Paradise or Plight? Melville and Berkshire Industry

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Actor Marcus Kearns and historian John Dickson team up for a program discussing Herman Melville's influence on industry in Berkshire County during the nineteenth century. 
 
The program, presented by the Berkshire County Historical Society, begins with a dramatic reading of Melville's short story "The Paradise of Bachelors and the Tartarus of Maids." 
 
The Lecture will take place at Arrowhead on Sept. 9, at 5:30 pm
 
First published in 1855, the story combines two sketches, one set in the center of London's legal industry and the other in a New England paper factory (possibly based on The Old Red Mill in Dalton, Massachusetts, where Melville had visited). John Dickson will then lead a discussion of the story and how Melville's views on Industrialization influenced Berkshire County's industrial history followed by a Q & A.
 
Tickets are available by using the BOOK NOW button at berkshirehistory.org; $15 BCHS members, $20 non-members.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Sewer Lining Replacement Projects

PITTSFIELD, Mass.—; The City's Department of Public Services and Utilities sewer lining replacement project continues the week of Dec. 8.
 
The sewer lining will be replaced in several locations as outlined in the schedule below. This work includes lining aging sewer pipes to help prevent future breaks within the sewer line. There should be minimal to no impact on residential sewer lines during this work.
  • Dec. 8-10: Danforth Avenue (7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
  • Dec. 11: Wahconah Street, between North Street and Seymour Street & Park Street between
  • Wahconah Street and Seymour Street (Overnight work-6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.)
    • During this time, Wahconah Street, from North Street to Seymour Street, and Park Street, from Wahconah Street to Seymour Street, will be closed to traffic. Residents and emergency vehicles will be allowed to enter and exit the street if necessary. For more information about this project, please contact the Water Department at (413) 499-9339.
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