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I first came into the Vern almost 20 years ago, knowing nobody there and, over years, developed a community there unlike anywhere else I'd ever been. Oddly, after leaving there last night, I once again felt like I no longer knew nobody there.
I realize the idea of community is some sort of folksy, bygone sentiment that the modern urban landscape (that increasingly reminds one of the suburbs) has become nothing.more than a hashtag for disposable culture but, for some of us, places like this bar were elemental in making it through the best and worst times of our lives.
I went to wakes, wedding receptions and countless birthdays at this bar. I met many irreplaceable friends, slogged through college with half-pitxhers (and the odious task of having to read Ayn Rand) at the end of the bar and had more enlightening conversations about such than I have in any classroom. It was the only place I've been to where I could hang out with a union construction worker, a poet, a used car salesman, a lesbian couple and aging skinheads at the same table, and everyone was not only comfortable but pleasant to be with one another.

This.might not say much about the new incarnation of palatable pseudo-dive bars these guys have made a living opening. Really, really it's much better than completely more completely soulless condos with Growler Guys type fast-food airport bars built.into them. And I appreciate keeping the building intact and understand the prices will rise and "new Portland" now feels it's sanitized enough to hang there. My lament maybe isnt for the place I loved but for an age that I've seen pass. It seems.not only easier but expected to stare at a phone than talk to your neighbor. No longer will a stranger or bartender buy a regular a drink when they're broke (who can afford to be broke anymore though), no longer will the man next to me get my back when someone wants unwarranted aggression. Oh, and also, I will never expect to see a Pay to Cum 45 on a jukebox ever, ever again as I did when I first entered this place.

So long to the Vern, and to all the places like it. Make room for the monied people, the people who know what comes next and the people who dont give a shit what's left behind.


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