The idea for the RI 39 Club began after Podskoch read about Dr. Arthur Peach of Vermont who in 1954 suggested the idea of an informal group, the Vermont 251 Club, to veer off the beaten path “to discover the secret and lovely places that main roads do not reveal.”  As Podskoch traveled throughout the Adirondacks and Connecticut writing historical books, he marveled at the great diversity of villages, cities, rivers, lakes, mountains, and seashores. He realized that most of the residents of these states had not traveled as widely as he and he wanted them to explore their beautiful state. This resulted in his writing two travel books: The Adirondack 102 Club and The Connecticut 169 Club.  Visiting RI, Podskoch believed that RI would benefit from a similar travel club and had local writers describe their town & village’s location, history, and important points of interests. 

Podskoch's presentation will show the beauty of our state and will encourage us to get out and explore it!     

Marty Podskoch is a retired teacher and the author of 11 books including "The Rhode Island Civilian Conservation Corps Camps: Their History, Lore & Legacy", "Adirondack Civilian Conservation Corps Camps: Their History, Memories and Legacy of the CCC" and "Fire Towers of the Catskills: Their History and Lore". He also writes a weekly column called "Adirondack Stories" in five Adirondack newspapers. He has written three travel books: "The Adirondack 102 Club", "The Connecticut 169 Club" and "The Rhode Island 39 Club".