Tag: American History

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Revitalization of the “Old Burying Ground” near the Ho-Ho-Kus Train Station

Revitalization of the "Old Burying Ground"

photo by Stanley Kober

February 21,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ho Ho Kus NJ, an Eagle Scout is working on a Revitalization of the “Old Burying Ground” in Ho-Ho-Kus . The site is an area up by the train station near First Street and if you look down onto the large municipal parking lot on the right is the cemetery.

The Scout Alexander Melarti has done a nice job there and these last couple of items are putting a nice touch to his work to honor the families of the deceased.

From the go fund me page  https://www.gofundme.com/eagle-scout-proj-for-cemetery :

Eagle Scout Revitalization Project of “The Old Burying Ground”
Prepared by Alexander Melarti (Eagle Scout – Troop 7)
And
Stanley A. Kober (Historic Ho-Ho-Kus Researcher)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Eagle Scout candidate’s full legal name: ALEXANDER MELARTI

Eagle Scout Service Project Name: REVITALIZING OF “THE OLD BURYING GROUND”

“The project will take place on First street in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. There is a 200 year old cemetery where some of the Hopper and Zabriskie families are buried; the families were the first inhabitants of Ho-Ho-Kus, and a member of the Zabriskie’s built what is now called the Ho-Ho-Kus inn and tavern. The last time any proper care was given to the cemetery was in 2006. The shrubs that were planted behind the headstones have become overgrown, and fall over the graves. Weeds, leaves, and dead thicket cover most of the floor of the plot, and the tarp under the gravel path leading up from the parking lot is in disarray. There is also a slope on one side of the cemetery where erosion has created a side entrance to the lot.

“This project has 4 steps. The first is to fundraise for the materials and supplies needed. The Second Step is to clean out all the debris, and trim the shrubs hanging over the grave. The third step is to add stones to the eroded side entrance in an attempt to terrace the dirt. The gravel path will be redone, and wood chips will be laid down in the fenced in section of the lot to further prevent erosion. The last step is to repair and repaint the fence posts surrounding the lot. In addition there will be a bench, an interpretive panel outside the fenced in area, and some evergreen plantings inside the lot.

“The interpretive panel will contain a brief history of the cemetery’s occupants and the role they played in the town’s history It will be placed on the perimeter of the fence where it meets the gravel path. [added recently is the installation of a QR code on the plaque that will be linked to the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus Master Plan].

“The Bench will match the style of the other outdoor benches of the town; the bench is made of steel and extruded aluminum with a heat fused poly-vinyl coating. It will be placed parallel to the pathway, and two feet from the fence.” [Excerpted from Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook by Alexander Melarti dated 10/23/17]

The funds to be raised will cover the purchase of the Park Bench, the Interpretive Panel, shrubbery, and other assorted materials to make the historic family cemetery a place of honor for the families interred there. Some of the items are in the process of being ordered and it would be very beneficial for the funds to be received as soon as possible.

We are extremely grateful for whatever anyone may donate for this worthwhile Eagle Scout Project honoring these families.
LOCATION: The area up by the Ho-Ho-Kus train station is First Street and if you look down onto the large municipal parking lot, on your right is the cemetery. The young Scout has done a nice job there and these last couple of items are putting a nice touch to his work to honor the families of the deceased. Click on this link and it will take you to the site. https://goo.gl/maps/PDZha5kbGhr

 

click here to donate https://www.gofundme.com/eagle-scout-proj-for-cemetery

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So what exactly did the Zabriskie-Schedler House in Ridgewood actually look like?

