March 22, 2026

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 view east on Ridgewood Road gives an idea of what the Township of Washington looked like in the 1930s. The intersection in the foreground is Fern Street; a right turn would lead to Bergen Avenue. The side streets in this neighborhood had been mapped out, but no houses had yet been built on them.

He built a house inside a tent

March 20, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY—“STRANGE THINGS HAPPEN in the Pascack Valley,” began the Westwood Chronicle in 1936. “When a newspaperman finds himself in a tight spot and wonders what he’s going to use to fill […]

This grave is among the oldest in the cemetery that lies just north of the Pascack Reformed Church in Park Ridge. It belongs to Peter G. Haring, who, along with his wife Elizabeth, was a founding member of this church in 1813. He was also a veteran of the American Revolution.

A patriot’s grave in the Pascack Cemetery

March 17, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

A modest grave marker stands nestled in the Pascack Cemetery as traffic zips by on Pascack Road. The top has broken off, the stone is a bit askew, and the inscription […]

A 1902 map shows the Leslie Post Office on Westwood Avenue, just north of the Hackensack River. The River Vale–Old Tappan border area was known as Leslie at the turn of the 20th century.

Leslie: A forgotten name on the Pascack Valley map

March 8, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

A section of River Vale was once known as Leslie. It was named for Leon M. Leslie (1862–1937) — landowner, postmaster and inventor. Born in Ohio, Leslie spent his early […]

A street scene captured in New York City during the Blizzard of 1888.

When the Great Blizzard of 1888 walloped the Pascack Valley

March 2, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

“So, you call this a blizzard, eh? Why, this is merely a dusting. Let me tell you about the big one. The ’88. Now that was something…” This is what […]

A look back in print: A column of brief items from the Westwood Chronicle, February 1916, offers a snapshot of daily life in the Pascack Valley more than a century ago. (Photo shown is a generic illustration.)

Timely Pascack Valley Happenings, February 1916

February 22, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY—In 1889, the first newspaper serving the Pascack Valley was founded in the form of the Park Ridge Local. Compiled by editors John C. Storms and James B.H. Storms, […]

RIVER EDGE — The Bergen County Historical Society will host a George Washington’s Birthday celebration on Sunday, Feb. 22 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Historic New Bridge Landing, featuring Revolutionary War demonstrations, live period music and dance, historic cooking, and family activities.

Washington’s Birthday celebration set Feb. 22 at Historic New Bridge Landing

February 17, 2026 Pascack Press

RIVER EDGE — The Bergen County Historical Society will host a George Washington’s Birthday celebration on Sunday, Feb. 22 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Historic New Bridge Landing, featuring […]

Tuned in: Pascack Press Back In Time columnist Kristin Beuscher appears as a guest on Montvale in Motion, discussing Pascack Valley history and upcoming programs at the Pascack Historical Society.

Right on time: Kristin Beuscher discusses lure, light of Pascack Valley history on Montvale TV

February 15, 2026 Pascack Press

PASCACK VALLEY — “She’s got her fingers on the keyboard, and her heart firmly entwined with the history of the Pascack Valley. If you want to know how we got to […]

New book celebrates stories that shaped Westwood

February 14, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

The Westwood Heritage Society is proud to announce the release of “Did You Know? Stories and History of Our Hometown of Westwood,” by Helen Whalen, a new book celebrating the […]

The Park Avenue railroad crossing in the 1910s. The road coming up from the bottom right corner is Broadway, then called Railroad Avenue, and it meets up with Park Avenue, which runs horizontally. At far left we see a portion of the Mittag & Volger typewriter ribbon factory. Behind where the men are standing is the Park Ridge train station. The three-story, Second Empire-style building across from Broadway was a hotel.

‘The hearse received a glancing blow from the locomotive…’

February 14, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE—“A narrow escape from serious injury or perhaps from instant death occurred at the Park Avenue crossing of the railroad, Park Ridge, at about 6 o’clock Monday evening, when […]

Left: Mill Pond Park Ridge — Pascack Press "winter" illustration.

A century ago, Mill Pond ice was center stage

February 7, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE—Generations of people who grew up in Park Ridge spent winter days skating on Mill Pond. A future Olympian once skated there, too. This week we go back a […]

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