Field Observation by Jacobi Clarke

I observed at the Peekskill Coffee House, on Friday, November 2, from 11:45 a.m. to 12: 45 p.m. It is the end of the week of Hurricane Sandy. The PCH is on a corner street across from a theatre that shows live plays as well as movies, both foreign and domestic. The PCH is about 20 feet wide and 60 feet long and unusually shaped. The atmosphere is comfy cozy, smelling of coffee and pastries, sounds of music and small chatter as well as keyboards typing are around us. There are about 13 tables, and the majority are full. Of the 13 tables, 11 have electronics on them. There are both a front and back door where people can exit and enter. People go to one long counter where they can order things they see off of a hanging menu behind the baristas head or through a glass case that holds pastries. There are people on their phones, iPads, laptops and other electronics. And here comes the mail lady. At this very moment there are about 30 people all scattered about. Mostly grouped by age or familial connection, although there are many people who are alone. Although it's chilly, we can see a few people sitting outside. A friendly delivery man just brought in a package and decided to hang around and joke/ flirt with the pretty blond barista. At our very own table a middle aged man stirs his coffee as he questions exactly what we are doing. Its rather weird yet refreshing that someone with such honesty and fearlessness spoke up. The ages of patrons range from about 3 to the 70's. There are many grown adults rather than the usual college/ high school aged groups. Many of the patrons are white; besides myself and another patron only the second barista are obviously African American. More than half of the friendly patrons are wearing glasses. Many are wearing long sleeved shirts and jeans; few are wearing jackets. Most people are dressed casually, not as if they are working in local offices. As an observer and lifelong resident of Peekskill, in the hour that I have been here at the PCH I have not seen one person that I know or recognize. The 60 or so patrons that have been in and out of here have all been complete strangers. The purpose of the Coffee House is primarily to serve products, to be a profitable business for the owners. However, the PCH also serves as a gathering place as well as a place for stranger interactions. Each month, one could find a different artist showcasing their work. This month there is a woman who makes dresses and other beautiful clothing. The atmosphere is like a trendy Brooklyn corner shop. So, the PCH is bringing a different out-of-town culture to Peekskill, while becoming part of the Peekskill culture itself.