To the Editor:
Those of us with broken hearts over the demise of Smith’s Tavern as we knew it are suddenly hopeful over the news that it may reopen as a restaurant. Still guised in some secrecy over the owners and their intent, we can imagine that it will again become the gathering place of our memories.

As the first poet laureate of that intense poetry afternoon, I want to laud Dennis Sullivan for his inspiration and his efforts to make this contest a success.

Jon McClelland and John Mellon were always supportive of the local literary group known as the Every Other Thursday Night Poets, which met at the Voorheesville library and then retired to Smitty’s to imbibe in food and libations in what was dubbed, complete with sign, the Poets’ Corner.

How great would it be to reclaim that sign and that corner again.

Having grown up in the Ville and being married to one of Frank and Gert’s longtime bartenders, I have a hundred fun and fond memories about the business and the people.

Last week’s story was nicely written and a good summation of the spirit of Smith’s Tavern [“Former Smith’s Tavern to be sold,” The Altamont Enterprise, Feb. 10, 2022].

Let’s hope it lives again. 

Barbara Hatch Vink

Voorheesville