Utter disbelief.
That's what I felt upon first hearing Andy Goddard '73 was leaving Andy's. I think my heart actually sunk down a few inches deeper into my chest in reaction to the news. To many WAC alums, including myself, Andy's has been a Chestertown institution- a place where many of us had our first legal drink, heard incredible live music, and created unforgettable memories (some of which remained immortalized in those pictures hanging behind the bar.)
The thought of Andy not being there after 21 years was so shocking and unbelievable to all of us, it inspired news stories, rumors, and unbridled emotion. Some asked if they could chain themselves to the bar in protest while others focused their grief on honoring the culture Andy was able to bring to this quaint town on the Chester.
On Andy's last night this past Saturday, it was only fitting to pack her bar one last time, enjoy the great, live music, and honor all those moments hanging on that wall. I joined in the camaraderie of the evening, the end of an era...
While the black balloons and R.I.P. signs greeted patrons as they walked in the door, the mood inside was celebratory.
It was packed wall-to-wall, leaving me surprised I actually found a seat. There was no better way to celebrate Andy's last night than by enjoying her delicious food, token drinks, and of course, her homemade ice cream one last time.
Trying my best to enjoy one last basket of popcorn, I walked over to the machine, but it was already empty. Oh well.
Throughout the night, people took photos off of the wall and told their stories.
And this was the result of that. In the not-so-distant past, yes, people did smoke here.
Everywhere you looked, people were reminiscing and crying.
And, when the photos came down off of the wall, the memories took their places on napkins, torn paper, or whatever was handy.
Cindy stayed busy bartending past last call at 12:30am, while WAC alums spilled out onto High Street.
All in all, it was a great end to a terrific 21-year run.
Thank you, Andy. You will be missed, but I wish you well in your future adventures in life, wherever they may lead...
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2 comments:
Nothing lasts for long...
As far as I can tell, Andy was actually held captive in that place, by nefarious forces beyond our mere human understanding. I believe it was actually impossible for her to move freely beyond the kitchen area.
I note Pat Traums and Andy holding a picture I took in the Caman Islands. We are all still living out the karmic impact of the wedding flowers. Those involved will know of what I speak. The underwater camera used to take that photo was lost in a surfing accident off the beach at Avon in the outerbanks. The Ciba corporation ceased making the archival color print material many years ago. You get the picture (!). Nothing permanent, etc. Tomorrow breaks upon us with the brilliant light of the morning sun. I miss Andy's, I miss Andy, we all miss her, and what she gave us.
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