Monday, September 14, 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: Celebrating America’s birthday in Great Barrington

The Centennial year saw celebrations throughout Great Barrington.

THEN & NOW: The Great Barrington VFW property

On July 4, both the VFW and the Great Barrington Historical Society and Museum properties will be the site of big celebrations honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

THEN & NOW: Once a gas station and garage, now home to the Center for Peace through Culture

In recent decades, the building housed an art gallery and performance space operated by Deb Koffman, the beloved artist, author, philosopher, and humorist who passed away in 2021.

THEN & NOW: The grave of Edwin Lucius Keyes

Sadly, the angel is long gone, and only heaven knows if its disappearance was the result of vandalism, theft, or severe weather.

THEN & NOW: Mount Peter in Great Barrington

According to author, poet, essayist, and suffragist Elizabeth Porter Gould (who referenced Great Barrington town historian Charles Taylor), Mount Peter was also the site of a Revolutionary War-era flag-raising controversy.

THEN & NOW: ‘Mary’ and her little lamb at the old Baptist Church in North Becket

The name of the young girl is unknown, but I would like to imagine it might be Mary (with her lamb).

THEN & NOW: Sky Farm Cottage in Mount Washington

Writing in 1906, local historian H. F. Keith explained that the Sky Farm property was first settled in 1743 and was officially purchased from Stockbridge Native Americans in 1757.

THEN & NOW: The village of Housatonic

The Berkshire Street Railway trolley line squirmed through a narrow underpass in Housatonic known as the “subway” when the photograph above was snapped in...

THEN & NOW: The former South Lee school

According to the Lee Historical Society, the South Lee school originally provided education for all grades, but by the 1920s, only elementary grades were taught here.

THEN & NOW: The original location of Catherine’s Chocolates, now home to Farnsworth Fine Cannabis Company

The 126 Main Street site was renovated and enlarged, serving as home to numerous businesses over the years, including Farnsworth Fine Cannabis Company.

THEN & NOW: Main Street Great Barrington

Flying high in an ancient elm tree at the corner of Railroad Street was the town’s World War II Service Flag (also known as the Blue Star Banner).

THEN & NOW: The former Hall’s General Store, Esso Gas Station, and Post Office in East Otis

According to a 1976 article by reporter Stephen Fay, Mrs. Hall was still selling coffee for 10 cents a cup, plus a penny tax.

THEN & NOW: The north side of Main Street in Stockbridge

Historical records suggest that around 1917 there was a swapping of building lots between the drug store and the two white homes shown to its right.

THEN & NOW: Winter in the Berkshires

It seems like many mornings have dawned with unexpected, freshly fallen snow.

Henry Knox and trekking on the Knox Trail

Henry Knox was only 25 years old when commissioned by Continental Army commander George Washington in 1775 to transport 59 cannons from captured forts on Lake Champlain to the army camp outside Boston.

THEN & NOW: The Housatonic Water Tower

“It was 20 degrees below zero the day I took that photograph,” the late amateur photographer and member of the former Great Barrington Camera Club Froni Crane once told me.
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