David J. Goodwin
A Night at a Movie Palace: Loew’s Jersey Theatre
Last weekend, my wife and I enjoyed the 1954 classic On the Waterfront in 35 mm film on the big screen. (The movie was shot in Hoboken, New Jersey.) While the film was riveting, the true attraction was the movie theater itself. The Loew’s Jersey Theatre stands across the street from the Journal Square PATH…
Winter Reading: A Welcomed Respite
During winter evenings, I enjoy nothing more than sitting in my cozy parlor and passing the hours with a book. The cold and the early darkness provide the perfect excuse to pull away from the workaday world and immerse myself in the written word. I always look forward to the winter.
The (Frozen) Great Falls of Paterson
During the recent cold snap, my friends invited me to join them for an afternoon trip to see the Great Falls in Paterson, New Jersey. Why might this be noteworthy? The Great Falls, the inspiration behind Alexander Hamilton’s industrial experiment, stood frozen. That’s right. Frozen.
A Neighborhood Crowd: Backroom Broadsides
The New Year started right. My neighborhood association invited me to read from Left Bank of the Hudson at its monthly open-mic and author series, Backroom Broadsides, on January 2, 2018. The event took place in the atmospheric parlour of the Fox & Crow, a favorite local pub and a popular spot for live music…
Revolutionary Heritage: Elizabeth, New Jersey
When looking to imbibe our nation’s colonial and revolutionary heritage, most people might travel to Philadelphia, Boston, or Williamsburg, Virginia. Few people–very, very few people–would consider an afternoon journey to Elizabeth, New Jersey, an industrial city on the Newark Bay just outside of New York City.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all my friends and readers. Whether you’re recovering from too much cheer, sharing the day with family and friends, or relaxing within your cozy home, appreciate the day. Look to 2018 as a new beginning. Make a goal or two for yourself. Who knows? You might achieve it.
Left Bank of the Hudson: Year-End Reflections
On October 3, 2017, nearly three months ago, my first book, Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 1st Street, was published by Fordham University Press. The publication marked the conclusion of a five-year effort and an achievement of a lifelong dream of becoming an author. You could say it…
Merry Christmas!
Wishing all my readers a merry Christmas. Enjoy the music, food, and good cheer of the season. Share a meal with a family member, friend, neighbor, or even a stranger. Make the most of the day. Keep its feeling alive in your heart.
Valiant Ambition: Rethinking the American Revolution
During my early adulthood, I lived in Philadelphia and spent a majority of my leisure time visiting historic sites, cemeteries, and museums. I loved learning about colonial and early America. I loved living in a place where I could see, hear, and even touch history. Although I no longer call Philadelphia home, I still enjoy…
My First Podcast! A Conversation with PolyPsych
PolyPsych, a new podcast based in Charlotte, North Carolina, recently invited me to discuss artists, cities, gentrification, and my book, Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 1st Street, with their audience. The PolyPsych hosts and I enjoyed a smart and fun conversation. You can listen to the podcast here.