Tuesday, October 13, 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: ‘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.

THEN & NOW: Alford Center Schoolhouse

After an intense political battle to close the school, only Kindergarten remained. The school continued as a Kindergarten until 1992, and now serves as town offices.

THEN & NOW: Intersection of what is now Route 183

The intersection of Route 183 and Old Stockbridge Road was once the meandering path of State Route 7, today Route 7 bypasses this intersection today in favor of a straighter route.

THEN & NOW: The Sedgwick School

On the north shore of Lake Buel in Monterey, from what is now a privately-owned cottage the Sedgwick School once operated a robust summer program where athletes competed in sports like crew and "wooden horse water polo."

THEN & NOW: Great Barrington Chamber of Commerce

The Great Barrington Chamber of Commerce building, which has apparently outlived its usefulness, has seen some changes over the years.

THEN & NOW: Laurel Lake in Lee

Laurel Lake in Lee, Mass., has changed considerably over the years, from the growth on its banks to the famous "Perch Rock" which was once aptly called "Sea Lion."

THEN & NOW: Briggs House on Elm Street

From modest home to Berkshire Record headquarters to boutique storefront, here's a look at the history of a newly renovated building in the center of Great Barrington.

THEN & NOW: The Town of Alford

What has changed and what has stayed the same in Alford over the past 30 years?
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