The Pink House was like an underground United Nations. Chapel Hill's aspiring artists, musicians, poets, DJ's, activists, actors, writers, nudists, flutists, knuckleheads, and couch-surfers, all living together in (relative) harmony, united by their common bohemianism. Life inside the Pink House often consisted of weird shit happening at all hours, every day, it rarely stopped. And there's something about that place that won't allow the vibe to ever fully dissipate.
From April of 1997 through October of 2003, I could often be found tending shop at the Lost City, Chapel Hill's most underground music and video outpost. Lem and I opened the store in 1997, in the basement of the Ogburn building at 412 W. Franklin Street (the building that houses the Mediterranean Deli). We quickly discovered that friendship and business don't always mix.
My other Lost City business partners over the years included Uzoma Nwosu (Uzi), Bill Berzinskas (Billie Blaze) and John Lomanto, and Bryan Boggs, aka DJ Sploo. In 1999, Lost City moved across the street to a spacious, one-story house with a lot of character at 402 W. Rosemary Street, where it remained until we closed our doors on October 31, 2003.
Many friends visited the store while our doors were open. Sometimes a camera was around, more often not, because I had a business to run! But here are a few shots of Pink House denizens at the Lost City.
(Jay swung through to shop for the latest fashions on 7/9/00, Matthew Dan Stewart came all the way from San Francisco on 4/22/01, and Jenny taught her niece Kelly how to play Tron on 2/24/02).
To contribute memories or photos of the Pink House, whether you once lived there, just passed through, or punched a hole in the wall at a party, no matter the era, leave a comment or e-mail us: pinkhouseforever@gmail.com.
I did "live" in the Pink House briefly when Scott and i dated. I remember the fridge that spoiled Jay's milk and he ruined some mac and cheese. I remember many parties. I remember two girls that shared a room downstairs and that toboggan wearing guy (erik?) who read every book known to mankind. I remember that jay's room was tiny. Scott had his own room then. I remember dinners to watch Ren and Stimpy and the Simpsons.
Ain't no party like a Pink House party...I miss Mona Lisa and dropping by just to see what was going on. If nothing else, you could probably catch an episode of Ren and Stimpy. Good times, people.
- Caroline Philson, 2009
A nominee for worst houseguest ever is whoever stole my $100 pair of Ray-Bans. Those were the most expensive pair of sunglasses I ever owned. I used to keep them on the shelf in my room that was the first thing you saw if the door was open. And one day, they were just gone. Other contenders include whoever stole the toilet tank cover, and one of our couch cushions, both at the same party in '95 or '96.
- Jay Murray, 2009
One thing that sticks with me is going through the phone bill each month - 6 people marking their calls. I think Erik used to total it up, and then it became my job when he moved out. There was always some random call that no one would claim!
- Mel Keister (Lanham), 2009
The Pink House experience...I remember the insane mix of characters and personalities...the endless procession of random fiends droppin' by to chill on our couches and unadulterated fun we had...never a dull moment...great times!
- Steve William, 2009
I remember being at the Pink House, but I don't ever remember going there or leaving. It's like it was a place that existed only in my mind.
- Matthew Dan Stewart, 2009
I lived in the house for only six months or so, including one flat-out glorious summer, imported by the inimitable Mr. Murray. Before moving in, I hung out there forever. Then rented the upstairs room (formerly Scott's? Mel's?) across from Erik's, when it opened up at the last minute. Actually hit the road and moved to LA two days before the shootings over on Henderson Street (in January '95).
- Trent McDevitt, 2009
Maybe I'll be back someday, knock on the old Pink House door. That is, of course, if they haven't torn it down.
I was so innocent before I moved into that house...
- Karen Hurka, 2009
Visitor Log
Good music, good people, good parties...a really good gathering of people who were looking for something more. There was new music, people from different backgrounds...a lot of the groovy, hip experience that I got out of my time in Chapel Hill. And lots of interesting conversations. That's what I remember most about Pink House parties – the great conversations.
- Mike Thomas, 2009
Early in '95, Chris Palmatier had bought an 8-track, probably on credit, because bill collectors were constantly calling and looking for him. He had his studio set up in the dining room, on the kitchen counter, and every morning, when I would get up and stumble downstairs looking for some breakfast, I'd have to step over a drum set in the kitchen. By 10 am, Chris would have some band starting their practice session in the living room.
- Allen Sellars, 2009
What's up this is Dawad from the old school Jungle Juice Crew! The blog is excellent, I was going through all the stories and memories were just snapping back in my head. I remember being upstairs taking whippet shots for the first time ever, out of this world, those were free and liberal times when ideas were flowing and action was only a step away.
- Dawad Norville, 2009
The Pink House pictures really brought me back to a very magical time in my life. And to memories of some of the best parties I've ever been to. I don't want to wax too nostalgic but I do think that was a special time and community of people in Chapel Hill in the early-mid '90s.
I was hanging out with (an unnamed Pink House resident) once when we were on campus at UNC, and we stumbled upon some Republican literature. So (the unnamed resident) said, "Oh look, some paper to keep the recycling program going!" And picked up the stack and tossed it into the paper recycling bin. I have always found that hilarious!
