The Elucidator is a quarterly print magazine published in Easton, Pa. It’s the sort of thing that people outside of the town might never expect to be here: a magazine reviewing local culture, life, and arts. It’s “Chew” and “Imbibe” columns check out the Lehigh Valley’s bars and restaurants, while “Listen” reviews a variety of music, and regular photo essays explore life in and around Easton.
Like I said, it’s nothing you’d expect to find here. Unless, of course, you actually lived here.
Easton’s changed a lot over the years, in some ways for the bad (gangs) and many ways for the good (the arts). There’s an established arts community, multiple art galleries, some cool downtown events — including beer, garlic and shad (yes, shad) festivals.
The Elucidator is a great little magazine, with one draw back: it wasn’t online. That’s changed with the launch of the Synthetic Culture blog. I’m assuming it’s written by the Elucidator’s editor (and the city’s new councilwoman) Elinor H. Warner. It’s got that same Elucidator vibe, but it’s a little more personal and a little more casual. There are posts on the upcoming Pennsylvania primary, the decline of the daily newspaper, and Dandelion Wine. In short, while it’s not an online version of The Elucidator, it’s certainly got everything I read the magazine for.