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Dream Away Lodge Reopening in 2023 Under New Ownership

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BECKET, Mass. — The historic Dream Away Lodge is expected to reopen in the spring under new ownership.

It was announced on Sunday that former owner Daniel Osman sold the restaurant to The Dreamaway Lodge RE LLC. 

The plan is to bring back everything that the Dream Away is known for and make it even better.

"The intention is to return the Dream Away to service and to offer all the things we did before but even better — great food, great music, a beautiful place to make a wedding, retreat, or private event, an awesome outing for you and your friends, your partner, your lover, your grandma or your kids," according to a press release from the new owner.

"The Dream Away will once again be the Berkshire's magical spot — so close and yet so far, the secret place your either know about or don't!"

The new ownership group is reportedly comprised of Scott Levy, Sheryl Victor Levy, Daniel Giddings and April Wilson, with Scott Levy the signatory on the limited liability corporation's registration. The purchase closed last Tuesday for $615,000 according to documents on file with the Middle Berkshire Registry of Deeds. 

The storied Dream Away Lodge featured numerous folksingers and songwriters in its nearly 100-year history, including Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan.

It closed during the pandemic and Daniel Osman, its owner for the past quarter-century, recently put it up for sale. It includes the 200-year-old farmhouse, restaurant, music/event room, and grounds.

Earlier this year, the property was subject to a glamping proposal but after loud opposition from residents, the applicants withdrew the special permit application.

More information is expected to come soon. Employment inquiries can be sent to hello@thedreamaway.com.

 


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Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
 
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
 
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
 
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth. 
 
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
 
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice. 
 
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams. 
 
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