November 2, 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.

When corn became contraband

August 25, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

PASCACK VALLEY—In summer 1930, transporting an ear of corn into New Jersey was a serious offense. Caught smuggling the crop? You faced a fine of $500—a nearly $10,000 chunk of […]

Onlookers fill Bergen Street as firefighters douse flames in the Bergen Building, March 10, 1911.

Englewood’s Bergen Building has withstood time (and fire)

August 8, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

ENGLEWOOD—It was August 1900 when the first shovels hit the dirt at Engle and Bergen streets, marking the beginning of the Bergen Building. A three-story brick structure would soon rise […]

Depot Square, 1895: a borough on the rise

August 2, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE—This week we go back 130 years with a snapshot of local life in the last decade of the 19th century. You are looking at downtown Park Ridge in […]

A view in Hillsdale in the 1930s. This angle looks west on Hillsdale Avenue (toward the downtown) from Magnolia Avenue. The Methodist church in its original location is on the far left. That site is now a parking lot. The area on the right is now a baseball field.

The Man Outside the Window

July 21, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

HILLSDALE, N.J.—This week we go back to summer 1930, when the people of Hillsdale were as frustrated as they were frightened. For six weeks the borough was plagued by a […]

A dollar ride to summer: Laurel Lake and Pascack Pool

July 14, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

THE PASCACK VALLEY—In summer 1952, Park Ridge taxi drivers likely were brushing sand from their seats after every run. The company was offering a special promotion: $1 would get your […]

In news articles of the 1920s, this section of open space in downtown Westwood was often referred to as Center Park. With the new station built there, in the 1930s it became Station Plaza Park. On Memorial Day in 1949, it was renamed Veterans Memorial Park.

Across the dirt road: A long-ago scene in downtown Westwood

July 11, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

WESTWOOD, N.J.—Photographed from across an (unpaved) Washington Avenue, this is the park in downtown Westwood as it looked around 1910. Of course, minus the leafy canopy, walkways, bandstand, and war […]

The brief ride of a would-be horse thief

July 4, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—In 2025 it’s common to see police reports about stolen luxury cars. Go back 115 years, however, and it was horse thievery that had Northern Valley residents worried. In […]

The Washington Villa succeeded El Chuchuracho in 1936, but this image gives a sense of the building's appearance.

‘The hottest spot in Jersey’ (for a minute)

July 3, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—Maybe the 450 people who lived in the Township of Washington in 1935 just weren’t ready for a place as exotic sounding as El Chuchuracho. This self-proclaimed […]

Help build the museum at the bridge that saved a nation

July 2, 2025 Staff

Bergen County Historical Society launches July 4 campaign to honor America’s 250th with bold new history center at New Bridge Landing RIVER EDGE, N.J. — As the nation prepares to celebrate […]

This view up Park Avenue toward Kinderkamack Road dates to the 1890s. Broadway branches to the right. On the left is a hotel—one of three in Park Ridge, when summers drew city vacationers. The road had not yet been paved, but plank sidewalks are placed thanks to the efforts of the Park Ridge Improvement Association.

Patriotic picnic helped illuminate Park Ridge

June 28, 2025 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE, N.J.— “Tomorrow is the Fourth of July. It is the day of the Improvement Association’s picnic. Extensive preparations have been made. There will be games, races, a ball […]

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