Monticello, 1946. Highland Park, 1941. Martin family home movie.

This nostalgic home movie, shot in Monticello, New York (1946) and Highland Park, New Jersey (1941), offers a delightful glimpse into the everyday life of the Martin and Chiko families. In Monticello, the film opens with a man and boy playing with a dog, followed by Mrs. Barbara Ann Martin (Chicko) riding a bicycle in the garden. The family tends to chickens in the yard, with shots of the boys—Bruce, Larry, and Jim Martin—alongside Barbara and Martin P. Martin (wearing glasses). Inside, two young children are captured in candid moments, while outside, a woman sits on the porch of a small brick house with a baby carriage. A young couple, Barbara’s sister Josephine and brother John Chiko, playfully spar, while Bruce and Larry Martin don boxing gloves for a garden match, later joined by John Chiko. The family’s playful energy continues with more boxing in the backyard. Baby James Martin is lovingly featured, both indoors and in his carriage, pushed by his mother Barbara. A brief, charming scene shows the family enjoying ice cream, followed by a humorous title card: “Sh! Quiet Please! (Let your neighbor sleep).”

The film then shifts to Highland Park, New Jersey (1941), where the family visits a park playground. Bruce and Larry Martin swing and slide with glee, while Barbara and baby James Martin join in the fun. The family strolls along a residential sidewalk, with Barbara and Josephine Chiko, dressed in long coats, posing proudly with baby James. A tender moment captures Barbara helping baby James take his first steps. The film concludes with a playful end title: “End of program. Audience will please pass out!”

Filled with warmth, humor, and the simple joys of family life, this home movie is a timeless treasure, preserving cherished memories of childhood, playfulness, and togetherness.