"When I lived in Florida, some of
my church pals lived in a little
village in a historic neighborhood
that included a very old apartment
house and vintage hotel. Both of these
buildings were built in the 19th or
early 20th centuries and had very
large porches and balconies that were
accessible from all the apartments or
rooms. My roommate and I often went
over at dusk to a sort of community
gathering on Friday nights. Anyone
could come by, sit a spell and visit.
We'd often bring snacks or ice tea for
all to share. The hotel also had a
soft drink machine nearby. It was
similar to what you hear your
grandparents tell about, sitting out
on their front porches or on a porch
swing and visiting with neighbors.
Often we'd remain until long after the
sun went down. The group first started
congregating on the hotel porch and it
was great to meet and greet the
out-of-towners who were visiting.
Alas, the hotel changed hands and at
the new owners frowned on non-guests
coming by -- but the gathering just
changed locations to the old apartment
house's upstairs balcony. It was great
fun!" ~ Lynn
