Back in Time
Region’s first synagogue was founded in Park Ridge
The first Jewish house of worship in the Pascack Valley was founded in 1923, when 10 families purchased a storefront in downtown Park Ridge. Since the late 19th century, the […]
Articles by Kristin Beuscher
Back in Time
Norwood corner went from stagecoach stop to ‘Shore Dinners’
“There are two good places to eat—home and here.” That was the motto of Zinke’s Restaurant on Tappan Road in Norwood. Benjamin and Anna Zinke purchased the old Colonial home […]
Back in Time
Klansmen couldn’t stop Hillsdale’s Catholics from building their church
HILLSDALE—Amid frightening pushback from the Ku Klux Klan, Catholic residents of Hillsdale stood their ground in support of building a church in their town. Through their dedication, St. John the […]
Back in Time
Two mayors, one wager, and an embarrassing sweatshirt
PARK RIDGE—In this week’s featured photograph, Mayor Donald F. Gelnaw, right, having lost a bet, is forced to wear a Glen Rock High School Panthers sweatshirt at a borough council […]
Back in Time
The story of ‘Turkey John’ Blauvelt
As Park Ridge prepares for Thanksgiving, it seems fitting to revisit the life of a man whose nickname still echoes faintly through local history: “Turkey John” Blauvelt, more properly John […]
Back in Time
130 years ago this week: Highwaymen in a buggy
WESTWOOD—This week we go back 130 years for a story about a group of Westwood couples who went out for a night of fun and found unwanted excitement at the […]
Back in Time
Emerson church predates borough
EMERSON—The first church in Emerson held its inaugural service 125 years ago this week. At the time, the village, which was part of the Township of Washington, had about 450 […]
Back in Time
Tenafly was the small town with a big mayor
“The city of Tenafly, N.J., has elected a reform mayor,” reported The New York Times in 1895. “It is not a large city. The total poll was 276, which is […]
Back in Time
When farmers, commuters clashed over roads
PARK RIDGE—As Election Day approaches, here is a look at the political scene in one Pascack Valley town 130 years ago. Park Ridge had broken off from Washington Township and […]
Back in Time
PHS hosts session on Lenape culture, storytelling
PARK RIDGE—The Pascack Historical Society is delighted to host a special presentation by Chief Barbara Bluejay Michalski of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. […]