A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL – STANDING ROOM ONLY

The Grange hosted a lively potluck, music, and movie night on Saturday, August 23. More than 70 people gathered for a special screening of Big Sur: The Way It Was, a 1960s documentary by filmmaker Robert Blaisdell. The film features interviews with writers, artists, and intellectuals such as Henry Miller, Eric Barker, Emil White, Harry Dick Ross, and Emile Norman—along with hippies, musicians, bikers, hitchhikers, tourists, and rugged individualists who made Big Sur their home.

Bob Franco, one of the original photographers for the film, was on hand to share stories about its history and production. Fittingly, the documentary first premiered 55 years ago at none other than The Big Sur Grange. Bob also treated us to a preview of his current project, Big Sur Stories, which gathers the voices and experiences of local artists and residents.

It was heartening to see so many neighbors come together. As always, the Big Sur potluck spread was second to none, and the evening was capped off with a special treat—an original Big Sur song performed by Lance Lindborg.

The Grange looks forward to hosting more gatherings like this that celebrate our community spirit. Special thanks to Jolinda Matthews for suggesting the event, Jerilyn Hesse for organizing it, and John Wilson for providing technical support.