Friday, April 25, 2025

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

Gary Leveille

Gary Leveille is presently buried beneath piles of vintage photographs as the Great Barrington Historical Society's volunteer archivist. He has over 35 years' experience as a writer, editor, humorist, researcher, photographer, author, publisher and newspaper columnist. Gary served as a senior editor and editorial project supervisor for Hasbro Games in Springfield, Massachusetts. He is also the author of several books about the Southern Berkshires.

written articles

THEN & NOW: Orlando Bidwell’s home at the corner of Maple Avenue and West Avenue, now Macony Pediatrics

The Bidwell home was changed significantly during the second half of the 20th century and is presently home to Macony Pediatrics, as shown below.

THEN & NOW: The Whiting Block in downtown Great Barrington

It is noted with a touch of irony and humor that the old Drug Store once located in the Whiting Block is now home to Calyx Berkshire Cannabis Dispensary.

THEN & NOW: Turtle Rock in South Egremont

Many believe Turtle Rock was deposited “as is” by glaciers about 10 thousand years ago. Others theorize that the rock was shaped and altered by Indigenous Peoples affiliated with the Turtle Clan. And a few folks suggest that the turtle was chiseled by ancient Druids or Celtics in the distant past.

THEN & NOW: The Greenock Country Club

According to one source, the name “Greenock” was taken from a Native American Indian land purchase in the Berkshires. But Greenock is also the name of a town and golf course in Scotland.

THEN & NOW: Walgreens/Melvins Pharmacy

The photo above was taken on Main Street in Great Barrington where the recently shuttered Walgreens Pharmacy now stands.

THEN & NOW: Main Street, Great Barrington

While a variety of tree species shade Main Street's sidewalks in Great Barrington, crabapple trees once graced downtown when diagonal parking was still the norm.

THEN & NOW: The Blue Belton Inn

When the Blue Belton Inn opened on Route 7 in Sheffield in 1947, it was operated by the Kelsey family, who were dog lovers and named the inn after their English Setter breed. The site was later a private school, J/W Steak House, and apartments.

THEN & NOW: Main Street in Great Barrington

The pillared building shown in the background was home to the National Mahaiwe Bank in Great Barrington. It was torn down in 1905 to make room for the present-day Mahaiwe Block at the corner of Main and Castle Streets.

THEN & NOW: Lee Theatre

While the first movie theatre in Lee was located in an upper floor of Memorial Town Hall, by the early 1940s, the Lee Theatre had opened on Main Street.

THEN & NOW: ‘Pretty Poison’

The summer of 1967 was an exciting time in South Berkshire County as crowds of locals and tourists gathered to watch the filming of "Pretty Poison," especially at the hillside park in Great Barrington next to present-day Domaney’s Liquors.

THEN & NOW: The City Store Block in Great Barrington

The City Store Block on the southern corner of Main and Railroad Streets dates back to 1853, making it the oldest surviving downtown commercial structure.

THEN & NOW: Benjamin Osborn’s home

What is so special about this modest house, and why is it also known as the Ann Lee cottage? It has an interesting connection to the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, better known as the Shakers.

THEN & NOW: ‘Chestnutwood’ on Maple Avenue in Great Barrington

The property of the former Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation Center used to be home to "Chestnutwood," owned by famous inventor William Stanley in 1907.

GARY LEVEILLE: Seventh Annual Satirical Holiday House Tour

The Southern Berkshire Hysterical Society bravely brings you an all-new, online, free frolic of some unusual homes and habitations in our area. Although the stories are a complete stretch of imagination, each location is truly located in the Southern Berkshires.

THEN & NOW: The Berkshire Chalet

The Collins House has been known by many names including the Colonial Inn, Hotel Bartine, Coach Lamp Inn, Berkshire Chalet, and Bavarian Room restaurant. It is now home to offices and condominiums.

THEN & NOW: The Trolley in Stockbridge

Before the automobile became the more popular mode of transportation, Berkshire Street Railway was one of the largest trolley companies in the country, with one particular line between Pittsfield and Great Barrington passing through Stockbridge and past the trolley stand that can still be seen today.
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