gosh, Joe, it's been maybe 18, 20 years since I went to Faith's to sing, but it sounds similar. Used to be front parlor was for pickin' and singin', the room off the kitchen where you said the septugenarians gathered was the "Theme room" (Hi, Art) for the topic of the week and was mostly acapella, often with people using books. I used to take books regularly, and I think some of them are still there in the library. The basement was Irish/Old-timey instrumental jam, and after the themesingers ran down, folks would congregate in the kitchen for harmony stuff. And cider, and pea soup. Used to be packed.
I had heard from folks that it languished for a while. Doesn't sound like it from your report.
I'll be going to the SFFMC New Years gathering in a week, my reward for a misspent year, and a "Yea! I made it thru the holidays again" time for me. It's one of my favorite things, and one can go by joining the folk club, something that costs, I believe, $4 or $6 dollars a year now (used to be $2 for a long time).
The NY camp itself is not very expensive at all, and a workshare, song share, WONDERFUL experience. Too late this year, but join the club and go next year. Meet Y2K with song!
Blessings, Barbara