The New England House on Routes 5 and 10 in Bernardston, pictured in the mid-1800s, predated the Bernardston Inn, one of several venues of the past where local residents could find entertainment. The New England House burned down in 1904, and the Bernardston Inn, which later became the Falls River Inn, burned down in February of 2002.
The New England House on Routes 5 and 10 in Bernardston, pictured in the mid-1800s, predated the Bernardston Inn, one of several venues of the past where local residents could find entertainment. The New England House burned down in 1904, and the Bernardston Inn, which later became the Falls River Inn, burned down in February of 2002. Credit: Contributed photo/Louella Atherton

Franklin County’s music, dancing and entertainment venues of the past offered something for everyone to enjoy on nights out on the town.

Which of you can remember the Scotch Mist on the base of the Mohawk Trail? Natalie Cole, the daughter of Nat King Cole and a University of Massachusetts Amherst alumna, was one of the singers who performed there. What a beautiful voice she had. One of her most beautiful recordings, in my opinion, was titled “Unforgettable,” and so it has been for me.

Another wonderful place to go with your spouse or friends was the Lamplighter on Route 5 in Whately. There you could find Ken Lincoln and the Starlighters band of Shelburne. Lucy Lincoln was the vocalist; what a talent for singing she had, and still does when she sings in local nursing homes. Jack Phelps, a neighbor of mine, played the guitar while Ken Lincoln played the accordion.

The band, complete with an excellent drummer, was wonderful to listen and dance to. I never learned to do the polka, but managed some of the other dances.

Then, the Rhythm Inn on Miller Falls Road in Millers Falls had stage shows with comedians, exotic dancers and bands. Likewise, the Route 63 Roadhouse in Millers Falls had many bands that catered mainly to the younger generations’ interests. The Bernardston Inn in Bernardston was another one on the list, until it was destroyed by a massive fire.

Today, there are newer venues where locals can enjoy themselves, like Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield and The Rendezvous in Turners Falls, to name a few. Still, the venues of the past that I’ve recounted are ones that I’ll have fond memories of forever.

Robert Bitzer, 92, of Erving is a lifelong resident of Franklin County, having been born in Greenfield. His columns are inspired by extensive photo albums and thorough collections of correspondence he has compiled over the years.