January 24, 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.

Giving rise to a reservoir: Politics, fortitude, and, sadly, prejudice in origin of a local gem

August 12, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

WOODCLIFF LAKE—It is difficult to imagine our Pascack Valley landscape without Woodcliff Reservoir. Yet this enormous body of water, with a capacity of 871 million gallons, did not always exist. […]

The party’s at St. Mary’s

August 6, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE—The first week of August 1903, Park Ridge was the place to be in the Pascack Valley. Folks from all over flocked to the little town, then home to […]

Valley got its tennis on in the 1930s

July 23, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE—Just look at those cars! This 1930s photograph shows the tennis courts that once stood where the Park Ridge firehouse does now, behind borough hall, on Park Avenue. These […]

‘Healthiest region east of the Rockies’

July 16, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

MONTVALE—Powhatan Park was a colony of summer homes developed in Montvale in the 1910s. Today its grounds would include Waverly, Forest, and Westmoreland avenues, off the north side of East […]

An escape from the tenements

July 7, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

WOODCLIFF—July 12: “Major Glenn, of the Volunteers of America, a warm friend of General Ballington Booth, has arranged to give a week’s outing in the country to mothers and infants […]

Iron Horse sold but memories power on

July 2, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

WESTWOOD—After 50 years, Lee and Annie Tremble are turning over the Iron Horse restaurant to a new owner. It opens a new chapter for them, as well as in the […]

Summers at Pine Lodge in the 1930s

June 23, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—Pine Lake, which was at the northwest corner of Pascack and Ridgewood roads, was a popular recreation attraction from the 1930s to the 1970s. Especially loved by area […]

Hillsdale kids of 1935 onward, upward

June 17, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

HILLSDALE—Hillsdale’s eighth-grade graduating class numbered 28 when this commencement photo was snapped in June 1935. The kids attended what was then called the Hillsdale Public School. Located at Hillsdale and […]

Motoring through Westwood, 1912

June 12, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

WESTWOOD—The viewer was looking up Main Street from Railroad Avenue. Nowadays, using the modern names, we would say it is looking up Westwood Avenue from Broadway. This was an era […]

All Aboard For Summer of ’66: Memory lane via the Hackensack and New York R.R.

June 5, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE—Can you remember when Park Ridge looked like this? The photo above goes back to the summer of 1966, and the view looks down the tracks toward Park Avenue. […]

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