Dan's Papers - August 10, 2007 - Employees and Locals Hold a Blue-Collar "White Trash" Party

Seven years ago, Lizzie Grubman referred to local employees of a nightclub as "white trash." And so, Nick Krauss, who plans social events at the Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, decided to throw a party for all the employees of the Hamptons, calling it the "White Trash Party." The idea was for all the cogs in the wheel that makes the summer season on the South Fork function celebrate the summer at its midpoint. The idea took hold and this year, hundreds dressed in "white trash" regalia showed up to celebrate youth, hard work and camaraderie. Even the many bands that play all over the Hamptons collaborated to play nonstop music until three a.m. at The Talkhouse with lead singers and guitar players playing with the different bands, the complete labor force of overworked and under paid summer employees would revel, because as bad as it may seem at times, it really is great to be young and working hard in the Hamptons. There were a few vacationers who, quite frankly, took it all in and joined in the party. And what a party it was.

At the bar was Mike, the bartender from Pacific East and Judda, the bartender from the Lodge, along with Dion from The Meeting House watching Matt, the bartender from Nichols, playing and singing with Nancy Atlas, who joined the bands to rock the Talkhouse. Phil Vega, the Talkhouse's weekend bartender, spent his day off dressed as a woman, jumping up onstage to sing backup with James, another off-duty bartender, whenever they felt like singing. Everyone took time out from their double and triple shifts to dress as risquee as possible, kick down a few beers and let loose. Cleavage, lots of legs and plenty of undergarments were flaunted as some of the prettiest young ladies in the Hamptons went out of their way to dress in poor taste and have a great time. Yes, the workers of Hamptons know each other, in some cases live eight to a house with one another and respect the hard work each must do to survive out here. Nods, waves, winks and high-fives were flying around the Talkhouse as beers were toasted and shots were thrown down. Car bombs, that drink that explains its effects in its name, were plentiful. Yes, the nuts and bolts of the summer work force were having their night.

The bands played old Stones tunes, reggae, some hard rock and some country & western and cover songs that one could dance up a storm to. I found myself dancing on the floor with everybody and anybody. Friends greeted me by high-fiving or doing a few steps with me before moving on.

Outside, away from the music, many were catching up on how the summer was going. This was not a pickup, hookup evening at the Talkhouse -- it was like a family wedding, filled with relatives and close friends. No arguments, no tempers, just laughter, smiles and good times. Everybody looked ridiculous and loved it. It wasn't about who looked the best, it was about who looked the worst and when it was really bad, it was all the more appreciated. The message was loud and clear -- the young men and women who work in the bars, restaurants, shops, markets, docks, camps, clubs and golf courses are not white trash, they are the heart and soul of the Hamptons. They are the glue that holds everything together. They take out the trash the visitors leave behind and do it with style and a smile.

The next night like this is Labor Day night, the night when all the summer people break camp and leave town in caravans, leaving behind only those who work here. Lizzie Grubman has learned that these workers are not white trash and she publicly apologized. She also inspired a great party for the people that she insulted all those years ago, which now serves as a celebration of the mid-point of the summer season. And it was an amazing party.