May be time for me to revisit the show(s). At the time I was a bit disappointed but it may have been having a higher expectation based on a return to a small venue. As is common with Dead shows the perceptions of the show can be all over the map depending on who you talk to. But, I am surprised that you didn't notice the obnoxious security, if you went in really early that may be why. We didn't get the overly-obtrusive pat-down and weren't asked to empty pockets or turn over wallets but saw people that was happening to and the line to get in was painfully slow all three nights.
Not sure when I took this photo ...
I took a listen to most of the 11/14/78 show on the live music archive and was surprised at how energetic it was and the playing was much better than I thought at the time. Great place and show for a first one! Gigs in small venues became increasingly rare, you were lucky to have that experience for your first show. Glad I missed the snarling dogs. My girlfriend and I got the elderly woman who had a small fire in her hotel room which was down the hall from ours. We stayed in quite a weird place and closed out the hotel lounge bar both nights if for no other reason than to watch the strange clientele.
