Berkshire County Historical Society 'Moby-Dick' Read-a-Thon

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — From July 30 - Aug. 2, the Berkshire County Historical Society (BCHS) will host its annual Moby-Dick Read-A-Thon marking not only the 10th anniversary of the BCHS event, but also the 175th anniversary of the book's publication.

"It was here that Melville was inspired in part by his view of the whale-like shape of Mount Greylock," said BCHS Executive Director Lesley Herzberg. "Of his time at Arrowhead, Melville wrote to his editor, ‘I have a sort of sea-feeling here in the country. When I look out my study window, especially now that the ground is covered with snow, it reminds me of looking out a ship's porthole.' She added "This year we are excited to have a number of special guest readers who represent the diversity of our community. Readers will include elected officials, representatives from state arts and culture organizations, and artists and makers who have been inspired by Arrowhead and Melville's writing."

The Read-A-Thon begins on July 30 at 10 am. Each participant reads for fifteen minutes and then turns the podium over to the next reader. On July 30 - August 1, readers stop at 5 pm. On August 1, Melville's 207th birthday, Starbucks will provide free refreshments for readers and listeners alike. On Aug. 2, reading begins at 1 pm after the commemorative historic hike up Monument Mountain where Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne first met, and continues until the book is finished. Hikers should meet at Monument Mountain at 9 am.

Pre-registration for the read-a-thon is required and can be made by using the BOOK NOW button at berkshirehistory.org. No fee is charged for participation, but a $5 donation is requested per 15-minute reading slot. Readers may sign up multiple times, but not consecutive slots.

If you do not own a copy of Moby-Dick, copies are available for purchase at the Arrowhead museum shop. Free downloadable versions are also available at powermobydick.com.

As part of the celebration, BCHS is encouraging businesses, organizations, and families to participate together as a group. Organizations interested in participating in this way, please contact Jana Laiz at education@berkshirehistory.org.

This event is sponsored by Massachusetts Cultural Council and Housatonic Heritage.

Allendale Pines North Affordable Manufactured Homes Sell Fast

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:17PM / Saturday, August 22, 2026

Developer Teton Management cut the ribbon on the first six hopes in the manufactured housing community earlier this year. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Just a few months after Allendale Pines North cut the ribbon on its first six homes in the new manufactured home community, units in the planned development are selling fast with both first and second phases all but sold out.

 

For several years, Teton Management Corp. has been planning to expand its existing Allendale Pines Mobile Community with the development of 22 planned manufactured housing units. The new development has its own entrance at 395 Cheshire Road. 

 

The need for attainable housing has never been higher, Teton President George Whaling said. 

 

"And where we sought the opportunity to help with that demand is, we can get folks into a home at Allendale Pines North for essentially a couple of $100 less than what it would cost for someone to rent a three-bedroom of the same quality," he said. 

 

The corporation took over Allendale Pines, now referred to as Allendale Pines South, about 6 1/2 years ago, Whaling said. 

 

Since then, the corporation has invested $1,000,001 in infrastructure improvements, including replacing all water and sewer lines, paving the community and installing the infrastructure needed for 10 additional units, he said. 

 

Additionally, it has been working to clean up and improve the community, which was lacking during previous ownership, said Jason Nocher, owner of Nocher Realty, which has been hired to help sell the units.