Patriotic Halloween: Marty meets Tom Paine in Morristown

Could it be... Tom Paine and Marty Epstein in the same room? Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Could it be... Tom Paine and Marty Epstein in the same room? Photo by Kevin Coughlin
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One man Revolutionized the world with his mighty pen. The other is saving the world with bikes.

Of course, we’re talking about Thomas Paine, patriotic pamphleteer, and Marty Epstein, mapper of the Gran Fondo.

These great men crossed paths on Friday, a truly historic occasion in a town known for truly historic occasions.

Please click icon below for captions.

It was the last Friday of the month, when cyclists loop through Morristown for their Critical Mass ride.  October’s Halloween theme was “Dress Like Marty,” as in, Marty Epstein, the big-haired icon of Marty’s Reliable Cycle.

No prizes were awarded, and frankly, it’s just as well because Marty had the best Marty costume.

Meanwhile, a short ride from town hall, Thomas Paine was holding forth at the Morristown & Township Library.

His costume was pretty authentic, too, considering it came from an Army Navy store.

Tom, channeled convincingly by Bob Gleason, did not miss a beat when Marty and another oddly costumed cyclist staggered into the spellbound library.  The patriot told some harrowing tales of close calls in England and Revolutionary France after the American Revolution… it seems that certain rabble should not be roused.

Where would we all be today if Tom had traded his pen for a bike?

In any case, an historic photo opportunity was missed. You’ll just have to take our word for it that Tom and Marty came together for one brief, shining moment which, alas, appears destined to become an urban legend passed among the generations.

Could it be... Tom Paine and Marty Epstein in the same room?  Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Could it be… Tom Paine and Marty Epstein in the same room? Photo by Kevin Coughlin

 

1 COMMENT

  1. Congratulations on the celebration of Thomas Paine’s legacy to the founding of our republic and to the causes of liberty, equality of opportunity and true democracy. We the members of Thomas Paine Friends are committed to the resurrection of Paine’s ideals as the basis for the just society. The principles contained in his key writings — Common Sense, The Rights of Man, The Age of Reason and Agrarian Justice — are as important for us to grasp today as they were when he wrote them. We invite you to visit our website and, if so moved, become a member of Thomas Paine Friends. Help us carry out this critically important mission.

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