Monday, March 16, 2026

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: 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: ‘Snow trains’ from Grand Central Terminal to the Berkshires

Enthusiastic skiers used to line up at Track 23 at Grand Central Terminal in New York City to board "snow trains" that would take them to a number of ski slopes in the Berkshires.

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.

Then & Now: Halloween in Great Barrington

In the early 1970s, Great Barrington celebrated Halloween with a big parade, but Halloween is alive and well and still fun for all ages today.

THEN & NOW: The Great Barrington Newsboy Statue

The Newsboy Statue and fountains were a gift to the town by Col. William L. Brown, a former teacher, politician, summer resident, and part-owner of the first New York Daily News, which was not related to the newspaper of today.

THEN & NOW: Benham’s Lunch in Great Barrington

During the first half of the 20th century, Benham’s Lunch was a popular stop on State Road in Great Barrington. The building was torn down in the 1950s and The Pizza House now stands in its place.

THEN & NOW: Rockdale Mills of West Stockbridge

Rockdale Mills was legendary for its popular, self-rising buckwheat flour which was shipped by rail to appreciative consumers across the country and around the world.
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