Putnam County NY Bars: A Blast from the Past (1960s)
Stepping back in time to explore the bar scene in Putnam County, New York during the swinging sixties requires a bit of detective work. Unfortunately, detailed records of every establishment from that era aren't readily available online. However, we can piece together a picture using historical resources, local memories, and some educated guesswork. The 1960s in Putnam County, like the rest of the nation, experienced significant social and cultural changes, inevitably impacting the types of bars and their clientele.
What were some popular bars in Putnam County, NY in the 1960s?
This is the million-dollar question! Pinpointing specific bar names and locations from the 1960s in Putnam County is difficult due to limited online resources dedicated to this niche topic. However, we can infer based on the overall trends of the time. Small towns and villages likely had local taverns, often family-owned, serving primarily beer and liquor to the local community. These would have been the quintessential "watering holes" for after-work drinks and social gatherings. Larger towns might have had a slightly more diverse selection, perhaps including establishments with live music or a more sophisticated atmosphere.
Where were the bars located in Putnam County?
Bars would have been strategically situated in areas with high foot traffic, often near main roads or town centers. Think about the major villages and towns in Putnam County during that era—Cold Spring, Carmel, Brewster, Mahopac—these are the places where you'd likely have found the concentration of bars. The exact addresses are lost to time in many instances, but the general locations would have followed the patterns of population centers.
What kind of atmosphere did these bars have?
The atmosphere would have varied depending on the location and clientele. Some would have been more family-friendly, offering a casual place for locals to socialize. Others may have catered to a younger crowd, with a more lively and possibly less formal setting. The influence of the burgeoning counterculture of the late 1960s could have led to some bars adopting a more bohemian or unconventional ambiance.
What were the drinks served in Putnam County bars in the 1960s?
The standard alcoholic beverages of the time would have been readily available: beer (domestic and imported), whiskey (bourbon, rye, scotch), gin, vodka, and rum. Cocktails were popular, likely featuring classic recipes of the era like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, Martinis, and Daiquiris.
What kind of music would have been played in Putnam County bars in the 1960s?
The musical landscape of the 1960s was diverse. Depending on the bar’s target audience, you might have heard everything from classic jazz and big band sounds to early rock and roll and emerging folk music. Jukeboxes would have played a significant role in providing the musical atmosphere.
How can I find more information about Putnam County bars in the 1960s?
Unfortunately, there’s no single, comprehensive online resource specifically detailing Putnam County bars from the 1960s. Your best bet is to try these avenues:
- Local Historical Societies: Putnam County likely has local historical societies that may possess photographs, newspaper clippings, or other archival materials containing information on past establishments.
- Local Libraries: Check the local libraries for historical records or local histories that might mention bars and taverns.
- Oral Histories: Talk to older residents of Putnam County—they may have firsthand memories or stories about the bars of their youth.
Unearthing the details of Putnam County's bar scene from the 1960s requires a bit of detective work, but the journey of discovery can be rewarding. The memories and stories hidden within this period offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.
