Paul Drexel was born in Hoboken in 1959 and grew up with his 3 older brothers at 935 Willow Ave, above the legendary Uptown Cafe. As a child, he was a two time winner of the top prize for the costumes he wore in the Ragamuffin Parade. Paul’s Hoboken roots run DEEP! His father Al ran the art program in the Hoboken schools for over 30 years. His mother Ginny worked at Davidson’s Laboratory on the Steven’s Campus and grandmother Agnes worked for the City of Hoboken for over 50 years.
As a journalist, he has received numerous awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, and his short stories (including his collection Mango Shoes) and other writings have been lauded too. In the 80s, Paul was the co-founder of the ORoe Electric Art Space, a launching pad for many visual and musical artists in Hoboken, and a community center for inner city kids each summer.
Paul has two children, Amelia and Owen, who are both in their 20s and are also deeply proud of their Hoboken roots. Paul currently resides in Montclair, but still works in Hoboken.
source