Check your mailboxes, Ridgewood! The 2026 Village of Ridgewood Calendar is officially on its way to residents, and this year’s edition is more than just a schedule—it’s a curated gallery of our community’s rich, 300-year history
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, this year, the Village has traded modern snapshots for a stunning collection of historic photographs. From the early days of Dutch farming to the Victorian-era railroad boom, each month offers a window into the iconic buildings and long-standing traditions that make the Garden State’s premier suburb so unique.
🏛️ From Godwinville to Ridgewood: A Timeline of Transformation
Ridgewood didn’t always have its famous name or its bustling downtown. The 2026 calendar traces our evolution through three distinct eras:
1. Early Settlement and Agriculture (1698–1800s)
Long before it was a commuter hub, Ridgewood was a wild landscape of streams and forests.
-
Dutch Roots: The area was first settled by Jersey Dutch families. The earliest recorded land purchase was a 1698 deed by Johannes Van Emburgh.
-
Revolutionary War Significance: The Old Paramus Reformed Church (established 1725) isn’t just a landmark; it was a strategic site during the American Revolution. In 1778, it served as the somber backdrop for the court-martial of General Charles Lee.
-
What’s in a Name? In 1810, the community was known as Newton, later renamed Godwinville in 1829 to honor local Revolutionary War hero Abraham Godwin.
2. The Railroad Revolution (1850–1900)
The arrival of the New Jersey Midland Railroad in the mid-19th century changed everything.
-
Commuter Culture: The tracks transformed Ridgewood from a rural farming village into a “prosperous residential suburb” for those working in New York City.
-
Official Incorporation: On November 20, 1894, the Village of Ridgewood was officially incorporated, carving out its own identity in Bergen County.
-
First Responders: The calendar pays tribute to the Ridgewood Fire Department, established in 1897 with its first station on Hudson Street.
3. The Modern Era & Architectural Heritage
By the early 20th century, Ridgewood began to look like the village we recognize today.
-
“Tree City”: Did you know our famous shade trees were a planned effort? In the early 1900s, a dedicated commission planted thousands of trees, earning Ridgewood its “Tree City” reputation.
-
Iconic Landmarks: Keep an eye out for the Ridgewood Train Station (built in 1916) and the development of Graydon Park, which was famously designed around a historic sycamore tree.
-
Post-War Growth: The 1950s brought developments like “The Lawns,” introducing the Cape Cod-style homes that define many of our neighborhoods today.
📅 What to Watch For in Your Mailbox
The 2026 calendar is a must-keep for history buffs and longtime residents alike. Beyond the beautiful archival imagery, it serves as your essential guide for the coming year, including:
-
Holiday Garbage & Recycling Schedules (including the January tree pickups!)
-
Village Council Meeting Dates
-
Local Events and Seasonal Traditions
Note to Residents: If you haven’t received your calendar by the end of the first week of January, extra copies are typically available at Village Hall or the Ridgewood Public Library.
Ridgewood History Fast Facts
| Era | Key Event |
| 1698 | First land deed recorded by Johannes Van Emburgh |
| 1778 | General Charles Lee court-martialed at Old Paramus Church |
| 1829 | Renamed “Godwinville” |
| 1894 | Officially incorporated as a Village |
| 1916 | Current Ridgewood Train Station constructed |
I hope they post all the old pictures. Love that stuff.
“Tree City.”
Is that supposed to be a joke?