Zabriskie-Schedler House , American History ,

February 19,2018

by John Paquin

Ridgewood NJ, So what exactly did the Zabriskie-Schedler House actually look like? Like this! Thought that might help the discussion. And best part is it’s all still right there. This is from a photo taken yesterday. the early and mid-20th C. additions have been stripped away — porches, dormer etc., to reveal the original structure. Chimneys “repaired”. Cedar shake siding that was likely done in the ’30’s removed to reveal the clapboard, corner boards and water board still almost certainly underneath. What you see is a classic farmhouse in the Federal style, popular between 1780-1830 or so. But built in the Dutch manner. in that regard very different from the dutch stone houses of the area. Federal style was typified by a simple clean approach, with broad, plain surfaces and “attenuated” detail — modest and clean. All reflecting the mood of the early republic. So modest details, minimal facia/soffits and overhang, and simple entry with plain transom. But that’s not to say this was a house of modest means! At a time when most houses in the area were a single story with a garret up above, a full second story would have been for someone of affluence. The simplicity is more a reflection of the style of the day. Historian @peggynorris in her great foundational work on this house shows that Mr. Zabriskie bought the land from the church in 1825, and that’s exactly when I would have placed this based on physical evidence. I suspect he began construction that year. But there’s a puzzle! we know the tree is about 230 years old — there since the republic’s founding in 1787! But that’s 35 years before the house. The architects who surveyed the property noted that the smaller wing may actually be earlier. I agree, and think the tree’s age, and this cleaned up image support that view. Simple, one-room houses were common for area tenant farmers. I think the wing is late 18th C., pre-dates the main house (and even Mr. Zabriskie’s ownership) and possibly as old as the tree. To the right there’s a fenced-in corn field across The West Saddle River Rd., and a period hay barrack back in the North Field. There are two liberties taken here: the Tree is it’s present size tho of course it should be much smaller. and the well and well-sweep are in the front year when in fact the remains of the well are in the same approx. position but behind the house. But here’s the thing — this is all present today. Relatively simple to return this house to it’s period correct appearance. I know cause I’ve done it myself.

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Ridgewood Historical Society Ready to Rollout it’s Next Exhibit

ridgewood Historical Society

February 8,2019

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Historical Society is looking for sponsors for its next exhibit . Next week the official poster is off to the printer. There is one more week for businesses to join our sponsors to be listed on this poster and other promotional materials.

Join the Ridgewood Historical Society by supporting this exhibit and our mission to provide a place of historic artifacts, history and education to our local schools and families right here in Ridgewood. To sponsor The Thread of Life exhibit, please call 201-447-3242 .

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Ridgewood Public Library Presents Rick Feingold on Aaron Burr the Man Who Killed Alexander Hamiliton

Duel

alexander hamilton, part three: aaron burr
Tue, January 30, 2018
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Ridgewood Public Library, 125 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450

January 27,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Alexander Hamilton, part three: Aaron Burr, Tuesday, January 30, 7pm. Rick Feingold on Burr, who killed Hamilton in a famous duel and was later tried for treason. With music from the Broadway show. All welcome, light refreshments.

Hamilton, An American Musical is the hottest ticket on Broadway and Aaron Burr is the villain. As a Lieutenant Colonel in the Revolutionary War he begins an unlawful relationship with the wife of a British Officer. Elected Vice President in 1800 under Thomas Jefferson he kills Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton in a famous duel in Weehawken, NJ. Burr gets away with murder but is later tried for treason. This program covers the women in Burr’s life and features music from the Broadway production including The Election of 1800 and the Hamilton Burr duel.

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A new way of thinking must exist in New Jersey when dealing with the threat facing historic structures

old parmaus church

photo courtesy of Denise Pierce Lima

December 27,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, the Bergen County Historical Society proposes that moving forward in the 21st Century, a new way of thinking must exist in New Jersey when dealing with the threat facing historic structures….the very structures that define who we are, whether they were built in the 18th century to the 20th century.

One example may for officials on the County or State level to look to a state like Virginia. which has an interesting program, Here is the report, while lengthy it shows the benefits of their plan which provides economic tax incentives that homeowners can or private small businesses can take advantage of to help in the restoration and maintenance of historic properties.

https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/pdf_files/VCU_Historic%20Tax%20Credit%20Report_FINAL_21-1-2014.pdf

There does seem to be a distinctive effort from certain sectors of our society to wipe out the past.

