ALPINE, N.J.—The historic Kearney House is the oldest structure in the Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey. Today it is kept as a historic house that is open on weekend afternoons during the warm-weather months for visitors to explore and learn about. But a century and a half ago, a widow named Rachel Kearney kept a riverfront tavern here—even as she brought up her nine children in the same house.
Mrs. Kearney’s tavern became a favorite haunt of river captains and the crews of the sailing vessels that came and went daily from the docks at Closter Landing—now the park’s Alpine Boat Basin area—as well as for the quarrymen, dock workers, and tradesmen who called the Landing home.
From 7–9 p.m. during a trio of July evenings, park staff will continue the tradition of Rachel Kearney as they invite visitors to leave the 21st century for a few hours and return to a time of simpler pleasures.
During the programs—called “Behind the Times at Mrs. Kearney’s Tavern,” and set for Tuesday evenings, July 9 and 23, and Friday evening, July 19—staff dressed in period garb will serve lemonade, watermelon, and other summer treats for visitors (adults are welcome to bring their own beer or wine if they wish), as they share tales of life along the river in the days of steamboats and sloops.
Outside on the lawn, staff will instruct children of all ages in the techniques of “roll-the-hoop” and a ring-toss game called “graces.” Indoors, along with lively conversation, guests can spar with one another over homemade checkers and backgammon sets.
Throughout, Thaddeus MacGregor—a musician and teacher from Englewood, as well as the historic house’s official “tavern musician”—will entertain visitors with music and songs of Mrs. Kearney’s day, while at around 8:30 each evening, Eric Nelsen, a historical interpreter who manages the site, will read aloud from a story, poem, or essay of the period.
The Kearney House is on the riverfront at the Alpine Picnic Area & Boat Basin, accessible from the park’s Alpine entrance at Palisades Interstate Parkway Exit 2, or from the light at Alpine Approach Road and U.S. Route 9W.
To be held rain or shine, the “Behind the Times” programs are free and open to all (a donation box will be by the front door for those who wish to contribute), no reservations are needed to attend, and visitors can come and go as they wish over the course of the program. For information or directions, visit njpalisades.org/tavern or call (201) 768-1360, ext. 108.
