WESTWOOD—This week we go back a century to a much different Pascack Valley — one in which a good portion of the land was still occupied by farms and the exciting events of the poultry world were reported in area newspapers.
As Thanksgiving approached in 1921, Westwood was preparing for an influx of poultrymen and their finest feathered specimens, plus all the enthusiasts who would be coming out to view them. The North Bergen County Poultry Association was going to hold its annual exhibition at Odd Fellows’ Hall.
Home of a fraternal organization called the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the hall stood at Jefferson and Center avenues, now the Westwood firehouse parking lot. It was a center of Westwood’s social activity in the early 20th century.
“The third annual poultry show, to be held at Westwood this year, beginning Thanksgiving Day and continuing for three days, will bring the birds of Bergen County in competition with select stock from other parts of the East,” the Rockland News reported. “Two floors of Odd Fellows’ Hall will be filled with feathered and other pet stock, such as rabbits and cavies [guinea pigs], which will vie with chickens of every known variety, from the brahma to the bantam, also pigeons, ducks and geese.”
“Prizes aggregating nearly $1,000 will be awarded, consisting of gold coins and cash, as well as cups, ribbons, and other valuables,” added the Passaic Daily Herald.
The most coveted prize cup was the one sponsored by Congressman Randolph Perkins. Westwood Mayor-elect Irving T. Brickell also sponsored a prize cup, as did Capt. M.M. Crockett, who had been his opponent in the recent election. Hillsdale Town Clerk George Yates offered a cash prize of $5 in gold. Other prizes ranged from $1 to $10 each.
The exhibition saw record attendance with Odd Fellows’ Hall filled to capacity every day. The show ended up being one of the biggest events of its kind held in Bergen County. Over 300 prize birds were on exhibition and dozens of Pascack Valley farmers took home prizes and ribbons. The top performer was W.H. Bratt of Hackensack, whose impeccable rooster Billy Mackay—named for Bergen County Sen. William Mackay — was the star attraction.