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 Park Ridge for a ceremony to dedicate the borough’s new school on Friday evening, Oct. 22, 1909—110 years ago this week.
One would think the ceremony would have taken place at the school itself. It was held at Foresters’ Hall, Mayor Frank Mittag explained at the time, because the new school’s assembly room was not large enough to contain all of the invited guests.
Mayor Mittag, with a broad smile, gave a short welcoming address that was punctuated by plenty of humor. “Brevity is the soul of wit,” he told the audience, as he introduced former school trustee Adolph H. Barkerding.
Said Barkerding of the new school, “A great thing has been accomplished; an important epoch in the town’s history. It will prove a drawing card to attract a better element to Park Ridge. From it will radiate many opportunities and it will certainly prove a magnificent investment.”
By the turn of the 20th century, the existing school in Park Ridge had become overcrowded due to an increasing local population. A town size of 870 people in 1900 had grown to 1,400 residents by 1910. Classes were being held on fire escapes, stairways and even in the principal’s private office to stretch the available space.
Mayor James Leach deeded to the school system a corn field at the corner of Park Avenue and Main Street (now Pascack Road) for the construction of a new school. Built facing Park Avenue, the new facility had 12 rooms, was made of brick, and was constructed at a total cost of $40,000—equivalent to about $1.13 million today.
The school housed all grades, from kindergarten through high school, and for many years it was the only high school in the area.
County Superintendent B.C. Wooster said that the Park Ridge school was indicative of a change taking place throughout Bergen County—people were realizing the importance of education.
“I don’t believe any of the wildest flights of fancy in Park Ridge 10 years ago ever anticipated such a handsome structure as you have just built here,” he said. “It is a lasting memorial to your public spirit. … Five years ago the public school property in Bergen County amounted to about $1 million. Now it is valued at $3.5 million. That shows how educational matters are progressing in our midst.”
John R. Wilson, former principal at Park Ridge, added, “This community has caught the progressive sentiment of the 20th century.”
Of course, through a 21st century lens we know that the school wasn’t the “lasting memorial” they hoped it would be. In June of 1920 the school burned down on the morning of final exams. Still, the 1909 edifice had set the stage for modern educational standards in Park Ridge.
The school was rebuilt, designed to be fireproof and four times larger, and that building still stands as the present Park Ridge High School. Opened in September 1922, the school housed students of Park Ridge, Montvale, Woodcliff Lake and Hillsdale until Pascack Valley Regional High School opened in 1955.
