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Sinbad at Barnegat
by Mary Karch

My name is Mary "Montgomery" Karch.  As a young girl I grew up with Sinbad in Barnegat City "Light"; I was one of the young children who attended his funeral at the Coast Guard Station on East 7th street. He was first buried under the  flag pole to the left of the station. Five children attended and Thomas Lynch was Chief at the time. My mother remembers how Sinbad would go to the only bar in town and sit upon a stool and wait for a drink—Mr. Kubel would pour a beer in a saucer for him to lap up. He was always covered by someone in the bar, although he did carry his barrel around his neck with his money! His uniform was always at the station and no one seems to know where it went after his death. My husband also was stationed at "Barnegat" almost for his full term of service of 26 years and retired as Chief Warrant Officer.

I have written a book of Barnegat City and all of my memories of the past: Under The Lighthouse: Memories of Barnegat City by Mary Karch. Sinbad is also in my book with a picture of Mr. Thomas Lynch and the crew.  Sinbad had a very happy time in his last days in our small town. He was loved by everyone and spent many hours in my home with us, and made his rounds to many others. He is remembered fondly.

We also have a special place in our Local Barnegat Light museum for him, with pictures of him and some of the local people. He was a treasure to all.