May 1, 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.

Farmland was giving way to front yards in the Pascack Valley at the turn of the 20th century. Park Ridge was described as a commuter’s paradise when this view was captured around 1905 from the top of the Mittag & Volger typewriter ribbon factory. These houses still stand on South Maple Avenue, although then it was called Elizabeth Street.

‘Swampless!’ Selling suburbia in the early 20th century

April 26, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY AREA, Bergen County, N.J.—By the dawn of the 1900s, the Pascack Valley was well on its way toward shedding its rural roots and becoming a suburb as we […]

Stride Rite shoes

Easter nostalgia: Shiny shoes and Sunday best!

April 19, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

WESTWOOD, N.J.—Do you remember when Easter meant a spiffy new outfit? A boy would get a suit with either a necktie or a bowtie, and these sets would include shorts […]

The original Hillsdale Methodist Church as shown on a postcard mailed in 1910.

Methodist church was first in Hillsdale

April 11, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

HILLSDALE, N.J.—Hillsdale United Methodist Church, at Magnolia and Hillsdale avenues, has been at its present location for the past 70 years, opening in April 1955. However, the Methodist denomination has […]

Aftermath! Dale Visage searched, like a man possessed, for the children he still believed trapped in the burning wreck of their house, 264 David Hooper Place in Westwood.The blast blew the wall out and threw the 30-year-old father into the yard, knocking him unconscious.

The house explosion that rocked Westwood

April 4, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

WESTWOOD, N.J.—Some readers might remember when this event took place. Maybe you heard or felt the blast. The date was April 4, 1955. Mr. and Mrs. Dale Visage were living […]

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 […]

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