I’ve been doing some reading and listening (a CD course) on Tudor history and they mention that after the Reformation banned a lot of public religious gatherings such as wakes and holy feasts, and disbanded the laymen religious guilds that supported various church functions, the alehouse took on more importance as a locus for social interaction. You may have a theological dispute with your neighbor, but you both still need a pint now and again.
Living in New York City, I could still relate to the concept of a “local.” My friends and I had a local. We went there to socialize with each other, but there was still a neighborhood feeling in being there. However, that’s a walking culture, and I don’t see anything like it in my present home, which, given the craziness of the freeways as it is, is probably not a bad thing.
However it’s always comforted me to think that somewhere in the world, such places still exist and serve their original function. So I’m alarmed to read of the disappearance of pub culture in England in favor of chain bars promoting high-volume drinking and corporate franchises. A correlating problem is the (non)quality of ale and beer served up in such environments.
Where is the alehouse in the average American suburb? Is it a cafe’ or restaurant? Maybe coffeehouses are its substitute? I hope that a time will not come when the only place we see our neighbors is in the warehouse store we’ve all driven ten miles to get to, where our objective is to get in and get out.
-Gina
Can you link me to the CD course? Oooooh, my heart is palpatating at the thought!
Here’s the link, but it’s heart-stoppingly expensive to buy. I found it at the library.
http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/coursedesclong2.aspx?cid=8470&pc=Search
Sad, but true. I see people in passing at the local chain grocery store, but that’s about it. I don’t even think coffeehouses have the same ambience. Are there any joints like that where you are?
Coffeehouses or pubs? There’s a couple of both in sleepy little downtown Campbell. I do walk down there on occasion- to the coffeehouse, I mean. I’ve tried the Irish pub, but not yet the English pub. I really shouldn’t complain since I do have such things in walking distance.
Come to think of it, in Istanbul we had a good local, too. Atrocious beer, but a good atmosphere.
BTW Mimi I meant to ask you what draws you to like the Tudor era? The history is fascinating, and has more detail than is available about the early and high Middle Ages, but that also makes it kinda depressing.