Four chapter members attended the June 21, 2025 presentation of the off-Broadway play “Father Anonymous” to celebrate America 250. The play “tells the story of America’s forgotten founder Dr. Joseph Warren and his more famous friends, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. Opening on the day of the Boston Massacre (1770), it closes with Joseph’s martyrdom at Bunker Hill (1775)” – https://fatheranonymousplay.com
The story of Joseph Warren is truly inspiring – the ultimate sacrifice so that we can have the opportunity to celebrate 250 years as a democracy.
President Jeff La Marca, Vice President Michael Smilek, and Compatriots George Robb and Ellis Bailey attended the wonderful play. Vice President Smilek is the Producer of the play and facilitated the event for the members. Everyone had a wonderful time at the outing.
The play is currently at the AMT Theater on West 45th Street, NYCPresident La Marca and Vice President Smilek discuss the play during intermission.Morristown Chapter DAR member Pat Sanftner also enjoyed the play with the members.Members George Robb, Michael Smilek, Jeff La Marca and Ellis Bailey enjoyed the outing.
The Jockey Hollow Chapter, NJSSAR, the largest chapter in the state of New Jersey is on a roll! At our May 31st Chapter meeting, our new Vice President, Michael Smilek, was sworn in and also received the Outstanding Young Member (Joseph Plumb Martin) Medal.
Vice President Smilek is currently producing an “Off Broadway” play (it’s a mere block and a half west off of Times Square in NYC) entitled “Father Anonymous” that “tells the story of America’s forgotten founder Dr. Joseph Warren and his more famous friends, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. Opening on the day of the Boston Massacre (1770), it closes with Joseph’s martyrdom at Bunker Hill (1775)” – https://fatheranonymousplay.com
Not only will this showcase an intriguing story relevant to the founding of our country, but many of our Chapter members will be attending a performance on June 21st. Not only that, but our Chapter has already been mentioned in several articles, as well as publicity materials that promote the play! Huzzah, Compatriot Smilek!
IMPORTANT: Jockey Hollow Chapter members wishing to attend this great event should contact us IMMEDIATELY for receive a special offer!
R to L: Jockey Hollow President Jeff La Marca and Vice President Michael Smilek.If you will be in NYC over the next few weeks, come see this fascinating play about some of our Founding Fathers, produced by Jockey Hollow’s new Vice President, Michael Smilek!
Three members of the chapter attended the June 7, 2025 NSSAR quarterly meeting celebrating the Battle of Monmouth. President Jeff La Marca, Past President Roger Loomis, and compatriot Ellis Bailey especially enjoyed the unique venue – aboard The USS New Jersey (BB-62) in Camden, NJ.
Prior to the luncheon, the Society held its State Board of Managers meeting. During this time, visitors could take a tour of the impressive ship, the largest battleship ever built and the most decorated in Navy history. BB-62 was built at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, just a short distance across the Delaware River from where she is docked now, and launched December 7, 1942—just a year after the Pearl Harbor Attack brought America into WWII. The size of the Iowa-Class ship made it easy to have the luncheon on the aft deck for the many members and visitors. Captain Baker, the last officer to captain the ship during military action in the Middle East, was a guest and told very interesting anecdotes about the great vessel and its crew. He explained that although currently not in active duty and serving as a living museum and memorial, the ship has been outfitted with modern weapons, is fully functional, and can get underway if called to duty.
Numerous awards and medals were presented during the luncheon to compatriots and guests for their service to the society and to the community. Following that, guest speaker Gary Ecelbarger, award-winning author of ten books and numerous other publications discussed his new work “George Washington’s Momentous Year 1777: Twelve Months that Transformed the Revolution, Philadelphia to Monmouth.” The Battle of Monmouth played a key role in this.
The USS New Jersey (BB-62) docked in Camden, NJ.President La Marca and the USS NJ.President La Marca prepares to board.Three of the nine monstrous, 16″ guns on the deck of the USS NJ.The color guard prepares to present the colors.The luncheon was well attended.
The Jockey Hollow Chapter held its quarterly meeting on May 31, 2025 at The Exchange Restaurant in Rockaway, NJ. The lunch meeting began at 11:30 A.M. with special guest Chris Sands, President of NJSSAR.
Officer reports were delivered. President La Marca indicated volunteer help is needed for the following activities:
The vote to ratify the newly prepared bylaws was conducted by ballot. The bylaws were ratified by the membership.
