In this ongoing series, we feature a piece from our Museum Director, Billie DeLancey, originally published in The Johnstown Breeze on May 22, 2025. Enjoy this look back, and keep an eye on the paper for the newest stories shaping our community.
George Oliver “Jud” Martin came to Johnstown in 1920. He purchased and operated a pool hall after coming to town. In 1928, he sold the pool hall and opened a confectionery and clothing store.
Jud’s place was popular with children and adults alike. Often, 50 to 75 gallons of ice cream were dipped per week to serve the eager customers. Children were especially welcome at Jud’s store, and he often provided an unofficial “babysitting” service for the community. It was not unusual to see children sleeping on the chairs and benches waiting for their parents to take them home. Jud looked after them like a hen after her chicks. He often bought movie tickets for the children, and a child that couldn’t afford a treat was given one. At baseball and softball games, entrance fees were always on a voluntary basis.
Jud was an excellent baseball, and later softball, coach and he coached many winning teams. Some of his players came from area colleges. The teams participated in town, city, district, state, and national leagues. His teams won state titles in 1938, 1950, and 1952. His players thought of him as more than a coach because he was an inspirational man and encouraged the values of fair play.
A World War I Veteran, Jud served as mayor in the 1940s, and he was active in community affairs. Owing to poor health Jud retired in 1949. He died March 27, 1951.
At the opening of the 1952 district tournament at Johnstown’s new ballpark east of downtown on Hwy 60, the late Jud Martin was memorialized and the park dedicated in his honor. Roy Buck and Colonel Bill Reid, long-time friends of Jud, gave tributes to him and told of his many good deeds and his basic principles of good sportsmanship. Every seat in the grandstand was filled with ball fans and “Jud worshippers.” A two-foot-high metal sign spelling out “Jud’s Park” was hung over the entrance to the ballpark.
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Source: A Tribute To Johnstown, Rebecca S. Healy, 1977 (edited)