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.

Two homes fall to blaze in Etna

November 11, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY—This week in history: A fire at Etna. We go back 120 years, to mid- November 1902, when a fire took out two homes in Emerson—or as it was […]

Cold bet: ‘Loser wades the brook’

November 6, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY—This week in local history: A chilly challenge. We go back 130 years to November 1892, when Republican Frederick Van Riper and Democrat Gilliam Ackerman made an election wager […]

Ghostly folklore of the Glen

October 31, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY AREA—Atkins Glen has been a part of the culture of the Pascack Valley for generations. A deep ravine cut through the sandstone by the Bear Brook, the spot […]

They were ready for some football!

October 22, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

WESTWOOD—With this photograph we go back 90 years to Westwood High School’s football team of the 1932 season. What makes this one extra special is that the individual players signed […]

What a difference 100 years makes

October 15, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY—This week in 1925, the Park Ridge Local newspaper published a front page story with the the following headline: “Farm property is being bought for development.” In 2022 those […]

A local favorite of autumns long ago

October 10, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

MONTVALE—Around 1910, Garret Hering’s saw mill was on Grand Avenue across from where the Montvale Post Office now stands. In the autumn, beginning at the turn of the century, the […]

Valley’s past bears crisp autumn notes

October 4, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY—A news report from October 1960 lamented the loss of Bergen County farmland. At the time, the latest census data showed that Bergen was down to 384 farms, totaling […]

Fond remembrance: Valley Fair

September 26, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

HILLSDALE—Fries and a Coke, anyone? We have a sneaking suspicion that many people reading this pulled up a seat at this luncheonette counter on more than one occasion. You could […]

Montvale had ‘McDonald’s’ first

September 18, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

MONTVALE—The name McDonald’s stirs up a lot of nostalgia for Pascack Valley natives of a certain age—but their fond memories have nothing to do with Happy Meals or Big Macs. […]

How many had entered that archway?

September 10, 2022 Kristin Beuscher

EMERSON—When this photo was taken, in 1930, this building, at 184 Kinderkamack Road in Emerson, was home to Bamond’s Grocery Store. Note the Ford Model A coupe. The store was […]

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