September 6, 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 striking impression in Park Ridge

February 4, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE—By Industry We Flourish. Those four words appear on Park Ridge’s borough crest, but the motto didn’t just come out of nowhere. These days it’s mostly history-minded people who […]

Back in Time

Vintage view down Hillsdale Avenue

January 21, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

HILLSDALE—It was a moment in time captured: A view into downtown Hillsdale in the winter of 1978. The first thing most will notice in the photograph above is the police […]

Warm up at Merusi’s Tavern

January 7, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

WOODCLIFF LAKE—Come on in! Pull up a seat! Merusi’s Tavern was at 62 Broadway at the corner of Lincoln Avenue. The photograph above, from the Pascack Historical Society’s archives, was […]

Remembering Jerry’s Villa Montvale

January 1, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

MONTVALE—Having stood for decades at Spring Valley Road and Summit Avenue, Jerry’s Villa was the scene of so many banquets, parties, weddings, and other events that it was more of […]

A tale of two fire departments

December 24, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—It has been a busy time for Township of Washington firefighters. Beyond their usual job of keeping us safe, there have been fire truck escorts for Santa Claus, […]

At the ‘last’ Kmart’s first Christmas

December 17, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

WESTWOOD—The Kmart at 700 Broadway opened in autumn 1982. Forty years later it is one of only three remaining Kmart stores in the country, and the last in New Jersey. […]

Town & Country Music had it all

December 11, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

WESTWOOD—How about this blast from the past! We go back 45 years to the holiday season of 1977, when this advertisement for Town & Country Music came out. It was […]

December 4, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

WESTWOOD—A large part of Westwood Avenue used to be lined with houses. The image above, from the early 1900s, probably was taken around this time of year — the trees […]

The Park Avenue Hotel of yore

November 27, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE—As we enjoy these last weeks of autumn and trees shed the last of their leaves, we go back to a similar time of year long ago. The photograph […]

1942: A wartime Thanksgiving

November 20, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY—This week we turn back 80 years, to 1942, to when A&P published this advertisement a few days before Thanksgiving. The Pascack Valley had a couple of A&P locations […]

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