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.

BACK IN TIME: Armed with Shotguns, The Men Went Ghost Hunting

October 29, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

Who doesn’t love a good ghost story at Halloween? For this one, we go all the way back to November 1901, when people swore they were seeing an apparition on […]

BACK IN TIME: Halloween at the Fox Plaza Theater, 1949

October 29, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

We go back 70 years to Halloween of 1949: Some of the most popular costumes were cowboys, skeletons, witches, and clowns, and the kiddies were invited to show off their […]

BACK IN TIME: A Trophy-Winning Halloween Costume

October 28, 2019 Northern Valley Press

CLOSTER, N.J.—We go back 60 years for this vintage Halloween gem that was submitted to Northern Valley Press by one of our readers, Closter native Lorraine Zampolino Bianco. The Taaz […]

This Week In Local History: A New School at Park Ridge

October 22, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

PARK RIDGE, N.J.—A local newspaper described it as “one of the largest audiences ever assembled in that growing borough.” Residents and dignitaries gathered at Foresters’ Hall on Kinderkamack Road in […]

This Week in Local History: A New Bridge Across The Hudson River

October 22, 2019 Kristin Beuscher

FORT LEE, N.J.—The George Washington Bridge was dedicated Oct. 24, 1931 amid great fanfare. Over 30,000 people (equivalent to the population of the entire Northern Valley from Old Tappan down […]

Effort Underway To Save Historic Taylor-Bliss House

October 16, 2019 Northern Valley Press

The following was submitted to Northern Valley Press by Irmari Nacht, co-president of the Englewood Historical Society. ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—The Taylor Bliss house, built circa 1876, on the corner of Hudson […]

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 […]

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