' There was no immediate indication whether this meant a promotion or demotion, and the move came as a total surprise to foreign diplomats.

Citicorp has taken a $900 million policy to insure itself against ''prolonged delays'' in receiving payments from certain financially troubled developing countries, according to a footnote in its second-quarter 10Q report. It was believed to be the first time that a bank had resorted to private insurance to protect itself against late payments of all its loans to a specific country. Bank stock analysts said yesterday that they were intrigued by Citicorp's move, which came to light when the 10Q report was distributed to investors this week. Other major banks said they were studying Citicorp's action and would consider similar steps.

NEW YORK CITY seems to present a new face with each new season, almost with each new day. And now, with cooler weather in the air, New Yorkers returning from vacation or venturing into old neighborhoods again with fresh eyes and a sense of renewal will find the city ready with a few surprises. Turn a corner and find a little plaza with chairs in which the city walker may rest and daydream, a private place that wasn't there the day before. Peer up and see a mural, newly refurbished and insisting on due notice, or a tree pushing its way from a rooftop high over Fifth Avenue, growing wild. The discoveries can have an edge to them, as in the case of street art, often, or can stir a feeling of affection for the spirit of New Yorkers who band together to create a pipe organ for their church or a garden for their block. The city can be a source of continuing surprises. Savor them, for they soon will change or be replaced by other revelations.

Mayor Koch agreed yesterday to remove longstanding legal obstacles to home improvements in Breezy Point and Roxbury in Rockaway, Queens, clearing the way for expansion and development. The plan requires approval by the Board of Estimate and hearings by various city departments, a process that officials said would take about a year. The two seaside communities consist of 2,800 one-family detached homes, most of which were built in the 1920's and 1930's, largely as summer vacation homes.