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.

Remembering the fallen: Pascack Valley has proud tradition in Memorial Day

May 29, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY–Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day. The annual remembrance, which came about in the 1860s to honor those who died in the Civil War, was so named […]

Suburbia goes grocery shopping: Population influx gives rise to township’s master plan

May 22, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—At the dawn of the 1960s, things were changing fast in the Township of Washington. A postwar Baby Boom and construction surge had brought unprecedented population growth to […]

The life and times of Pascack Inn

May 13, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE—Here’s a throwback that only the long-timers will remember. The Pascack Inn used to stand on the north side of Madison Avenue between Hawthorne Avenue and the railroad tracks, […]

‘The burglars at once disappeared…’

May 6, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

EMERSON—The following article appeared in The Paterson News on May 12, 1905. In the early 20th century, Etna was the name for what is now the Borough of Emerson. The […]

Fun with Uncle Ed and the Township’s Fair Play Club

May 1, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—Who remembers Washington Township’s Fair Play Club? Maybe you were a member of this club as a youngster, or you had a brother who was. Ridgewood Road resident […]

Harrington Park’s Beer Parade

May 1, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

HARRINGTON PARK—One of our favorite photographs taken in Northern Valley history is the one above, depicting the Beer Parade in Harrington Park on May 17, 1932. Knicker-clad boys hold signs […]

When women worked a revolution

April 23, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE—The weather is warming in our little corner of the world, and people are getting outside more. If you lived in the Pascack Valley around 1900, one of the […]

Acting Owls Took on Shakespeare

April 14, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE—A century ago, Park Ridge High School’s senior class brought down the house with its production of Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” presented in the school auditorium April 20–21, […]

160-year-old scene on West Street

March 5, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

CLOSTER, NJ — The United States was embroiled in the Civil War, but West Street in Closter presented a tranquil scene in this photograph taken in the winter of 1863. On […]

News classic: Fire chief averts panic

March 5, 2023 Kristin Beuscher

WESTWOOD—Hearing someone shout Fire! in a crowded theater is such cause for panic that this scenario is often used as an example of the limits of free speech. It was […]

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