Hi Karen, I love your emails. I moved to GB in 2013 not knowing a soul. I did not come here regularly as a child, like many other transplants. The Gypsy Joint was here then and I would gather up my courage to go in, to listen to the music and sip a drink. The first time I went I looked for a seat where I could hide, but watch the activity. Right away, a couple seated at the bar waved me over warmly to an empty spot beside them. We talked all night about ourselves, the Berkshires, and our kids who are exactly the same age. What a great experience. I miss the Gypsy Joint. Fuel is not the same. I live on the East side of Main St. , down from the library. Of course I love the library, but I sometimes feel we are second class citizens as we are not organized like you on the Hill. We have few, if any trick or treaters down here, but we do have bears!
I love the East Street neighborhood and you do have better views, I think! That's really interesting about the Gypsy Joint: something about the lighting and decor that helped create that convivial atmosphere? The prices were very reasonable for GB, as I recall, and that helps. Ray always says a place needs to have a cheap beer so price isn't a barrier to hanging out.
The public library is a cherished third place where people take a personal interest in one another. In our town of 5,000ish population, the library staff welcomes all and warmly treats all with respect. People support one another. Though the pandemic has altered/limited services, I have no doubt that in a few months more normal services will open up and patrons will love it!
I couldn't survive the lockdown without the brown-bagged books left for pickup outside Mason Library. In terms of third places, I'm interested in ways libraries create spaces for conversation and conviviality.
Hi Karen, I love your emails. I moved to GB in 2013 not knowing a soul. I did not come here regularly as a child, like many other transplants. The Gypsy Joint was here then and I would gather up my courage to go in, to listen to the music and sip a drink. The first time I went I looked for a seat where I could hide, but watch the activity. Right away, a couple seated at the bar waved me over warmly to an empty spot beside them. We talked all night about ourselves, the Berkshires, and our kids who are exactly the same age. What a great experience. I miss the Gypsy Joint. Fuel is not the same. I live on the East side of Main St. , down from the library. Of course I love the library, but I sometimes feel we are second class citizens as we are not organized like you on the Hill. We have few, if any trick or treaters down here, but we do have bears!
I love the East Street neighborhood and you do have better views, I think! That's really interesting about the Gypsy Joint: something about the lighting and decor that helped create that convivial atmosphere? The prices were very reasonable for GB, as I recall, and that helps. Ray always says a place needs to have a cheap beer so price isn't a barrier to hanging out.
The public library is a cherished third place where people take a personal interest in one another. In our town of 5,000ish population, the library staff welcomes all and warmly treats all with respect. People support one another. Though the pandemic has altered/limited services, I have no doubt that in a few months more normal services will open up and patrons will love it!
I couldn't survive the lockdown without the brown-bagged books left for pickup outside Mason Library. In terms of third places, I'm interested in ways libraries create spaces for conversation and conviviality.