Kudos John, I'm getting rave reviews and comments on this latest edition of the Journal. Yes, I loved your article too. It's unbelievable that we keep pleasing so many people and yet, with your talents, why not? How many times can Jen and I say to you how much we appreciate you and value your work?                           ——Susan Wonderful! Congratulations. Thank you for continuing to put your heart and soul into our publication! Jen                           ——Jen MacMillen, Publisher/Editorial Director,                                                                  Northeast Journal John, I enjoyed your article. The NE porch parties … remind me of when I lived in northern VA. Every two months, we would have a "cul-de-sac" party. I was so busy with working at the Pentagon that I never had a chance to meet all my neighbors until someone started a "cul-de-sac" party.                           ——Bruce Sinclair

Something There Is …

John L. Bailey

Photograph by Susan Alderson

A couple of years ago, we wrote about “something there is” that is going on in the Old Northeast — block parties — a neighborhood tradition that as been going on for years. Another tradition has also been around for several years — Porch Parties. This is an idea that originated with Julie Feeley and Chris Eaton, a past HONNA Board president. The parties came to life in the Old Northeast six years ago, in June 2003. My grandmother in Atlanta, had a huge screened in front porch, where we spent most summer evenings when I lived there, talking about family memories, sharing activities of the day. That was probably the most instrumental of all my early childhood experiences because it centered around storytelling — passing down family lore — or simply talking to each other that went far to cement the family relationship.

These pleasant thoughts resonated as I met dozens of people just like those I grew up with, on a pleasantly warm late spring night on 16th Ave., Northeast. The occasion that Friday, was the monthly Porch Party of the Old Northeast. I mused about that, as I recalled a poem by Robert Frost that addresses fences and walls so prevalent in our daily lives — but noticeably absent at these parties. The poem is perhaps familiar to many, entitled Mending Wall. It is full of the hidden meanings typical of Frost’s poetry.

That poem begins —

Something there is that doesn’t love a wall.

Throughout the poem, Robert Frost’s neighbor continues to repeat —

Good fences make good neighbors …

Frost counters later, with this—

If I could put a notion in his head: "Why do they make good neighbors?"

Good question. It remains unanswered, as Frost continues to a conclusion that perhaps opens more questions than he directly answers, leaving the reader to ponder about his enigmatic neighbor repeating his mantra about good fences and good neighbors. Perhaps Frost is making fun of both his neighbor and the reader. The Porch Parties of the Old Northeast seem to transcend fences, particularly as depicted in Frost’s poem.

Porches are the outdoor hearts of Southern homes. Porches embody the very essence of gracious Southern charm. Historically, Southern porches are where families gathered in the cool of the evening, to wave to passers-by, to swap stories with neighbors and where guests are welcomed with iced tea and tasty snacks. Cool bungalow porches and verandahs lined with rockers were the focal point of many a pleasant evening, catching up on family life and local doings.

The Porch Party monthly evenings were designed to be casual and easy for both the host and the attendee. The concept has remained the same because of the simplicity. The focus is on conversations and interactions with one another — not the snacks. Attendance ranges between 40 – 70 people. Although kids are welcome, the parties are considered an adult meeting and greeting event since guests can bring their choice of beverage. The Porch Parties are held from 7:30 – 10:00 p.m.

When I was older, my family lived in the Sunset Park area of Tampa. We enjoyed frequent neighborhood get-togethers like this. Everybody brought something to pass around, a favorite dish or appetizer or drinks. It was great fun, a social event that cemented friendships lasting a lifetime.

The Old Northeast Porch Party concept is to help bring back those memories and traditions that hearken to simpler times for many of us. The Porch Party committee takes on the task of preparation, cleanup, including munchies. There is no meal — only snacks. If you want wine or sodas or more, you bring it. No need to clean the house, either. Neighbors are encouraged to remain outside, on the porch or patio or deck. Indoors areas are generally considered off-limits. The whole idea is to encourage a ready supply of locales for Porch Parties. That is why the concept is centered on the front porch or a patio or deck out back.

The committee seeks to make it easy on homeowners, “Give us an address and we’ll do all the work!” The hosts do not participate in the “work” part of the evening since they have already been gracious to open their porches, courtyards, decks or patios. The Porch Party committee takes care of details such as bringing ice, beverage chests, cups, and light snacks. Hosts say, “This is the easiest party I have ever given.” The committee sets up, greets guests and (very important point here) cleans up afterwards.

At the one I attended, there must have been around sixty people, mostly from the next couple of blocks, although all are invited to come and meet neighbors you haven’t met before or to get reacquainted with friends. There was no theme — never is. You don’t have to play some party game. No loud music groups or stereos; none are needed. The food — the drink — the furnishings — none of that is the focal point. It is all about socializing. You, the neighbors and the conversation, along with a friendly smile, make the Porch Parties work.

Another reason that Porch Parties are so good is the issue of safety. When all in the neighborhood know each other, there will be a sense of caring and concern for all neighbors — a social connection with your neighbors — an awareness of who belongs and who does not belong — whenever a stranger may be spotted. At the next Porch Party, take a few moments to thank one of the hardworking members of the planning committee. Julie Feeley continues to coordinate this, along with Bob Hunter, Anne-Marie Stephenson, Cathy O’Kelley, Nancy Tait, Lynne Mormino, Charleen McGrath and Kathi Harris. Committee members are quick to point out that it is fun being on this committee because “when you work, you party.”

All of the available dates have been reserved for the balance of this year. They are now looking ahead for hosts in 2010. HONNA supports this by allotting funds for food and supplies such as nametags, napkins and so forth. The Old Northeast Porch Parties have struck a responsive chord. Some comments the committee has received include:

“Porch Parties make the Old NE really seem like a neighborhood” and “After a few parties you don't feel like a newcomer anymore” and “The parties are an easy way to keep connections going.” Obviously, Julie’s idea was a great one. Porch Parties are held monthly except for December, when the annual Holiday Party takes place instead. Check out the HONNA newsletter or website for more information about the Old Northeast at www.honna.org.

John L. Bailey is an Emmy-award-winning video producer/writer with over 45 years experience, producing informational films. Now he specializes in using your video and photographs to help you create DVD memories of family histories, events, birthdays and more. Contact him at 727-798-2846 or e-mail: jlbwriter@earthlink.net.

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