History is the study of the past as it is described in written documents. Events occurring before written record are considered prehistory. It is an umbrella term that relates to past events as well as the memory, discovery, collection, organization, presentation, and interpretation of information about these events. Scholars who write about history are called historians.

History is what makes you who you are now .

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Historical Archibald Vroom House in Ridgewood Named Historic Structures that Define the Community

Archibald Vroom House , Ridgewood NJ

December 26, 2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Bergen County Historical Society mention the Historical Archibald Vroom House, which adds, and does not detract, from the charming downtown. This is just one of many examples where historic structures add to the charm of an area but also are able to be reused in unique ways privately. These historic structures define our communities and who we are.

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The Ridgewood Historical Society Presents “LETTERS FROM HISTORY” Contest!

schoolhouse museum

November 29,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, In cooperation with the Ridgewood High School Social Studies department, Ridgewood Historical Society proudly presents:
“LETTERS FROM HISTORY” Contest!

Open to all RHS students. We challenge students to write a letter inspired by local history and the current exhibit at the Schoolhouse Museum.
• Write a 1-page letter about a war or revolution from the exhibit and an artifact on display. The letter must be from the perspective of a fictional person involved in some aspect of the historic time to a relative back in Ridgewood.
Examples: a soldier in World War I writing to parents; a Civil Rights worker writing to a sibling; a soldier in Vietnam writing to a friend. It should involve emotions people would have experienced—loneliness, fear, excitement, etc.—in the context of the specific time.

The museum is open Saturdays 1pm-3pm, Sundays 2pm-4pm, and Thursdays 1pm-3pm.

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Ridgewood Historical Society : OLD PARAMUS CHURCH TOUR

Ridgewood Historical Society : OLD PARAMUS CHURCH TOUR

Come out and visit us on Halloween Day from 11am to 1pm!

October 30,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Join a special OLD PARAMUS CHURCH TOUR as part of the village-wide Walktoberfest walking tours this month. Dacey Latham, of the Ridgewood Historical Society, will lead you through the Schoolhouse Museum, Old Paramus Reformed Church & cemetery and Valleau Cemetery (way before the sun sets!).
Sign up and learn more about this tour and others at RidgewoodWalks.com

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FDNY Lt. Joe Torillo (Ret.) who survived being buried twice on 9/11 detailed his experience on 9/11 to Midland Park Students

FDNY Lt

photos courtesy of Midland Park Police

October 13,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Midland Park NJ, Midland Park Police spoke at Midland Park High School Career day . According to the Midland Park Police ,they had an opportunity to meet many students at the MPK HS career day. They had a great time talking to the students and showing them some of the equipment we use.

The career day event was followed by an inspirational speaker. Lt. Joe Torillo (Ret.) FDNY who survived being buried twice on 9/11 detailed his experience on 9/11 and inspired all of us to be the best we can be. His story is miraculous and his message to the students was memorable. The link below is from one of his speaking events it’s worth viewing.

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Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47: this week is National Fire Prevention Week

Ridgewood Fire Electrical5 _fire_destroys_facad_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

October 11,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, according to Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47 this week is National Fire Prevention Week  . It is observed  during the week (from Sunday to Saturday) in which October 9th falls . October 9th is the day commemorating the Great Chicago Fire.

The Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire. On the 40th anniversary (1911) of the Great Chicago Fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (FMANA); the oldest membership section of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), sponsored the first National Fire Prevention Day, deciding to observe the anniversary as a way to keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. In May 1919, when the NFPA held its 23rd annual meeting in Ottawa at the invitation of the Dominion Fire Prevention Association (DFPA), the NFPA and DFPA both passed resolutions urging governments in the United States and Canada to support the campaign for a common Fire Prevention Day. This was expanded to Fire Prevention Week in 1922. The non-profit NFPA, which has officially sponsored Fire Prevention Week since its inception, selects the annual theme for Fire Prevention Week.

