November 2, 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.

The old Haring house on Kinderkamack Road in Westwood took inspiration from the mansions of the American South. Its expansive grounds later became the Westwood Hills garden apartments.

Halloween Night at Westwood’s Southern Mansion

October 22, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

WESTWOOD, N.J.—Wouldn’t you love to spend a spooky Halloween night exploring this place? This was the old Haring mansion on Kinderkamack Road in Westwood. Its former location is now home […]

The Hopper manor house, now Becker Funeral Home, on Kinderkamack Road opposite Jefferson Avenue

An 1860s trip through the Pascack Valley: Part 4

October 12, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY—As we continue our stagecoach journey through the 1860s Pascack Valley, we follow the path that the stagecoach made through this area 165 years ago. The route began at […]

Henry Smith lived in this house off Hillsdale Avenue in the 1860s, but its final occupant was his grandson, Henry Clendenny. It was torn down in 1970. The land supports a housing development.

An 1860s trip through the Pascack Valley: Part 3

October 5, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

Let’s continue our stagecoach journey through the 1860s Pascack Valley. We are following the real path that the stagecoach made through this area 165 years ago. The route began at […]

A snapshot from the George Washington Bridge’s first day of operation, Oct. 25, 1931, shows traffic at the New York entrance, with the Hudson River and New Jersey in the background.

A mad dash across the George Washington Bridge

October 1, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

BERGEN COUNTY, N.J.—The George Washington Bridge was dedicated Oct. 24, 1931 amid great fanfare. Over 30,000 people—equivalent to the population of the Northern Valley from Old Tappan down to Englewood […]

At the time of our 1860s stagecoach trip, the Pascack Reformed Church was already half a century old — but it was still the only church in the valley.The Frederick Wortendyke Jr. House (Benjamin Hill’s place in the 1860s) as it looks today. It is located at 12 Pascack Road. The oldest home in Park Ridge, it has been purchased by the borough to ensure the structure is preserved.

An 1860s trip through the Pascack Valley — Part 2

September 28, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY—Let’s continue our stagecoach journey through the 1860s Pascack Valley. We’ll follow the route the stagecoach took through this area 165 years ago. The route began at the old […]

The stagecoach to Closter departed from Park Ridge’s Pascack Trading Post, a center of commerce for the Pascack Valley’s early settlers. This view shows the weathered building before its demolition in the 20th century. Its cornerstone, dated 1770, is preserved at the Pascack Historical Society’s museum.

An 1860s trip through the Pascack Valley: Part 1

September 19, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

It’s a fine morning and autumn is in the air. Let’s take an imaginary ride through the Pascack Valley and try to picture the countryside as it appeared in those […]

The Township of Washington’s original one-room schoolhouse, built in 1902, still stands, overlooking Pascack Road as part of the modern municipal complex.

The old ‘cracker box’ on Pascack Road

September 11, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—Does this place look familiar? If you live in the Township of Washington, you have probably been there many times without knowing its history. This one-room wooden […]

These were older students at Northvale’s Nathan Hale School in 1916. The borough broke off from Harrington Township the same year. (Colorized)

Back to school in newly minted Northvale

September 6, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

NORTHVALE, N.J.–The first school in Northvale, named for the patriot Nathan Hale, was constructed in 1909. A modest wooden structure, it burned to the ground just a few years after […]

The student body of Hillsdale’s first school with teacher William W. Banta. The young teacher was in charge of this entire group in the one-room schoolhouse.

The old one-room schoolhouse

September 5, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

HILLSDALE, N.J.—The first school in Hillsdale, built in 1856, sat on Pascack Road near its intersection with Hillsdale Avenue. During the first year, enrollment at the school was 36 students. […]

The students of Park Ridge posed for this photograph outside their schoolhouse in the late 1880s. The first Monday of September meant back-to-school time. (Colorized photo)

Back to school at Park Ridge, round about 1890

August 29, 2026 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE, N.J.—Laptops? Air-conditioned schools? Artificial intelligence?! This group would have settled for indoor plumbing. As we send the kids back to school, let’s take a look at one of […]

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