City Historian
Anton J. Massopust

Recently there has been a lot of fighting going on amongst members of different historic organizations. Frankly, I find it very tiresome, especially the personal attacks.

The only thing that should be of concern to anyone belonging to these historical groups is PRESERVING THE HISTORY OF PERTH AMBOY AND OUR HISTORIC STRUCTURES.

The one individual who has not become entangled in this mishmash is the Official City Historian: Anton Massopust.

Let’s look at Anton Massopust’s passion for the City of Perth Amboy: things I had no knowledge of until Katherine and Paul started working with me.

One day Katherine brought out all of these scrapbooks with pictures, proclamations and presentations that were given to her father.

I was blown away looking at the pictures when he chaired the Bicentennial Celebration that took place from 1973-1976. Of course, he was able to amass a lot of help. If you want to find out more about the people who helped him out read Chapter 14 of Stories From Perth Amboy by Katherine Massopust.

A couple of months ago Channel 12 News spotlighted Perth Amboy Historical Sites and History. Although it was a very nice presentation, it would have been even better if Mr. Massopust had been able to give his input. Unfortunately, for some reason he was not given the opportunity. If Channel 12 should come back for an update, they should knock on Mr. Massopust’s door first.

What I like about Mr. Massopust is that he gets his whole family involved.

I remember when he ran Cemetery Alive (Alma Cap originated the program) that took place at St. Peter’s Church. He would bring in actors, re-enactors and incorporate local talent to portray Perth Amboy’s historical figures.

Some of the residents who gladly participated included: John Dyke as William Dunlap, Austin Gumbs as Thomas Mundy Peterson, Wilma Matey as Rebecca Spring, the late Rev. Volk as a Preacher. The complete Massopust family participated dressed in garb of the historic figures that they were portraying.

Mr. & Mrs. Massopust have been history orientated, especially when it come to Perth Amboy. I got a big kick of looking at photos of Katherine and Anton in costume during the Bicentennial in their youth. Mr. & Mrs. Massopust and son, Anton attended a Calendar Dance at the Ukrainian Assumption Church in Civil War Era garb in October 2013. This is what I call dedication.

Although Katherine is no longer in the costume phase, Anton still participates in patriotic events. Katherine along with her husband, Paul Wang have turned her passion for the City’s history into words and photos. Check out Then and Now: Perth Amboy. They are very active members in the Kearny Cottage and Historic Preservation Commission.

Take my word for it. It’s all in black and white. C.M.