PASCACK VALLEY—In 1889, the first newspaper serving the Pascack Valley was founded in the form of the Park Ridge Local. Compiled by editors John C. Storms and James B.H. Storms, two brothers, it featured local news on its front page, followed by three pages of syndicated content—short stories, fashion advice, and agricultural tips. In 1895, the brothers branched out with the Westwood Chronicle, another weekly paper. The Chronicle ran through the 1950s.
The Pascack Historical Society—which the Storms brothers also founded—has an extensive archive of these old papers. The particulars of daily life printed in their pages paint a picture of a bygone age in the Pascack Valley. The rural way of life was giving way to suburbia, but we weren’t quite there yet.
Here, we take a look at the local news of 110 years ago, as printed in the Feb. 17, 1916 edition of the Westwood Chronicle.
- J.B. Matienzo, of Jefferson Avenue, will drive a new automobile this season, which he has just purchased.
- The cold snap of the season prevailed Monday night. Tuesday morning temperatures were reported at from 6 to 12 degrees below zero, and the plumbers were kept busy repairing frozen water pipes. Sleighing as good as any of this season—or any other season, for that matter—is here at present.
- Foundations for two new houses in Hegeman Park have been laid, one by Mrs. Snorden, on Pleasant Avenue; and the other on Westwood Boulevard, by Rev. J.H. Hartley, pastor of the First African M.E. Church. Lewis Sugland is clearing his land, on which he proposes to establish a big poultry farm.
- Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 9, the Westwood High School girls defeated the Suffern girls at basketball in the Suffern gym. The score at the end of the first half was 2–1 in Suffern’s favor; the second half ended 3–3. It was decided to play until one team scored, and for the first time this season the Suffern team suffered defeat.
- Showtimes for the Casino Theater, Westwood: Saturday, Feb. 19 brings Lenore Ulrich, star of The Bird of Paradise, in Kilmeny; and Mary Pickford in Fanchon the Cricket on Washington’s Birthday. Matinees at 3:30 on both dates; evening shows at 8:15. On Wednesday, Feb. 23, Pauline Frederick appears in one of the greatest features on the Paramount Programme: Sold. (8:15 only.)
- The Hillsdale–Westwood Equal Suffrage League will give its first entertainment—a cake sale—at the residence of Mrs. H.M. Kyle, corner of Magnolia and Large avenues, Hillsdale, on Saturday afternoon. No admission will be charged, but there will be music during the afternoon. Ice cream, tea, and cake will be served at moderate prices. The league, which now numbers 63 members and is growing rapidly, was organized in January as a branch of the New Jersey Woman Suffrage Organization.
- The barn dance given by the young people of the Emerson Catholic church was well attended and was a great success. The firehouse was suitably decorated for the occasion, and excellent music was furnished for the dancing.
- The Westwood mayor and council met Tuesday evening. Bills of $138.61 were ordered paid. Mayor Brickell objected to one bill of $2 for taking three men—who asked for a night’s lodging—to the lockup. The bill was held up. The mayor also reported on a proposition to require the Hackensack Water Co. to extend its mains out on Fourth Avenue.
- In Fire Department news, the Borough Council authorized coats, hats, and buckles lettered W.F.D., as well as the purchase of service helmet fronts, three cap shields, six collar decorations, and chemicals for fire extinguishers. The hose of Hose Company No. 1 will be painted with one white stripe; the hose of Hose Company No. 2 will be painted with two white stripes. The borough is soliciting bids for installing a steam heating system in the truck house.
- The Borough Council voted to purchase a revolver, plus a holster and 50 cartridges, for $16, for a police marshal.
- The Westwood Millinery Shop has hats for early spring, ranging in price from $3.50 to $7.50.
- $250 cash buys a seven-room home, corner plot opposite Foresters’ Hall [Kinderkamack Road], Park Ridge. Contact Schlueter, Park Ridge.
- From the joke column: Mr. Oldwed—Did I talk in my sleep last night? // Mrs. Oldwed—You were talking, but I’m sure you were not asleep. // Mr. Oldwed—Why so? // Mrs. Oldwed—Most of your talk was about how much you thought of my mother.
Items for sale
- Mrs. Page in Park Ridge has 14 Rhode Island Red chickens for sale.
- Mrs. J.J. Hopper in Montvale has a top buggy and bob sleighs.
- R.W. Howth, in Pearl River, is advertising a six-cylinder Stevens-Duryea three-passenger touring car, first-class condition.
- Just $12 will get you a full bedroom set with box spring and hair mattress from Mrs. Fink on Washington Avenue in Hillsdale.
- Albert Seidler in Woodcliff Lake has a good work horse he is looking to rehome, and also a surrey.
- Mr. Avenengo on Grand Avenue in Montvale has an array of items for sale. For the house: three beds, four bureaus, chiffonier, armchairs, rockers, Morris chair, parlor table, large iron parlor lamp, lot of pictures with frames, bookcase, blue-flame three-burner oil stove, kerosene oil heater, and kitchen utensils. For the farm: a good horse, two wagons, horse rake, mowing machine, incubator with 250-egg capacity, and brooders.
- Garret Cronk Jr.’s Westwood livery stable offers first-class driving turnouts, carting, express, hauling, etc. Blacksmithing, horseshoeing, wheelwrighting, rubber tires.
- Come to the Westwood Auto Garage, opposite the train depot, to see the Overland Model 79 touring car. Complete, $950. Ask for a demonstration.
- Those looking to rent can obtain a five-room cottage, wired for electric light, with running water in the kitchen. Inquire of Mrs. J. Leach, Park Ridge. There is also a seven-room house available on Kinderkamack Road in Park Ridge; it, too, has running water in the kitchen. Rent is $12 a month.
- For those looking to buy, Fred Herring in Park Ridge has a house for sale: six large rooms, one small room, hot and cold water in the kitchen, a new hot-air furnace, and electric lights and fixtures throughout. On the main county road, seven minutes from the Park Ridge depot; three minutes to school. Price $3,500 with half-acre plot; or $3,000 with 70-by-150.