Windows abound in the coffee shop on 2nd street in Corvallis Oregon. The seating areas by the large picture windows are the most desirable in the place. This coffee house began its life in 1972 during the hippie era. Since Corvallis is the home of Oregon State University it quickly became a place where the radicals hung out. At first there was no proper seating for everyone so many times large freshly filled coffee bean sacks became seats. Today the hippie-dom of the Beanery's era is history. Today it is more sedate in its atmosphere with folks of all ages stopping in for their truly superb coffee while taking some time to possibly read, use their computers, or just hang and have some interesting conversations, with friends.
It was early morning when I caught these two men relaxing and chatting at one of the outside tables.
The atmosphere is always casual and friendly.
I became familiar with the Beanery back in the early 90s. Today it still has the same tables, chairs and church pews it had then. The church pew seats seem the most popular for students that want to spread out their work.
A beautiful oak church pew waiting for the crowd to dribble
in the door.
This man looked very serious while working at his computer.
This woman had her mind deep in thought while
checking out her computer.
And of course the conversations that are always ongoing throughout the day
Many of the folks that patronize this place know each other. Some have been customers for years. I believe it was the first established coffeehouse in Corvallis?
For forty-three years this place has been a cornerstone of the coffeehouse world in Corvallis.
Interesting post; it seems that the hippies themselves have also grown more sedate as the years pass by.
ReplyDeleteJohn -- I've have often wondered why the hippie movement became more sedate over time. That was an extremely interesting time. thanks -- barbara
DeleteHormones! Or lack thereof.
DeleteWhat a great introduction to a community center of life in Corvallis. I've often wanted to visit there!
ReplyDeleteBarbara -- Coffeehouses do provide community members a place to hang out and communicate with folks. May they always be with us. May you someday make it to this side of the country and experience Corvallis. -- thanks -- barbara
DeleteFor once I'm a little sad that I don't drink coffee - what a place!
ReplyDeletevisualnorway -- I suppose that you have some places that are comparable to our coffeehouses here in the states. Perhaps a certain cafe attracts your locals. thanks -- barbara
DeleteWhat a nice place! Our town had a coffee house somewhat like this but a year ago it changed ownership and it's personality and clientele have changed and I miss it. Now I go to the town's one Starbuck's or sometimes I get the Starbuck's coffee that' served at the Barnes & Noble which is only a semi-franchise. There is no such "hang out" unless it's a Dunkin' Donuts and that just doesn't cut it.
ReplyDeleteJune -- I sense that there are places that folks gather together with the right kind of ambiance. Once while on a camping trip with my daughter we stopped in a small town cafe -- the only one in town -- and noticed a long table in the center that was occupied by about twenty men in mostly working garb. I chatted with a couple and they told me it was their meeting place every morning for coffee. Many of them were retired. I have even noticed in such places like a McDonalds in small towns where several men gather together for coffee, I believe getting out and being social is key. There seems to be many different elements that make a place inviting for certain groups to hang out.
DeleteInteresting. And our little town of 2400 is getting its first coffee house ever soon. Time marches on....:)
ReplyDeletetroutbirder -- An exciting event in your town -- I am sure it will be a success! --- thanks -- barbara
DeleteLooks familiar! Just got back from Seattle, which has taken on a certain gloss due to the young techie people moving in but still is full of pretty comfy and grungy places, too. I like those chairs. My office chair is in similar shape, and Terry's is a disaster.
ReplyDeleteHattie -- I like comfy and grungy places too. When I arrived in Portland for my short stay until I found a home, I was rather disappointed in "the gloss." Another layer of consumerism. However, there are still many places around Portland that are comfy to patronize. California-creep is making inroads ever so slowly into the natural aura of Oregon. -- barbara
DeleteAs you might remember, this is the kind of place that I love! Loved reading your history of it too. As you might remember, my town doesn't have such a place...I just got back from Quebec City where each morning I "spread out" my stuff and read and wrote and studies my french...and sketched a bit too, of course...Thanks for sharing this special place.
ReplyDeleteRita -- Oh -- Quebec -- I remember visiting there when my children were small. I thought it was quite metropolitan. Probably has changed some as that was many years ago. Being that you are a French affectionado you are fortunate to have this wonderful French city fairly close to where you live. Do you have a place that serves as a "hang out" place in your town? Wonderful you got to enjoy Quebec! -- barbara
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