Makers, Martha and Music: A Fall Afternoon at the Bidwell House

04:00PM / Thursday, October 12, 2023Print Story | Email Story

MONTEREY, Mass. — From 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14 visitors can experience early Berkshire history through craft, music and performance; while also enjoying local cider and donuts at the Bidwell House's Makers Martha and Music.

Activities that day will include:

Historian Dennis Picard demonstrating traditional broom making, a craft he has been exploring for over 40 years.
Blacksmith Chris Templin will demonstrate and explain the process he uses for working and shaping iron.
Artisan Lynne White will share her skills in bobbin lacemaking while her husband Harold White will share his skills in molding and painting redware. Both will have hands-on examples for visitors to try out.
Beginning at 1:30 in the Carriage Barn, singer Diane Taraz will perform her show "Come to the Fair" using historic instruments and wearing period clothing.
Reenactor Sandy Spector, will present her portrayal of Martha Washington throughout the afternoon as she enjoys the gardens and talks with visitors about Martha's life and times.

In addition to all of these activities, there will be free cider and donuts, while supplies last.

This event is free and open to the public. The demonstrations will take place outside, on the property, which is open all day, free of charge. The house will not be open for tours on this day. Donations are greatly appreciated.

Participants are asked to preregister.

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Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main.

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll did some holiday shopping on Main Street last week after announcing millions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer.

"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said.

"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward."

State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Robin's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio.

Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units. A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched.

Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.

Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant.

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