Manny at his 80th Birthday Party
March 21, 1998
Manny
at his 80th Birthday Party
March 21, 1998
MannyFest is the name that was given to a party held on March 21, 1998, in celebration of Manny Lipton's 80th birthday. It attracted almost 400 friends from across the country. It was a reunion of artists, writers, musicians, and others who had called New Paltz home at some time in their past, and who all knew Manny.
Manny enjoyed that party, and had talked about having another. Unfortunately, Manny died before we could plan MannyFest 2. When he died December, 2003, word spread quickly, but not quick enough for all who wanted to attend his funeral. That was when plans for MannyFest 2 were resurrected, this time to be a memorial get-together.
MannyFest 2 was a joyous memorial to Manny, but also a fund raiser for something more permanent to honor our friend. We are rebuilding the bench in front of the Elting Memorial Library on Main Street, and dedicating it to the memory of Frieda and Manny Lipton. Donations are being accepted for this project, and if enough money is raised beyond the costs of the bench, we would like to establish a scholarship in the names of Manny and Frieda Lipton. More information is available here.
|
Manuel "Manny"
B. Lipton Manny Lipton, was a resident of Kingston, New York, since 1946, but beginning in the mid-1960's, he found his home away from home in New Paltz, New York. His first art supply store was located at the corner of Main and Manheim (where the M&T Bank now stands), then he moved into the basement of the long-gone movie theater that stood, more or less, across Main Street from today's Murphy's Pub. When, during the showing of "Is Paris Burning?" the theater burned down, Manny relocated to the first floor of the old Academy Theater building on Academy and North Front Street, sharing the building with Barnaby's (which has returned to its original space, taking over the second floor, as well). In 1967, the Academy Theater reopened as a movie house, and Manny had to relocate. He made the move to Main Street, buying the old Cue Tip Lounge pool hall for his art supply store. Never one to turn down a bargain, his visionary eye quickly saw the advertising potential of the sprawling script of the existing sign across the facade, and he removed the words "Cue Tip" and replaced them "Manny's" in perfect penmanship. And so, Manny's Lounge was born. It started with a lunch counter and record store sharing floorspace with Manny, but as his stock overflowed the available space, he eventually expanded into the entire store. It was here that he settled into his kingdom, developing his latent talents and perfecting his schtick. Manny was probably known to everyone who ever lived in New Paltz, or attended the State University of New York at New Paltz, from the mid-1960's onward, and he left lasting impressions on all who walked through those hallowed aisles of Manny's Lounge. For more information or to be added to our mailing list, click here. |