FACes & PlaceS
LOCAL COLOR Feb 2005

Marty Luther
by Marilyn Bullock

Our community recently lost a dear friend, Marty Luther, who co-owned and ran Dresswell's in Lambertville, NJ.

Although I didn’t know Marty well, his soul touched me as it did that of countless others. At his memorial service, there was standing room only for the hundreds of people who showed up to pay their respects to Marty. It was the most moving service I have ever attended. The outpouring of love and respect for this kind-hearted, generous, funny, witty, loving man was beyond words.

On the way home from the service, I tearfully turned to my husband, George, and said, “This is why we live in New Hope – this is why we are part of this community.” I, of course, was referring to the love and support that being a member of the New Hope/Lambertville community offers its residents.

As a tribute to Marty, I am running the article I wrote about him in June 2003 – an article that, unfortunately only reflects a minute part of the whole that was Marty Luther. However, I know that Marty will have a permanent space in our hearts and in our community’s history.

_________________________________

FACES & PLACES – June 2003
Marty Luther
by Marilyn Bullock

You cannot be part of this community very long before you run into Marty Luther sooner or later. Marty is co-owner (with Marcia Chapman) of Dresswell's in Lambertville and is a generous supporter of the arts and of the community.

Born in Wallingford, PA, Marty grew up in Glen Mills near West Chester, PA. He graduated from Penncrest High School and then studied English at Grove City College.
Marty tells a funny story about his name: When he was about 6 years old one of his classmates refused to say his real name, instead giving the name of Bugs Bunny. The teacher was not impressed. Imagine her consternation when Marty gave his real name of - Martin Luther! (Marty shared the name with his father and his grandfather - all descended from the 16th Century theologian of the same name.) It was then that Marty realized that his name was "different" from that of other children. He now goes by "Marty."

Marty Moved to Jenkintown in 1970. He managed a department of the Philadelphia YMCA and ran day camps. He moved to this area in 1978. He worked for several years in outside sales before a friend offered him an interesting opportunity. David Chapman, then co-owner of Pinch Penney & Dresswell's located in Doylestown, PA, was opening a store in Lambertville at the Laceworks and wanted Marty to manage it if he would commit to at least one year.

So Marty moved to this area and has worked there ever since! Over the last eight years, Marty gradually assumed ownership of Dresswell's (the name was shortened in 1999), known for its finer men's and women's clothing. In 1989 Dresswell's moved to its current location on 10 Bridge St. and in 1991 the original Pinch Penny & Dresswell's closed its doors.

Marty's store is also known as being the "Ticketron of Lambertville," where one can purchase tickets to almost any New Hope or Lambertville event. Additionally, Marty volunteers for quite a few local non-profit organizations:

• Board of Trustees for Artsbridge, the artist's organization located in Lambertville
• Second VP of the Lambertville Chamber of Commerce
• Former board member of the New Hope Arts Commission
• Board of Directors of the Concordia Chamber Players
• Supporter of the Lambertville Education Foundation
• Business Supporter of the Michener Museum
• Supporter of FACT

Interestingly, Marty wrote some plays a number of years ago and actually saw one performed at the Phillips Mill Playhouse. "The Think Tank" was about three people in a presidential campaign and was produced by Marty and performed by local actors. As a result of all the hard work that went into the production of his play, Marty has a much greater appreciation for theatrical productions of all kinds.

When he is not working at Dresswell's or attending a board meeting, Marty enjoys going to New York to catch a play there.

_________________________________

We love you, Marty!