People and friends often ask if I would ever move from here. And while I'd never say never, I would be hard pressed to leave this fair hamlet. It's one of few places where I see all walks of life, color, sexual orientation and the sort all co exist so nicely, and it creates a close knit community. There is always something, someone, or some oddity to be seen in my own backyard. Is it any wonder I love this place?
While walking down the street on day came across Gumby. Could he be waving good bye to summer?
Rowers on the Delaware River
The shop, Love Saves the Day is where I get alot of drag provisions, but there is always something interesting to see in there.
I think I need one of each no?
One weekend Jason Seagal was in there with the owner, Elise.
Who doesn't need hilarity on tea towels and oven mits?
A café patron.
Lady Bun- Bun spinning at the Art House for the Nude in New Hope Art Show. It is also where the whole town saw my nude body in it's glory from the artworks my friend Doug did. That was a drunken night. It was all Bunny's fault.
I always love the signs around here. We have no room for hate in these parts
Along the canal.
Here here!!
Old antique cars abound in numbers on the weekends, out for country drives.
Autumn invaded the farmers market. I got my gourds and pumpkins for Halloween. Alas the local produce is getting slim.
Beautiful pus pus along the canal at a house along the route.
I guess he tired of waiting for the perfect picture?
October perfection at the Mansion Inn. Looks haunted, no? But their drinks are surperb.
And we at the Raven were tickled to have Scarlett Envy back for the last ever Lipstick Monday drag Show at the Raven. The Mistress was torn whether to do drag or the Boylesque show, but after some arm twisting, The Mistress and troupe came back for the closing show.
That your hostess with the Mostess the Mistress in the center, surrounded by L-R, Aloe Vera, Miss Coco, Madison Avenue, Miriam Webster, Damon and Donna Rhea, Tea Cup and Anita Manhattan. We joined the other local gals for the show. We had two numbers, one of which was Beauty School Drop Out, which was a hit.
And this just may be the last ever picture of the infamous Raven mosaic in the bottom of the pool to be taken. The Raven closes after 45 years. It also has been a staple of this here blog. It will be a sad day Saturday.
Do you have room for one at the Casa? I'm moving in with you. I loved New Hope when you showed me around. That Raven in the pool is awesome. I remember your friends drawings, they are amazing.
ReplyDeleteThat is certainly one town with a great message, not to mention campy moments, great scenery and the rowers. I love watching rowers.I just saw an interesting segment on a show about New Hope, it's famous residents and the all the amount of hauntings and witches living there.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures! Swell town, love those tea towels and oven mits!!!! You and your troupe look like a bunch of minx's darling.
ReplyDeletethe bells - get the sex one; YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!
ReplyDeletelady bunny looks fabulous as ever!
and that old MB car; wonder how much that is worth?
I still can't believe the Raven is closing. Talk about the end of an institution. And to think, you'd be part of it's history. You really captured the feel and essence of New Hope in this post. William and I love this town and often take a day to hang out and just bounce around town. I'm amazed how many people in the area never visit this quaint river town.
ReplyDeleteOh and we loved the Nude New Hope Show. And we saw your friends drawings. They were very well done.
I'm so jealous.....I would have loved to seen that in person.
Deletethrow in a bell ring for gin, and all those bells would constantly be ringing.
ReplyDeleteyou nude? call me shocked.
Love all the signs, and the drag...stunning, simply stunning. I can only the void of the Raven. I sure hope it gets treated right. Would love to have seen the art show too.
ReplyDeleteNew Hope sounds like a great place to retire, to be honest. I wouldn't blame you for staying.
ReplyDeleteNew Hope looks magical, and exotic. Sorry to read about The Raven, it's a fabulous building - what's going to become of it?
ReplyDeleteSx
Alas, scarlet, I hear the fate is the wreaking ball. But the new owners have already did a great job with another establishment, and they keep elements of the existing structure into the new one. So we shall see what the next incarnation looks like.
DeleteI can understand your love for New Hope. Until reading your blog, I had no idea how unusual a town it is. I’d love it there!
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun, I love fun signs and such.
ReplyDeleteNew Hope looks and sounds super cool! Sometimes small towns do give us surprises. Sad about The Raven. An institution, huh?
ReplyDeleteThat photo with all of you is FANTASTIC. Really. So much talent!
Omg Maddie. The Lady Bunny is EVERYTHING.
XOXO
New Hope sounds like it could be in a Stephen King novel with you as the central figure. “Why are all of the drag queens disappearing? And why are there balloons in their dressing rooms?” I think it might be a best seller.
ReplyDeleteI have long said, I cant believe the town has never been the subject or setting for a book. With its colorful cast, historic history, LGBT community and witchcraft and haunting....what more is needed?
DeleteI really think it's the smaller towns that are the best. Smallville, even being in Deep Red South Carolina, is a very liberal, diverse, welcoming place.
ReplyDeleteStill, I can't get an oven mitt like those in Smallville!
Just you wait........
DeleteIt's always a sad day when wrecking balls wipe out the past. Just think if that old mansion had suffered that fate. (sigh) One can only hold out hope for the future incarnation.
ReplyDeleteNew Hope seems so out-of-place in that state. But where else shall we find hope that there are good people everywhere?
Hugs!
The state is basically divided. From harrisbirg goes either way....while most of the southeast is democratic and liberal Republican..the rest of the state is conservative.
DeleteSo enjoyed the tour!
ReplyDeletexoxoxoxoxox :-)
New Hope does indeed look like a delightful place! Sad that The Raven is closing. Your ensemble drag photo is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteJosephine is an excellent photographer Debs. I shall go to the Mystic Tymes Shop one day with you in mind.
DeleteGumby!!!!! I love gumby. Isnt that the name of your cock?
ReplyDeleteMaddie has a rooster named Gumby? Who knew?!
DeleteAnd it's been to places!
DeleteHmmm, there's probably a little Pokey going on too!
DeleteI love New Hope. Never a dull thing to see, and everybody is always so welcoming. Hard to still believe the campiness of the Raven will be gone. Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteI alway love the signs there in town. I often still think of my trip there. I too would have loved the art show.
ReplyDeleteLove the group photo, Mads! I do like your little travelogues. I can enjoy the traveling without having to pack a bag and buy new undies!
ReplyDeleteWait, you wear undies?
DeleteOnly in public, hon. Something has to block the drippage after a cough pee! Well, you asked :)
DeleteYou are quite fortunate to live in such a happy hamlet.
ReplyDeleteReally, really enjoyed this post. I feel like boarding a 'plane right now!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the shop with the bells does mail order? That would be my Christmas present list sorted!
I believe they may be launching a site. I'll find out. Glad you enjoyed the post...you'd love it here I have the feeling.
DeleteHow'd you ever find that place?
ReplyDeleteKirk, if your referring to the town, it's where my ex moved me when we settle in together, and I stayed. If your talking about the shop, it's a staple vintage shop here in town.
DeleteLook at you at the centre of it all! Fabulous as ever.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've seen the Raven mosaic before, so thanks for posting it. Although, I'd think twice before taking a dip with something that looks like Beaky lurking at the bottom of a pool...