David J. Goodwin
Happy Presidents’ Day
George Washington. Thomas Jefferson. Abraham Lincoln. Franklin Roosevelt. America has produced brilliant, bold, and inspiring leaders. These presidents shaped our nation, culture, and society. They guided the American public through harrowing events and called upon the best traits of our national character. Admittedly, they were not without their faults and failings. But, who isn’t?
Live Radio! This is the Modern World
On February 8, 2018, I appeared on This is the Modern World on WFMU (91.1 FM)–a legendary listener-supported independent radio station–to discuss artists, cities, gentrification, Jersey City, and my book, Left Bank of the Hudson: 111 1st Street and the Artists of 111 1st Street (Fordham University Press).
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…