Hear Ye:
Short history of the Woodstock site! For years, there was an on-going battle to obtain the land where the original 1969 Woodstock Concert took place. The land was bought from Max's estate by Louis Nicky. Upon Nicky's death, the land became a battleground over ownership; ex's, girlfriends, step-sons, it all gets kind of weird here. When June Gelish, Nicky's companion died, the natural 37 acre amphitheater and an additional 1000 acres surrounding the site were purchased by billionaire, Alan Gerry.
Every year, thousands still show up with their families and friends for the Woodstock reunion. Many didn't even go to the original concert, but want to pass on or renew the FEELINGS of Woodstock. They want to remember humankind at its generous, harmonious best. Until 1998...every year, locals have invented ways of trying to stop them from gathering at the site.The pranks ranged from truly childish thru extremely petty to somewhat frightening. But, the people still came together in peace.
For years, the controversy has engulfed Yasgur's Farm, a fledgling concert center created by owners Roy Howard & Jeryl Abramson, in Max Yasgur's old calving barn. Bethel officials continue to make life difficult for those who are trying to keep the memories alive with injunctions, possible arrests, and nearly impossible demands. It seems that the peaceful 'Right of Free Assembly' doesn't exist in Bethel, New York.
Here's a surprise... NOT!!
In a flurry of activity in 1998, local politicians re-wrote or amended laws and ordinances regarding 'mass gatherings'...but only for some. Due to those last minute changes, billionaire site 'owner', Alan Gerry, held 'mass-gathering' sized, multi-day concert events dubbed 'A Day In The Garden' on the Site for two years. Meanwhile, Roy Howard got slapped with law suits and restraining orders. Too late to save the site's pristine state, the state has stepped in with a proposal.
In 2000 and again in 2001, nothing took place on the site during the anniversary...too much time and trouble...not enough profit! Only by holding 'political rallies' have Roy and Jeryl welcomed those folks looking for somewhere to camp and celebrate those three days of peace, love and music.
Ah...it seems that conflict never ends!!! Fortunately, one thing can NEVER be suppressed....
THE WOODSTOCK SPIRIT LIVES... Pass it on!!!
Times Herald Record - November 3, 2001 John Roberts, Promoter of '69 Woodstock Dies
Times Herald Record - September, 2000 Bethel arts center secures state aid
Associated Press - September 9,2000 Woodstock To Get Arts Center
Villlage Voice - July 14-20, 1999 Back To Which Garden?
Times Herald Record - August 16, 1998 Garden crowd swells to 20,000
Times Herald Record - August 16, 1998 No complaints from the neighbors
Times Herald Record - August 16, 1998 Rock 'n Roll Legends in Garden Reprise
Albany Times Union - August 15, 1998 'Garden' party isn't epic, but fun
Times Herald Record - August 14, 1998 Hippies gathering at Yasgur's homestead again
Times Herald Record - August 14, 1998 Is it really Woodstock if folks are welcome?
Albany Times Union - August 14, 1998 Is it a festival or dress rehearsal?
Times Herald Record - August 14, 1998 The Daily Karmameter
Times Herald Record - August 14, 1998 Gerry, Roberts have discussed an 'association' on Woodstock
Associated Press - July 20, 1998 Woodstock and Peace Sign Stamps Approved By USPS
Spirit of Woodstock Festival, 1998 - Mirapuri, Italy
Alan Gerry & Family Woodstock's New Caretakers
WOODSTOCK Nation Check out their latest Court battles regarding the Site
And, so the saga continues...check back for all the latest!!
