In 1966, the concept of developing a location where teens and young adults could gather for entertainment and socializing started to take hold. To discuss and determine whether such a need existed, meetings were conducted with interested adults, teens from Holyoke Catholic and Holyoke High Schools, and clergy.
The plan was agreed upon in December 1966. The coffee house would be located in the basement of the YWCA building at 313 Maple Street. Much work was needed to prepare the space, including removing abandoned materials, and cleaning the cellar. It was necessary to raise funds through donations and fund-raising activities.
The Catacombs Coffee House opened on June 2, 1967, and 300 teens visited on opening night to hear the band, The Blue Denims. The YWCA granted the Youth Action Committee (YAC) a monthly lease for one dollar. Two members from each organization, the YMCA, the YWCA, and the YAC, represented six of the seven-member board. The first two organizations subsidized the startup with a $2,600 grant.
A youth executive board of 29 students was formed. Its role was to plan various programs of interest, including lectures, films, and the selection of bands and folk singers. Adults provided assistance and direction.
In its first year of operation, 650 members signed up. The minimum sign up age was 15, and dues were set at one dollar semi-annually. Membership was opened to Precious Blood High School students and Holyoke Trade School.
Within a month of its opening, plans were undertaken to expand the seating capacity to 300 and increase the floor space from 1,600 to 4,800 square feet. A new concrete floor was poured, the ceiling replaced, and a stage built for performances. It was set up so that three different presentations could coincide. The plans also included installing a restroom, providing food service, and having assembly areas.
Other features were added including ping-pong and pool tables, television, a stereo system, and games. There was an Academy Award-winning movies series film presentation. Special events and fund-raising were advertised on the local radio stations.
Lectures presentation included draft counseling, candidate forums, Black American History, talks relating to drugs and drug abuse, and round table discussions.
Musical entertainment included performances by the Wildweeds, Bristol Curries, Blue Denims, ORT, and Bold. Fold singers and jug bands were also scheduled. When a larger facility was necessary to accommodate more guests and dancing, the nearby War Memorial Building was secured.
The coffee house depended on donations and fundraising to pay its operating expenses. Several organizations contributed funds to assist in this effort.
By mid-1971, the Catacombs Coffee House no longer operated. By all accounts, it was orderly and without major incidents. However, the YWCA Board may have changed its direction, as soon after, the space became the YWCA Drop-In Center for girls and young women 15 years old and up.
Source of news articles and information:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; publication dates are shown.
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