Author and Historian Marty Podskoch Inspires RI Travels with 39 Club

Donna Staab has officially become a member of the Rhode Island 39 Club after visiting all 39 cities and towns in the state. “I started in 2021,” Staab proudly shares, “then finished just this April, so it took me about three years.” Originally from New Jersey, Staab was not familiar with the Ocean State sites and scenes she would find along the way, but she documented each stop to earn her membership in the club. The highlight for her was Block Island, which she plans to revisit this fall when it’s less busy.

Stabb’s adventures were inspired by retired teacher Martin “Marty” Podskoch’s book Rhode Island 39 Club: Your Passport & Guide to Exploring Rhode Island. The work of 45 contributing writers, the hardcover book features fun and fascinating aspects of each municipality in the state – from Barrington to Westerly – curated by Podskoch. For example, did you know that the Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown, established in 1749, was only the third lighthouse in the American colonies?

In September, the Rhode Island 39 Club held its annual luncheon at Haversham Tavern, a 19th century restaurant in Westerly (check that city off the list!). At the lively gathering, members exchanged stories about their travels and showed off copies of their books, which are filled with notes, signatures, and memorabilia from their visits. Staab’s book is particularly well-worn from a visit to Newport where she left it on the roof of the car during a rainstorm. “I’m glad I didn’t lose it,” she says, “or I would have had to start all over again!”

Meeting attendee Bill Bower hasn’t finished his tour of Rhode Island, but he’s very close. He has visited 37 of the 39 locations, with only Narragansett and Block Island remaining. “We’ve made our reservations and we will get there soon!” says Bower. He and his wife Lois have been to both places in the past but that was before having the book to document their stop.

Tom Gulluscio, one of the writers featured in the book, got involved with the club through his role as the president of the Westerly Historical Society. “Marty reached out and asked me to write something for the book. Westerly has a lot of history, so I was happy to contribute,” he shares. Gulluscio’s segment describes the town’s role in the granite industry as well as highlighting favorite landmarks like the Flying Horse Carousel and the Ocean House hotel, both in Watch Hill.

Podskoch’s growing book portfolio includes Connecticut 169 Club, again urging readers to explore and document their travels through the Nutmeg State.

“We really want people to get out and explore,” explains Podskoch, “not just drive through. Once they see it up close, they discover there is so much to do in every city and town.” Find copies at Brown & Hopkins Country Store, Chepachet. Learn more at MartinPodskoch.com.