The president speaks on a screen at the North Adams Public Library. Top: Students crowd around a TV at Conte Middle School.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Rosalie Girard was in her car when President Obama's inauguration address came on the radio.
"I wanted to see it so bad," said Girard, who had just finished leading a playgroup at Child Care of the Berkshires. With no television at home, the Cheshire resident thought she'd miss the the much-anticipated speech by the nation's 44th president.
She swung into the North Adams Public Library to join nearly 20 others watching the address live in the former mansion's front parlor and came away teary-eyed and hopeful.
"I think that he meant this to be a new era not just for us but for the world," she said. "He understands that we don't live in a vacuum."
President Obama and first lady Michele Obama wave to paradegoers in Washington. A transcript of the president's inaugural address can be found here.
People around the nation — and the world — tuned in to watch the inauguration, which signaled an end to the presidency of George W. Bush and the beginning of that of Barack Obama.
More than 50 million viewers watched through streaming video (as did the iBerkshires newsroom); television viewing was expected to be high and more than a million (including contingents from Western Mass.; see video below) braved the frigid temperatures to gather on the National Mall.
At Conte Middle School, three groups of students were crowded around big-screen televisions in the library, gym and presentation room on the second floor.
Principal Diane Ryczek said teachers had spent a half-hour discussing the day's historic events before the students headed for the assemblies.
In the library, students sat transfixed before the TV, donated for the day by Rent-A-Center, as Yo-Yo Ma and company performed on the inaugural stage. The ceremony was running late, but when the announcement came that noon had passed and Obama was president — oath or not — a round of applause burst from the children.
Art Jones, left, and friends enjoy the 'Barack Buffet' brunch at Gala in Williamstown. Below, Obama supporters Joyce Wrend and Patricia Sheppard at Gala.
Conte Middle School students clap after Obama takes the oath of office
Over in Williamstown, more than 100 people packed the ballroom at the Orchards Hotel for a "Barack Buffet." Gala Restaurant manager Brian Flagg said the restaurant wanted to do something to mark the occasion and was pleased with the response. The space filled up within a matter of days, "and we still had walk-ins," he said.
It was a desire to share an important moment in the nation's history with others that drove them to Gala, said several attendees.
Art Jones of Pittsfield, branch manager of temp service agency Manpower, couldn't get in to the sold-out Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington so he headed to Williamstown.
"I didn't want to watch this alone," he said. "This is something to share with others."
Obama's address was in line with what he'd been talking about throughout the campaign, said Jones. "It met all of my expectations. ... I think he can take us toward unity."
Among the buffet items were two desserts to honor the new president: a pineapple upsidedown cake reflecting his Hawaiian birthplace and his favorite, sweet potato pie. Three large TVs were situated around the room so diners wouldn't have to crane their necks to watch the event.
"It was more real this way, more festive," said Shirley Gomez, who was sitting with Joyce Wrend and Larry Murray. The three North Adams residents joined the cheers, jeers and applause as former President Bush waved goodbye from Marine One.
It was a not unanticipated response from this very blue corner in a very blue state. More than a few diners were sporting Obama buttons, including Wrend, chairman of the North Adams Democratic City Committee.
"Why sit at home and watch it on TV?" said Murray. "This is a historic event. It's better to be with friends."
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Thank you to all those who attended our Inaugural Day Event. The energy and emotion in the room was overwhelming. Brian Flagg, our Restaurant Manager, Chef Belmonte and our community deserve a round of applause for making this event a complete success. We hope that this historic event helped everyone make new friends and create a lasting memory.
from: Heidi Cornwell, Director of Sales of the Orchards Hotel/Gala Restaurant
It couldn't have been more perfect. A beautiful room, tasty food, excellent presentation, impecable service and friends and neighbors to share a historical event. Thank you
