In writing his memoir, and through Mary Ellen’s research, Marty has reconnected with people from the many parts of his life. John Goodwin is one of them. While Marty directed the intramural program at Rider College, John played basketball under Dick Harter and John Carpenter, for whom he later worked as assistant basketball coach. Marty and John used to run on the campus together to stay in shape.
This fall John met Marty at the Swamp and got reacquainted over a 3-hour lunch at Mountain View Golf Club.
Marty learned that John is an author who has written several books. One of them, Forgotten Walls, is a memoir about John’s time working in the state prison in Trenton and at Rider (yes, Marty appears in the book). Another, Skunktown Trail in New Jersey, includes an interesting history of Sergeantsville, New Jersey. It’s always good to meet an old friend who became an author, especially when you find that his books are really good. (You can inquire about obtaining copies by contacting John directly at [email protected])
Here are some interesting anecdotes from Skunktown Trail in New Jersey.
Breaking Away in New Jersey
A velodrome erected for bicycle races at Madison Square Garden was reconstructed in 1932 in Sergeantsville, a town located between Flemington and Stockton. Charles Jaeger, a former bicycle racer, held competitions for years that attracted hundreds of people.
The Velodrome in the process of being reconstructed 
Miniature Texas longhorns grazing on the Country Road Farm
Longhorns Aren’t Only in Texas
The Country Road Farm, also in Sergeantsville, is the only registered breeder of Miniature Texas Longhorns in the northeast United States. They are bred for meat, but also as pets (they can be ridden) and show animals.
Speaking of anecdotes (yes, you’ve reached the answer to the question), here’s one from Marty’s life.
Almost Riding the Diving Horse at Steel Pier
It was the late 1940s/early 1950s. Marty, a two-time All-American high school diver, got a phone call offering him a summer job in Atlantic City. Something about jumping off a tower into the ocean astride a horse. Marty wasn’t fazed by the idea, but he also was a bit suspicious as to the wisdom of it for both him and the horse. He declined. It’s good he did. Sonora Webster, a famous diving horse rider, suffered detached retinas and eventually went blind from the diving. While Marty overcame severe astigmatism to become a successful professional athlete, detached retinas may have been too much of an obstacle. (Until 1978, Steel Pier featured a diving horse and rider as entertainment.)
Finally, Marty would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. And one more happy…Happy Birthday—it’s the first day of the rest of your life!
Cathy Kreyche
