June 8, 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.

THIS WEEK IN LOCAL HISTORY: Old Tappan Begins Life As A Borough

October 15, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

OLD TAPPAN, N.J.—The Borough of Old Tappan’s incorporation became official this week 125 years ago, on Oct. 18, 1894. It joined 26 Bergen County municipalities that formed in the same […]

THIS WEEK IN LOCAL HISTORY: Woodcliff’s First Borough Meeting

October 15, 2019 Pascack Press

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.—This week 125 years ago, on Oct. 16, 1894, Woodcliff had its first council meeting—at the home of the borough’s first mayor, Samuel Burrage Reed. Back in August, […]

BACK IN TIME: Borough Was Quick To Tackle ‘Wheelmen’

October 15, 2019 Pascack Press

WESTWOOD, N.J.—Years before cars, trucks, and SUVs had joggers fearing for their lives on our suburban streets, bicycles were the scourge of pedestrians in the Pascack Valley. After Westwood broke […]

BACK IN TIME: Doctors Take On the Lawyers at Englewood Field Club

October 4, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

ENGLEWOOD, N.j.—In the event of a personal injury, the players had all the bases covered. This week back in 1911, Northern Valley doctors took on the area’s lawyers in a […]

Go Back In Time At Historic Kearney House This Fall

October 4, 2019 Northern Valley Press

ALPINE, N.J.—The historic Kearney House in the Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey hosts a number of events each year when visitors can experience what life may have been like […]

BACK IN TIME: A New Life for Closter School

October 2, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

CLOSTER, N.J.—This week we take a look back at the Closter School—later Village Middle School—which will soon get a new life as affordable housing. The Closter Public School at Durie […]

BACK IN TIME: A Black Cat And A Feud Between Neighbors

September 27, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

EMERSON, N.J.—We go back 125 years for a strange tale out of Etna—an earlier name for Emerson—that appeared in newspapers all over the country. Little rural Etna had fewer than […]

BACK IN TIME: Two Survive Train Crash

September 27, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

An Old Tappan husband and wife were seriously injured—but recovered—after their automobile was struck by a train at the Blanche Avenue crossing in Norwood on Sept. 27, 1929. Authorities regarded […]

BACK IN TIME: Englewood, N.J. in 1880

September 27, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

Can you imagine Englewood ever looking like this? This photo goes back to 1880 and looks down Palisade Avenue, eastward across the railroad tracks. Back then, decades before cars would […]

BACK IN TIME: Tenafly Tigers Show Their Stripes

September 17, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

TENAFLY, N.J.—We go back 80 years to the football season of 1939 for this photo of the Tenafly Tigers, snapped on the steps of their high school. Tenafly’s striped uniforms […]

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