October 12, 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.

BACK IN TIME: Christmas in the Kinderkamack Countryside

December 23, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

EMERSON, N.J.—German-born Daniel and Christina Heck first moved to Kinderkamack, later renamed Emerson, in 1869 and bought the land consisting of an old house, barn, outbuildings and 63 acres of […]

BACK IN TIME: A Century Ago, the Victrola was a Hot Ticket at Christmas

December 23, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—Long before anybody wanted the latest iPhone for Christmas, the Victrola phonograph was a hot ticket during the holiday season of 1919. You could pick one up at the […]

BACK IN TIME: Winter fun at Demarest Duck Pond

December 23, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

Welcome winter! The season officially began Saturday, Dec. 21. Here’s a look back at a winter past, when some local folks made the best of the frigid weather by ice […]

BACK IN TIME: A Tale of Tenafly’s Brand of Aristocracy

December 20, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

For anyone who watched the PBS period drama “Downton Abbey,” the following century-old scenario might conjure up memories of the tragic love story of Lady Sybil and Crawley family chauffeur […]

BACK IN TIME: Down the Lane in Englewood

December 9, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

We go back to the age of tophats and pocket watches for this photograph of the dapper fellows of Englewood’s Bowling Club. Much about this photograph is a mystery. We […]

BACK IN TIME: The Early Days in Northvale

December 9, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

In 1909, the New Jersey Bureau of Labor and Statistics produced a book called “The Industrial Directory of New Jersey.” Intended for businessmen, it had a profile on each town […]

BACK IN TIME: Closter School Got its Start During World War II

December 2, 2019 Susan McTigue

CLOSTER, N.J.—On Dec. 7, Closter’s Lindgren School and Summer Camp is inviting alumni and their families to celebrate its 75 years of serving the community, often now with third generation […]

BACK IN TIME: A $1 Thanksgiving Dinner at Koenig’s

November 27, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

This week we go back to Thanksgiving of 1935—when the holiday fell on Nov. 28, as it does this year, and you could get a full dinner in Hillsdale for […]

BACK IN TIME: Closter Site Has Been a Restaurant—With Many Owners— Since 1920s

November 27, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

CLOSTER, N.J.—For those who wanted to eschew the traditional Thanksgiving dinner at home back in 1959, there were many Northern Valley restaurants offering to do the cooking. In Closter, you […]

RETREAT TO VICTORY: Educational Events will recollect ‘Times That Tried Men’s Souls’

November 18, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

FORT LEE, N.J.—During the weekend of Nov. 23-24, historical re-enactors and the public at large will gather at Fort Lee Historic Park to commemorate the 243rd anniversary of what has […]

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