CLOSTER, N.J.—Seen above, a parade through downtown Closter celebrates the end of World War I.
The armistice signed at Compiegne, France, between the Allied forces and Germany took effect at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month—Nov. 11, 1918 at 11 a.m. For years that date was annually celebrated as Armistice Day, but since 1954 it’s been known as Veterans Day. It’s a day to celebrate all veterans, both living and dead, who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during any era.
The soldiers pictured would have come from nearby Camp Merritt in Cresskill, where troops were quartered as they awaited embarkation to the fighting lines overseas.
The buildings in this photo were located on Closter Dock Road, but the streetscape is much different today. This angle is looking towards Durie Avenue (where the cars are).
At the left edge of the photo, that building with the long porch was Stephens’ country store. Opened by John Henry Stephens in 1857, this was Closter’s first commercial building. It was torn down in the 1950s.
The building on the corner that says Taveniere & Johnson was the town’s livery stable, where horses would be rented, boarded or bought. Proprietors James Taveniere and Darius Johnson were active in local affairs and helped bring running water and electricity to Closter. It was demolished in the 1920s.
The narrow building in the middle was Closter’s first post office. Previously the post office was in Stephens’ store, but it separated into its own quarters early in the 20th century.
Americans will commemorate Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11. The staff of Northern Valley Press wishes to express our gratitude to all of the men and women, past and present, who have served in our nation’s armed forces.
