- Central New Jersey Author and Historian -
Donald Johnstone Peck
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
DONALD JOHNSTONE PECK is an alumnus of Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana, Class of 1961, with a major in history and French, including studies at the Institute of Political Studies of the University of Paris, France, 1960.
Professionally, he is the President and CEO of The Clausen Company, Inc., Fords, New Jersey, established in 1957, a leading manufacturer of automotive refinishing products for the automotive aftermarket and Past President of the National Association of Autobody Filler Manufacturers, 1983-86.
Non-professionally, he is a Trustee for the League of New Jersey Historical Societies; immediate Past President of the Raritan-Millstone Heritage Alliance, Inc., Somerset, New Jersey; past Commissioner for the Woodbridge Historic Preservation Commission, Woodbridge, New Jersey; Life Member (since 1972) of the Proprietary House Association, Perth Amboy, New Jersey and since 2003 President Emeritus having served on that Board of Directors for 18 years and for three non-consecutive terms as president, and as board member of the Museums of Perth Amboy.
A direct descendant of six signers of the Mayflower Compact, active memberships include The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of New Jersey and several state and national historical organizations. A direct descendant of East Jersey proprietors Sir George Scott and Dr. John Johnstone, he is the author of A Spirited War – George Washington and the Ghosts of the Revolution in Central New Jersey, An American Journey of Hope and several monographs including Perth Amboy the Port City on Raritan Bay.
FRANCIS J. McGINLEY has enjoyed painting for many years, from the time when he won his first art award at the age of thirteen. After he completed his schooling, he started working in the banking industry. Well known as an artist throughout Central New Jersey and the state, he credits his success to early instruction from Raymond Carter, Chuck Miller and Col. Charles Waterhouse.
After retiring from banking Frank was able to devote much more time to his artwork, helping numerous organizations with their funding efforts. Examples of his work abound in Perth Amboy, Woodbridge, New Brunswick, Toms River and many other New Jersey communities. His paintings for the U.S. Air Force are displayed at the Pentagon, West Point, McGuire Air Force Base and the British War Museum.
The recipient of a distinguished lifetime achievement award for art by the Ocean County Cultural and Arts Commission in 2013, he has received numerous art awards, participated in many individual art shows, and served as a judge for several exhibitions.
In 2012 Frank published his first book Let Us Never Forget, containing a full range of his work illustrating World War II and the Holocaust together with moving descriptions by actual participants of the circumstances that surround each painting. As an illustrator for An American Journey of Hope, he utilizes his talents for interpreting a seventeenth and eighteenth century narrative with images not otherwise available.
Franklin New Jersey