Outskirts Press, INC.

The Author/Photographer, Madonna Carter Jackson was born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, in 1948. Though she was just a very young child when most of these photos were taken, she finds that while viewing photos of herself at the various times of her own life, they give her a sort of timeline for when most of the photos in the book were taken. She relives each event and photo session that her father captured as the negatives are converted into beautiful black and white images digitally. She has hundreds of negatives that she still has not viewed, but this group that she has selected for the Second Edition is more exciting than the first. Among the photographs are pictures taken at the 1953 Monmouth County Cotillion. In this image there are ten lovely Debutantes encircling the legendary William “Count” Basie on stage at the beach front Convention Hall in Asbury Park, New Jersey. A family portrait that was taken at the Carter’s next door neighbor’s home of John and Marion Booker reveals a famous relative, Wilt Chamberlain, as a young man. Imagine the surprise when a photo taken in the ’40s, captures one of the teens in a photo of teenaged friends that were spending the day at the beach is discovered to be that of a 1954 Bangs Avenue School teacher, and Madonna’s second grade teacher. Lastly, while looking for special requested photographs, dozens of negatives of bands, singers, musicians, and other entertainers have been preserved. Musical icons like Sam Pugh, and many more were photographed performing at night clubs on Springwood Avenue, in Asbury Park, Neptune, and other shore areas in New Jersey. My father photographed organist Sam Pugh from 1940s until the late 1970s. The pictures display the rich musical history of the seashore town, and much, much, more. Mr. Carter wasn’t just a West Side photographer; he was used by people from all cultures in the Shore area, North and South and is remembered by many. The negatives are slowly deteriorating, but it is hoped that each memory captured by Madonna’s father will be saved. Enjoy the visually captivating photographs of people living life lovely.