The first Presidential proclamation of Fire Prevention Week was made in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) continues to be the international sponsor of the week.

When President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week on October 4–10, 1925, he noted that in the previous year some 15,000 lives were lost to fire in the United States. Calling the loss “startling”, Coolidge’s proclamation stated: “This waste results from the conditions which justify a sense of shame and horror; for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented… It is highly desirable that every effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the national wealth”.

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UPDATE : the Ridgewood Craft Show

Ridgewood Craft Show

THIS EVENT IS THE RIDGEWOOD STREET FAIR CRAFT SHOW ON EAST RIDGEWOOD AVENUE , THERE IS NO CRAFT WAR WE WEE MISSINFORMED 

September 16 2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ho Ho Kus NJ, the Ridgewood Craft show will be held on September 17th on the grounds of the Hermitage in Ho Ho Kus. The Hermitage  is a historic site located in Ho ho kus ( next to Ridgewood) . The Hermitage is a fourteen-room Gothic Revival house museum built in 1847–48 from designs by William H. Ranlett for Elijah Rosencrantz, Jr. Members of the Rosencrantz family owned The Hermitage estate from 1807 to 1970.

The fair features sixty exhibitor with arts & crafts set up on the tree shaded front lawn in front of the Rosencrantz House. Admission is $4. For more information go to www.pjspromotions.com or call 201-666-1340

Sunday at 10 AM – 5 PM
335 North Franklin Tpke, Ho ho kus, N.J.

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The alt-left’s attack on history: And they think Trump’s crazy?

Democrats KKK

Updated on August 27, 2017 at 10:38 AM Posted on August 27, 2017 at 6:55 AM

By Paul Mulshine

Columnist, The Star-Ledger

Who’s buried in Grant’s Tomb?

That question used to be part of an old joke. But the answer might soon be “no one” if certain New York politicians get their way.

New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio has called for a review of the historic relevance of public monuments in the city. City Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito has said she wants Grant’s Tomb to be on the review list. It seems that during the Civil War, Grant issued an order expelling Jews from Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi in an effort to crack down on black-market trading.

Christopher Columbus is on the list as well, of course, and Columbus Circle and its giant statue of the explorer are under review as well.

All of this is part of that national effort by the left to cleanse history of  historical figures with checkered pasts.

That effort has been in the news ever since that fight in Charlottesville, Va., over the proposed removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

https://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/08/the_alt-lefts_attack_on_history_and_they_think_tru.html#incart_river_homen history: And they think Trump’s crazy

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Arcadia Publishing & The History Press Presents “Ridgewood” the Book

Ridgewood

“Ridgewood”

by M. Earl Smith with the Ridgewood Historical Society

Greetings from Ridgewood!

Given that Ridgewood lies within 20 miles of Lower Manhattan,it would be easy to dismiss this little town as another New York suburb. Settled by Johannes Van Emburgh in 1700, this slice of New Jersey was a pivotal safe haven for the founding fathers, such as George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr.

In 1894, the State of New Jersey incorporated the area as a village, and what followed were 100 years of business and
leisure with places like Woolworth’s, the Erie Railroad Company, and First National Bank dominating the landscape.

Today, Ridgewood serves as a home for those who wish to evade the city life of the boroughs. With its distinct mix of history and comfort, Ridgewood is unique in comparison to other towns in New Jersey and a fine place to call home.

M. Earl Smith is a graduate historian at the University of Pennsylvania, with a focus on history and literature,
while Ridgewood historian Dacey Latham is the president of the Ridgewood Historical Society. Created in 1972, the
Ridgewood Historical Society provided both images and background research for this book.

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Morris County GOP Freeholder candidate Speaks Out Against the Destruction of Public Monuments

Heather Darling For Morris County Freeholder

August 18,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood Blog

Succasunna NJ, Heather Darling ,Morris County GOP Freeholder candidate responded to the attempt to purge and cleanse American history thru the destruction of public monuments.