An update of the Wreaths Across America program was given, indicating that the chapters transferring its support to the First Presbyterian Church/ United Methodist Church Cemetery in Succasunna so that we can work with the Ferro Monte DAR Chapter that runs the program. Volunteers will be needed, with more information to come.
Initiation of the new Vice President, Michael Smilek, was done by President La Marca. President La Marca also initiated new members George Kirby and Jake Hays.
Compatriots were recognized with awards and medals for service to the chapter and community. Members were presented the awards by President La Marca or President Sands, followed by a hearty, “Huzzah, huzzah, huzzah!”
The fascinating featured presentation, “Cudjo ‘Jack’ Banquante: Newark’s Revolutionary War Soldier and First Black Businessman,” was delivered by special guest speaker Kofi Ayim. His enlightening speech recounted the remarkable life and indomitable spirit of Cudjo Banquante—who was born into Ghanaian royalty, sold into slavery, and later substituted for his master in the Revolutionary War. He fought gallantly in many major battles and, upon earning his freedom, was granted an acre of land. With this, he became Newark’s first documented Black businessman—at the age of seventy. Mr. Ayim spends his time in Newark and in Ghana and has authored three books.
New member George Kirby.New member Jake Hays.New Vice President Michael Smilek.Michael Smilek received the Outstanding Young Member Medal (Joseph Plumb Martin Medal).Phil Oddo received theRoger Sherman Bonze Medal, his 10 Service Pin, a Certificate of appreciation and the NSSAR Color Guard Challenge Coin.Glenn Maguire received the Roger Sherman Bronze Medal, the Chapter Meritorious Service Medal and the Chapter Distinguished Service Medal.James Naisby received the Roger Sherman Bronze Medal and the NSSAR Color Guard Challenge Coin.George Link received the Henry Knox Achievement Bronze Medal, the Roger Sherman Bronze Medal and a Certificate of Appreciation.Ellis Bailey received the Roger Sherman Bronze Medal, The America 250 Shot Heard Around the World medal, and a Certificate of Appreciation.David Paretti received the Henry Knox Achievement Bronze Medal.David Paretti received the NSSAR Color Guard Challenge Coin.James Naisby, Roger Loomis and Phil Oddo received the NSSAR Color Guard Challenge Coin.Jeff La Marca received the NSSAR Color Guard Challenge Coin.Guest Speaker Kofi Ayim gave a wonderful talk about Cudjo Banquante.
Two members of the Jockey Hollow Chapter attended the Salute to Lafayette on May 10, 2025 on The Morristown Green. President Jeff La Marca and compatriot Ellis Bailey attended the ceremony on the beautiful spring morning to celebrate the kick-off of the 2025 celebration activities for General Lafayette, marking the 245th anniversary of his historic visit to General George Washington at the Ford Mansion in Morristown, when he delivered the news that France would support the fight for freedom. The event was held around the Alliance Statue, depicting Washington, Lafayette and Hamilton to commemorate the event. Morristown Mayor Doherty and other officials spoke and attended, as well as reenactors of General Lafayette and a colonial singer. This was prelude to the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s return to Morristown in July, 1825. A memorable parade is planned and festivities on The Morristown Green on Sunday, July 13, 2025 will include a table for the Jockey Hollow Chapter.
The Alliance Statue on The Morristown Green.Mayor Doherty with two Lafayettes!Singer Pat Sanftner from the Morristown Chapter DAR.President La Marca and Compatriot Bailey honored to stand with the greats.
Due to popular demand, the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR is proud to announce a special promotion designed to:
Promote our Chapter within the community,
Show off our “Jockey Hollow Pride” (Yes, we’re the greatest chapter of all time!),
Increase awareness of our Chapter’s activities,
Encourage attendance at our luncheons/meetings, and
Build some espirit du corps!
So, what exactly does this entail? Specifically, Jockey Hollow now has an Official Chapter Baseball Cap! This cap is made by the same company that produces those for the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution and is shown below.
The cost for this cap is the same that National SAR charges for theirs – $25. However, we realize that this is such an incredible bargain that our members will want two – one to wear to our meetings and one for everyday wear in the community! So, if you would like to purchase a second cap, you’ll not only be able to purchase the second one for $20, but you’ll also receive another bonus at no additional cost! Specifically, members purchasing the second cap will also receive (if they are eligible), the appropriate SAR Service Label Pin that demonstrates how many years (in five-year increments) they have belonged to SAR. While members may purchase these pins on their own directly from National (at a cost of $20 each), those purchasing a second cap from us will receive their appropriate pin at no additional cost.
