Customer Reviews

It Happened in Woodstock

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i loved this book. it is filled with stories of the real days of early woodstock. it spans from the time of the native americans up to the woodstock festival of 1969, which i was a part of on the medical teams. it is unique to read a book under a black light, the print glows in the dark and it is not radioactive like so many other things! the upbeat stories are interesting and factual. it explains the real meaning and the worldwide phenomenon of woodstock that connects to certain universal truths.

It Happened in Woodstock is a fun-filled look at the life of the Village of Woodstock, New York. The photos, anecdotal details, map, reverse lithographic printing in white lettering on blue and arrangement of the book are enough to draw one to the book, but it is the stories, the accounts of the history of this lively relaxed and rural place that make it such a treat.

The first Woodstock Festival did not occur in August 1969, but instead was enacted in 1915 to help finance bills from the drilling of an artesian well on the property of Kansas-born Harvey White, publisher of The Plowshare and playwright. During this festival, Tchaikovsky was performed in a stone quarry to the delight of its then audience. A leading light in Woodstock's cultural evolution, Harvey White was the man who built The Maverick on his property where John Barrymore, Edward G. Robinson, Helen Hayes all acted and later the Juilliard School and The Metropolitan Opera. Included in this attractive book is an account of the Woodstock Music Festival of 1969 by an Englishman who was there. An addendum includes a series of decorative adds for historic Woodstock enterprises including the bus lines, Jack Horner Tea Room, artist's home, etc. We come to understand why so many have loved the essential human-ness of life in Woodstock, including Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt who commented in her nationally syndicated feature: "Anyone who knows Woodstock will agree, I think, that it is a charming place. It shows what good taste and imagination can do to create a delightful atmosphere."

While we learn that in 1906 the Art Student's League of New York established their summer home in Woodstock. more interesting is the section that recounts the flourishing of an arts scene in Woodstock, which included the likes of George Bellows, Robert Henri, and the early abstractionist Andrew Dasburg. A full chronology of the life and times of Woodstock, New York informs us of how much this rural centre has led a continued flourishing culture that has been an inspiration not only for its residents but for Americans of all stripes over the decades. Read it!

I am doing family research and found out about this book. After reading through it, I coudn't beleive the wonderful history and infomation it has on the area, as well as seeing farmiliar names that are connected with my family! It's a great read and for me learning about the area my family came from, how lucky they were to have been around so much interesting happenings.and the art work and pictures are wonderful. The book was a great journey!

I loved this wonderful little book! The story of Woodstock is very interesting and the book is well written. The illustrations are excellent. If you live in Woodstock, have ever visited Woodstock, planning a visit to Woodstock, or are just interested a woman's perspective on life and art in a small town, you'll want a copy of this book for your library!

Babs Moley, Owner
River Rock Health Spa, Woodstock NY
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