“The notion that by removing statues and monuments, we can somehow erase the past that brought us to this day is reminiscent of Orwell’s 1984. As I recall, the ideas set forth in that book seemed horrific to me when I read it years ago and they sit no better with me today. In a society where some seek individuality so strongly, it seems to be such a contrary notion that they would then gather, as individuals, to completely sanitize any record of individuality in favor of socialism.

“And if all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed – if all records told the same tale – then the lie passed into history and became truth. “Who controls the past,” ran the Party slogan, “controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.” And yet the past, though of its nature alterable, never had been altered. Whatever was true now was true from everlasting to everlasting. It was quite simple. All that was needed was an unending series of victories over your own memory. “Reality control,” they called it: in Newspeak, “doublethink”.”
-George Orwell 1984, Chapter 3, Paragraph 18

The United States is comprised of diverse people with individual histories from nations with histories. Those coming to our country for freedom neither seek to, nor should they, erase their history. By the same token, the history of the people in this country should not be erased.

This is not to say that I support what has occurred in any of our histories, as touring prison camps and museums in Europe was difficult for me for what my ancestors suffered there. However, that is part of my history. My ancestors rose up and overcame the oppression just as slavery was overcome in this country. Memorials, statues, buildings and sacred grounds are better seen as places we may go to pay tribute to those who suffered in order to teach us the lessons needed to bring us to the place we are today and serve as reminders of what we can never allow again. “

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Ridgewood Moves Forward in Preserving Local History with Restoration of Zabriskie-Schedler House

Save Our Schedler Members & Friends at the Schedler House3
June 15,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ellie Gruber thanked the current council for finally stepping up on the Schedler Property after years of neglect by previous Village councils. Gruber silenced critics on the Historic Preservation Grant Application and Restoration of Zabriskie-Schedler House as well as Schedler Park Property by pointing out that past neglect has only increased the cost to the current renovations and that costs are expected around the $400 thousand mark , the historical grant will pay for 1/2 of all the repairs .

Many residents  from the east side spoke on the value of preserving local history and creating a community center . The Zabriskie Schedler House (circa 1825) is one of the last wood framed house from that time period . Preservation will further enhance the Village’s cultural assets.

On August 2012 ,three Bergen County Freeholders came to see the Zabriskie-Schedler house . Freeholders Mitchell, DeNicola and Hermanson wanted to learn about the history of the house and property and offered to help us save the house.

In October of 2012 “Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh favored preserving the house on the property and said the proposal needs to incorporate more than walking paths to cover the passive recreation component. Mayor Paul Aronsohn looked to Habernickel Park and said the process to complete that park should be used as a model.”

At the time as a result of these meetings held on the Schedler property, the Open Space Committee made a presentation to the Mayor & Council that will set the stage for the future design of one of the last open spaces in the Village.

Many who attended the three meetings and voiced their opinions. Some of you talked about safety, the importance of “true” open spaces, balance between sports facilities and park-like settings. Most importantly, nobody spoke against the demolition of the Zabriskie-Schedler house, the 1820’s Dutch wood frame farm house that greets all of us who exit Route 17 and enter West Saddle River Road. The demolition of this home should be prevented because it is one of the last remaining wood structures connected to our past.

At the time a group was interested in using the house. Such group, the Bergen Museum of Art & Science is proposing to house some of its antique collections in the Zabriskie-Schedler House.

However the council majority at the time took a different direction focusing on the clear cutting the park and building a 90 foot baseball diamond , but a new broom sweeps clean and at the RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING AND PUBLIC WORKSHOP SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING. MAY 24, 2017

17-56 Award Professional Services Contract – Professional Historic Architectural Consultant – Zabriskie-Schedler House Stabilization Project (Phase I)(NTE $50,000) –

This resolution authorizes the hiring of Connolly & Hickey Historical Architects to document the current conditions of the site, restore and stabilize roof, prepare and present nomination to New Jersey and National Register Nomination, and provide assistance for preparation of 2017 Bergen County HPTF Application.