Carmelites have sold Williamstown property

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The Oblong Road estate that once belonged to novelist Sinclair Lewis and is renowned for its spectacular views has been sold by the Carmelite Fathers, a Roman Catholic order, to its next door neighbor for $2.1 million. According to transactions recorded April 17 in the Northern Berkshire Registry of Deeds in Adams, the Carmelite Fathers sold the property at 239 Oblong Road to Linda H. White of 237 Oblong Road for $2.1 million. Subsequently, that transaction was followed by three others. The middle, 50-acre lot containing the 10-bedroom house and buildings, was sold to the KRSE Nominee Trust for $900,000. Another parcel, of forest and uplands, was sold to the Macomber Mountain Nominee Trust for $10. And White transferred, for no consideration, 101 acres to herself and her husband, Dr. Eric White. Linda White, contacted by telephone, said “Our aim has always been to maintain the integrity of the property, and we think we’ve accomplished that.” Neither attorney Adam Filson, trustee of the KRSE Nominee Trust, nor attorney F. Sidney Smithers, trustee of the Macomber trust, would disclose the identities of the principals of the trust. Filson said the house will be a private residence, not multi-family. There are no plans to demolish the buildings, which include a 22,000-square-foot concrete block addition that houses a chapel, dining hall and 30 dormitory rooms. The Carmelite Fathers most recently operated the property as a retreat center. But when it went on the market last year, a Carmelite spokesman in Middletown, N.Y., said the order planned to concentrate on its missions in Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. The 1916 house, then called Thorvale, was home to Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Sinclair Lewis for five years, until 1951. The Carmelite Fathers bought it the following year for $60,000. White is director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival’s Greylock Theater Project in North Adams. Eric White is an orthopedic surgeon at North Adams Regional Hospital.
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Weekend Outlook: Dance for a Good Cause

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this week, including egg hunts, fundraising events, and live music and dancing.

Editor's Pick

Northern Lights Ball
Elks Lodge, North Adams
Time: 8 p.m. to midnight

Dress in your favorite fun attire and glitter and dance the night away with DJ BFG There will also be drag performances, karaoke, snacks, and more. Hosted by Berkshire Pride. 

General admission: $20

More information and tickets here.

Multiple Days
Disney's 'The Little Mermaid'
Lenox Memorial High School
Time: Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.

The high school's drama team is performing Disney's "The Little Mermaid." Enjoy the classic story and dress up as your favorite character and grab a photo with the cast.

Admission is $10 for seniors and students, $15 for adults; children free if in costume for the Saturday 2 p.m. showing only.

More information here.

Friday

Groove for Good Miracles for Miles Dance Party
Stationery Factory, Dalton
Time: 7 to 11 p.m.

Help raise money for Boston's Children Hospital. Never stop dancing for the chance to win $1,000.

Tickets range from $25 to $50, with $100 for a vendor sponsor table.

More information and tickets here.

'Under the Sea'
FutureLabs Gallery, North Adams
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
 
The Glow Ocean exhibit closes at 43 Eagle St. with one last event with The Plant Connector. Build a jelly fish terrarium for $20. Bring a piece of the glow ocean home with you or just chill out. 
 
More information here
 

Kristin Key
Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Musical comedian Kristin Key brings her commentary on queer culture, cats and crocheting to the Colonial for one night only. Tickets range from $43 to $53.

More information and tickets here.

Saturday

36th Annual Pittsfield Rotary Auction
Berkshire Hills Country Club, Pittsfield
Time: 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Support and invest in the community with the annual auction. Enjoy entertainment, appetizers, and more. 

More information and tickets here.

'Wild Hope: Building for Birds'
Milne Public Library, Williamstown
Time: 11 a.m.
 
This 16-minute documentary looks at the effect of building glass on bird populations and innovative solutions to this problem. Afterwards, we will engage in simple hands-on activities to help keep our feathered friends safe. And, a few lucky winners will receive window collision tape to use on their windows at home.
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