April 3, 2025

Back in Time

Kristin Beuscher, columnist and president of the Pascack Historical Society, takes readers on a journey back in time through the Pascack Valley and Northern Valley’s rich history. Her “Back In Time” column offers a glimpse into the bygone days of these communities, shedding light on the lives of the people and the places that have shaped the area. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for local heritage, Kristin brings to life stories of the past, helping residents connect with their roots and gain a greater appreciation for the unique history of their towns.

A scene from the building of the Woodcliff Reservoir, circa 1904.

Reservoir Ruse: April Fool’s prank duped hundreds

March 31, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY AREA, N.J.—”You are cordially invited to take part in the dedication exercises of the new reservoir of the Hackensack Water Company, which takes place Saturday, April 1.” So […]

Enjoying an afternoon in Leach's Glen in the early 1900s. This spot would come to be called Atkins Glen after the man who bought it in 1921.

The Glen: Enchanting since the 19th Century

March 7, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

WOODCLIFF LAKE—We imagine it was right around this time of year that the above photograph was captured in the Glen in Woodcliff Lake in the early 1900s. The Glen has […]

Philip Mildenberger and Walter Scheffler make the rounds.

The butchers of West Clinton Market

March 3, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

TENAFLY—If you lived in Tenafly over a century ago, no doubt you would have been familiar with the two men pictured on this page. In this photo at right, from […]

The Hillsdale railroad station, circa 1885, taken from across the Hillsdale Avenue and Broadway intersection.Passengers walk from the Hillsdale station, circa 1910. Visible in the background are the Riley Building (built 1906) and Hillsdale House hotel (built 1870), both of which still stand at Broadway and Hillsdale Avenue.

‘Next stop: Hillsdale!’ The opening of the Pascack Valley Line

March 1, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

HILLSDALE—Saturday, March 4, 1870 was a red-letter day for Hillsdale. The first train on the new railroad pulled into town with flags and bunting flying, engine tooting, passengers waving, and […]

Dressed in the habit of a middle-class woman of 1775, Sherry will speak on the history of spinning and fiber/textile arts throughout history, as far back as the Neolithic era.

History of spinning, textiles at museum March 9

February 22, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE—Prior to the industrial revolution, fiber and textile arts were a vital part of everyday life for the families of the rural Pascack Valley. The Pascack Historical Society opens […]

BEFORE AND AFTER: The earliest section of the Westwood Avenue business district was on the north side, between Broadway and Center Avenue. Above and below, matching views allow us to compare the scene as it looked in the early 1900s and this past week.

Westwood’s humble beginnings

February 22, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

WESTWOOD—Which view do you prefer? This week we go back about 120 years with a look at the entrance to Westwood Avenue as captured from Broadway. Of course, residents of […]

The “Washington Oak” during a patriotic event in the 1950s.

A Tree Grew in Emerson

February 16, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

EMERSON—Washington Oak Park still serves in Emerson, but the onetime focal point of this land, a centuries-old oak tree, has been gone for decades. In 1959, the Daughters of the […]

Brookside Hall, also known as Lachmund's Hotel, stood at the River Vale and Old Tappan border.

Celebrating Lincoln With a Frolic in Calico

February 9, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY—“A novel and interesting reception will take place at Brookside Hall, River Vale, N.J., on Lincoln’s Birthday, Friday evening, February 11, 1910,” the Bergen County Standard newspaper reported 115 […]

On a winter’s day circa 1960, Florence Blakeney stands in front of the stately Blakeney mansion on Rivervale Road. Soon after, the home was demolished to make way for Florence Road and a housing development.

River Vale’s Blakeney mansion

February 1, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

RIVER VALE—One of River Vale’s stateliest homes was the Blakeney mansion, which once stood at 270 Rivervale Road. Jacob M. Blakeney moved to River Vale (then still part of the […]

The Borough of Hillsdale has always prized education. Here, at the intersection of Hillsdale and Magnolia avenues, a scene offering a glimpse into the town’s rich history.

Hillsdale’s Grammar School, 1889

January 26, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

HILLSDALE—A cold day in Hillsdale set the stage for this historic featured photograph, captured at the intersection of Hillsdale Avenue and Magnolia Avenue. The scene offers a glimpse into the […]

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