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.

BACK IN TIME: The Wolgast Family’s Farmhouse

September 17, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—Depending on how long you’ve lived in the area, your memories of the corner of Pascack and Ridgewood roads in the Township of Washington will vary widely. […]

BACK IN TIME: A Local Love Affair That Led To A Lawsuit

September 16, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

We go back 125 years in the Northern Valley for a story of a jilted woman who turned to the law for vindication. The following article, reprinted in its entirety, […]

BACK IN TIME: Six Decades Of Labor Day Traditions Continue In Closter

September 6, 2019 Susan McTigue

Editor’s note: The Borough of Closter Labor Day festivities were postponed until Saturday, Sept. 7 due to rain CLOSTER, N.J.—As summer winds down and the Labor Day weekend approaches, former […]

BACK IN TIME: The Old One-Room Schoolhouse

September 3, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

HILLSDALE, N.J.—The first school in Hillsdale, built in 1856, sat on Pascack Road at its intersection with Hillsdale Avenue. In its first year, enrollment at the school was 36 students. […]

BACK IN TIME: Hanging Out At Tenafly’s First Public School

September 3, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

TENAFLY, N.J.—Can you imagine a scene like this taking place today? Below, kids are all over Tenafly’s first public school—and no safety nets in sight!—in a photograph taken around 1890. […]

BACK IN TIME: The summer of ’49 Comes To a Close

August 26, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

PALISADES INTERSTATE PARK, N.J.—Nestled in the wooded cliffs off the Palisades Interstate Parkway between exits 2 and 3 stands the State Line Cafe, otherwise known as the Lookout Inn. Cozy, […]

BACK IN TIME: The circus that no kids could attend

August 19, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—Pictured here, a scene from August of 1931 shows the Downie Bros. Wild Animal Circus as it parades through downtown Englewood. This photo was taken on Palisade Avenue. In […]

BACK IN TIME: Four Corners in River Vale

August 19, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

Hey, Pascack Valley natives! How many of these shops can you remember? The shopping center at Four Corners in River Vale (Westwood Avenue and Rivervale Road) is shown in this […]

BACK IN TIME: An August Tradition: The Feast of St. Rocco

August 16, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

EMERSON, N.J.—When Southern Italians settled in Emerson during the early 20th century, many of their old world customs followed. Not the least of these were Catholic traditions, including the veneration […]

BACK IN TIME: Cyclone wreaks havoc in Northern Valley

August 15, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

NORTHERN VALLEY AREA, N.J.—We go back 80 years to Aug. 11, 1913—the day that a “cyclonic wind” ripped apart buildings, uprooted trees, and even killed one man in Bergen County. […]

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