123 Pleasant Street is a nightclub and concert venue in Morgantown, West Virginia. Popular with the punk and alternative scenes, it has hosted many of the top acts in the country, including Jesco White, Black Flag, Wesley Willis, Hank Williams III, Dead Kennedys, and Dick Dale.

History

The club was opened in 1982 by Marsha Ferber as The Underground Railroad, also known as URR. The Underground Railroad's name came from her desire to have a place where people "could 'find their way to freedom,' by interacting and listening to music without regard to skin color, dress, sexuality, hair style, or ideas." [299]. After an appearance by Bo Diddley in 1985, national acts made more and more frequent appearances. In 1988, Marsha disappeared. In May of 1989, the club was closed, reopening a year later under new ownership as The Underground. After about six months, the club changed hands again, and was now known as The Nyabinghi Dance Hall.<br>

After years of neglect and improvised repairs, the building was condemned in February 1998. Rumors at the time were that the building would be torn down. In June of that year, a local resident and former patron bought the building, intent on saving it and the venue. The restoration efforts revealed elements of the building that had gone hidden for years. The 1920's-era tin ceilings in the stage room were replicated in the lower bar.

Today the bar continues to attract top regional and national acts. Dick Dale and the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus are frequent returnees.

For the full history, visit the 123 Pleasant St. web site.

Marsha Ferber

On April 25 1988, Marsha Ferber, the founder and owner of The Underground Railroad, left the club for the night. She has not been seen since. [300][301]. Seen as a mother figure to the patrons, staff, and bands, her disappearance eventually led to the original bar's closing in 1989.

External links

123 Pleasant Street

The Doe Network on Marsha Ferber

WTRF story on Marsha Ferber

...18 years ago... a Dead Milkmen tour diary page with memories of the URR