The Lives of a New England Church

"This is the story of Alice, and the restaurant. But Alice didn't live in the restaurant, she lived in the church nearby the restaurant..." An entire generation fondly remembers Arlo Guthrie's song Alice's Restaurant and director Arthur Penn's film of the same name. In the song's mixture of whimsy and anger, moral outrage and absurdist humor, disaffected and disillusioned young people recognized themselves and their own responses to American life -- Arlo was their collective voice and the church-home of Alice was the setting. Millions of people remember watching the film and dreaming of being a part of the counter-cultural community that found freedom and friendship in its sanctuary. Arlo, Alice, & Anglicans: The Lives of a New England Church is the first book to recount the story of the simple wooden structure that went on to Woodstock-era fame after its deconsecration and what that building meant to the communities it served. On the surface, it may seem that an Episcopalian congregation from turn of the century New England has little in common with the rebellious youths in the movie "Alice's Restaurant." Yet there is much they share. Each group had its dream of the future, a dream that, for a time, drew people to this same sacred place. They sang songs and told stories that spoke of their common views. Together they celebrated their victories, mourned their passages and leaned on one another in times of trouble. Then, all too suddenly, times changed; the communities disbanded; the building remained an empty shell for a new community to give it a new life. There are few churches that have so many distinct and fascinating rebirths. Assisted by first-hand accounts from Arlo, Alice, director Arthur Penn, friends, neighbors and former church members, Laura Lee relates the real and poignant story of the church where it all happened and in so doing reveals the complete true story behind "Alice's Restaurant." The book offers Arlo's fans an intimate glimpse of his life and work today, both musically and with the non-profit organization and interfaith spiritual center that are now housed in the famous church that he "had to buy." Includes fifty photos, many never before published.

Laura Lee is a freelance journalist and author based in Stephentown, NY. The former actress and radio announcer writes for numerous magazines and newspapers. This is her fourth book.

$16.95
1-58157-010-4
November 2000
240 pages, 6 x 9, paperback, 50 b/w photographs