What about Chapter members who have belonged to SAR for less than five years? Instead of receiving a service pin honoring their years of service to SAR, they will receive a “challenge coin” (or similar item).
How many years of service do I have?
The SAR service pin is awarded in five-year increments (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years etc.). Based on our latest statistics, please use the following table. In the event that you are a chapter member, and your name does not appear below, please contact us:
IMPORTANT!
In order to participate in the promotion, members must RSVP and register no later than Thursday, May 15, 2025, so that we may order everything in time for you to receive your items at our luncheon on May 31, 2025 (all caps, pins, etc. will be distributed at the meeting so that you will need to attend).
Don’t Want to Participate in our Special Promotion?
No problem! Merely register for our luncheon as usual.
Register Today!
Use the Attached RSVP Form & Select Your Option. Hope to see you on May 31, 2025!
Numerous organizations and leaders have teamed together to recognize, celebrate and honor a local Revolutionary War hero – Cudjo Banquante.
Cudjo Banquante was born sometime in the 1720s in the Gold Coast (now Ghana), West Africa into a family of royal heritage. As a youth he was taken by European slave traders across the Atlantic, eventually being purchased by the wealthy Coe family of Newark, New Jersey.
During the American Revolution, Benjamin Coe sent the enslaved Cudjo to fight as a substitute for himself in the war against the British. Cudjo served in the Essex County and Morris County militias. He took part in the Battles of Monmouth and Germantown. He was with George Washington at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777 and later served with General Sullivan at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.
After the war Cudjo was emancipated for his military service. The Coe family gave him land in Newark on which he established a nursery selling ornamental plants. Cudjo was the first African American businessperson in Newark. He died in 1823 at around 100 years of age. He was buried in the cemetery of Newark’s Trinity Church, located where the New Jersey Performing Arts Center now stands. (Thanks to the organizing team for this wonderful biography.)
For more information about Cudjo Banquante’s life, go to the website of the New Jersey Historical Society: www.jerseyhistory.org/cudjo/
Events in Newark, in late April and early May, include exhibits, unveiling of a commissioned painting, reenactors, specifically composed music performances, a genealogy workshop, film screenings, an academic symposium, bus tours, an historic marker unveiling, and more, supported by the Newark Museum of Art, the Greater Newark Conservancy, the New Jersey Historical Society, the Newark Public Library, the Amistad Commission, the Newark History Society, Rutgers University, the NJ Institute for Social Justice, the NJ Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the DAR and others. Join dignitaries, politicians, civic leaders, composers, authors, performers, and many others in the celebrations.
Jockey Hollow Chapter compatriot Ellis Bailey attended the 151st Annual Meeting and Celebration of Washington’s Birthday held by the Washington Association of New Jersey on February 17, 2025, held at The Madison Hotel in Morristown.
In attendance were political representatives, including NJ Assemblywoman Aura Dunn and Morristown Mayor Timothy Dougherty, and other members of area social and lineage organizations. After the Association’s business meeting was completed, Chuck Schwam, Executive Director of the American Friends of Lafayette, presented “Lafayette – The Legacy of Liberty” to discuss the 200th anniversary, 13 month, 24 state historical re-enactment tour of Lafayette. Then, Wendy York, co-chair of the committee planning the reenactment of Lafayette’s visit to Morristown, presented an overview of the activities to be held in town on July 13 and 14. “General Lafayette” was also in attendance.
The Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR was first established in 1914. Every now and then a piece of our history comes to our attention to remind us of our past. One such reminder has just surfaced, via a Google search, about a historical marker placed by our Chapter in 1964 at the site of the home of Lt. and Mrs. Robert Wilson. This has been recorded by the Historical Marker Database. The inscription states:
Site of the home of Lt. and Mrs. Robert Wilson
Gen. and Mrs. George Washington were entertained here in November 1780 and at other times while the armies were encamped at Morristown
Site marked in 1964 by Gen. William Maxwell Chapter, D.A.R. Peggy Warne Chapter, D.A.R. Jockey Hollow Chapter, S.A.R.
Visitors are encouraged to contact us if you are aware of other markers.
