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The
Twentieth
Century
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East
Northvale
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The
20th Century |
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Beginning
the Spring Planting in East Northvale...
Jacob Haring & Caroline Haring, c. 1890 |
East Northvale
Secession
A Rockleigh Borough
World War II
A Boro Hall
Fire Department
Police Protection
Ladies Auxiliary
Rose Haven School
Rockleigh in 1973
End of 20th Century
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By the turn of the century surrounding
communities in Harrington
Township sought independence and "Boroughs" were
formed with local councils or their own. In 1916 the last unincorporated portion of Harington
Township
incorporated as the Borough of Northvale and Harington Township ceased to exist. The
new Borough of Northvale consisted of
present-day Northvale and East Northvale, formerly Rockland, which lay
east of Horse Hill, beyond Ludlow's Ditch and the swamplands
of the Sparkill. Separated by these natural barriers the two
communities developed independently of each other. The East Northvale
lands were part of the old Lockhart Patent of 1687 while Northvale
proper came out of the Tappan Patent. The total population of the area at
the time was 827.
Progress
would again come to the community in 1919 when the Hackensack Water Company
offered to run water lines into the Borough of Northvale. Most Northvale
residents wanted water lines and their Council was in favor of the project.
However, East Northvale was too far away to make the water lines economically
feasible for its few residents. Heated Council meetings and a
good deal of squabbling went on over the next two years.
By 1922, the
question of water supply went to public referendum-and on its passing, a
Water Bond for $25,000 was issued in January of 1923. Northvale now
distinguished itself by having the highest tax rate in Bergen County.
The tax rate was $6.78!
The twenties
saw prosperity and change...All school children in the United States
learned two poems. One by John McCrae about "crosses row on
row"...the other, by Sigfried Sassoon, to the effect that
"suddenly the whole world burst out singing." The first poem
described World War I; the second...the state of euphoria that seized
the country the day the Armistice was signed.
[50th
Anniversary - Borough of Rockleigh, NJ - 1923-1973]
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East
Northvale
Secedes |

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As
late as 1995, this was still making headlines (see
Press Items) |
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In the midst of this euphoria Rockleigh was born. "On January 23,
1923, an advertisement appeared in the Englewood Press giving notice
that an application will be made to the legislature of the State of New
Jersey...for the passage of an act to incorporate the Borough of
Rockleigh in the County of Bergen." A hearing was held in Trenton
on the proposed Borough of Rockleigh, and Northvale sent out a call for
volunteers to attend the meeting. The ringing of the Fire Alarm was the
signal...then on to Trenton to defeat the bill. Twenty-three men
responded to the call, but alas...the cause was lost. East Northvale
became Rockleigh Borough on April 12, 1923. Secession they had wanted
and secession they had!
[50th
Anniversary - Borough of Rockleigh, NJ - 1923-1973]
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A
Rockleigh
Borough |

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Tallman's
Garage circa 1930 |
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Without
the dignity of even a firehouse, the community set upon the task
of governing itself and held its first council meeting. For this
auspicious occasion the Founding Fathers met in Tallman's Garage on the
east side of Carterette Road. Rent for the "Borough Hall" was
$10.00 a year. With Mayor William Tait presiding, the new Borough was
named Rockleigh (after both the Tait family estate near Norfolk,
VA, and to the origins of the area as Rockland) respective boards were
elected. Improvements were begun within the area and throughout the
coming years and the citizens of Rockleigh envisioned with pride the
progress of their young borough. However, not too much progress was ever
desired! While Northvale chose to grow into a modern-day
community, Rockleigh chose to remain rural and preserve that atmosphere.
The resident population in 1930 was 86.
To illustrate how
times moves in Rockleigh, it is interesting to note that in 1930 the
Borough Council advised the Board of Freeholders that there should be a
"synchronizing light" at Paris Avenue and Carterette Road
because of the dangerous traffic conditions. Carterette Road has long
since become Piermont Road, and in 1973 the Board of Freeholders finally
agreed that the "synchronizing light" requested in 1930 would
be installed. Yet, to this day (2003) there is no traffic light at the
intersection.
By the early 1930's
the singing was over, and the somberness of the Depression reached even
here. The Town Marshal, Philip Rower, was named Overseer of the Poor.
Rockleigh had to request aid from the Emergency Relief Administration
for help with the cost of preparing a Tax Map. The Council was forced to
put off the "installation of water lines, the widening and
clearing of ditches and the construction of a Municipal Building"
because of the uncertainties of many affairs at this time. Prohibition
ended. The Old Well Tavern and the Pegasus Club were granted liquor
licenses by the Council because they needed even these tiny fees.
Rockleigh, New Jersey: April 22, 1930: "The Pegasus Club of Rockleigh earns a berth in the
national polo championships and is ranked the best in the East."
[The Bergen Record]
The posh
Pegasus Club consisted of an out-door field
where prestigious horse shows were held, a polo field as well as an indoor Polo Field (now Carlee Corp.
building), an Olympic sized swimming pool, and an elegant old home
that served as the Club's Executive Office (now Wollard Residence).
The horse gentry gathered at the Pegasus from Long Island, Westchester, and South
Jersey for all important events. In the fall of 1939, a
newspaper item announced "Tito and his
Swingettes are on the bandstand this weekend at the Pegasus Club in Rockleigh
N.J." [The Weekly
Magazine: Jazz Information. Vol I, No. 4 of Oct 3, 1939]
A croupier called out
"Faites vos jeux". Members and their
guests wined and dined in the beautiful Sunbeau Room, named in honor of the famous race horse of that era.
While couples glided
across the dance floors of America to the strains of "Dancing in
the Dark"...Europe marched to the tune of a different
drummer...
[50th
Anniversary - Borough of Rockleigh, NJ - 1923-1973]
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World
War
II |

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Henry
Happel did not come home |
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The
late 1930's saw Hitler invade Poland and the Depression end. Nations
united with a rare zeal to rid the world of injustice and famine. The
young men of Rockleigh went into the Armed Services; the older men went
to work in Defense Plants. The Pegasus Club fell victim to the war
effort and was purchased by Aero Muffler Company (now Carlee Corp.).
The Club's executive offices became the home of Edgar Parks Snow, the
noted author of Red Star Over China. When Mr. Snow died in 1973
he left a letter which express his feelings toward the places that were
so much a part of his life...
"I loved China. I should like part
of me to stay here after death as it always did during life. America
fostered and nourished me. I should like part of me placed in the Hudson
River before it enters the Atlantic to touch Europe and all the shores
of mankind of which I have felt a part, as I knew good men in almost
every land."
Edger Parks
Snow
"Victory Gardens" sprouted up all over the town to relieve the
food shortage. Once again cocks crowed in the morning, eggs were
plentiful; there were ducks and geese about; some residents even raised
sheep and goats. But the pigs became a problem. According to town
records..."On Dec. 7, 1943—Several reports were received of pigs
wandering loose on the highways and private properties in the Borough.
It was suggested by the Borough Attorney that the owners of pigs be
found and notice posted or sent that the pigs will be impounded"
...On Jan. 3, 1944 —A report received of dead pigs lying in the woods.
Borough Attorney to contact the Attorney of the owner of the pigs to
have satisfactory steps taken to remedy the condition." ...On April
4, 1944—Dead pigs still in woods causing health menace." And on
"May 2, 1944—Carcasses of dead pigs to be removed." It took
quite a while to solve that problem.
The ladies of Rockleigh joined the Red Cross, knit sweaters, socks and
mufflers, wound bandages and did things that the Red Cross Ladies did
during World War II. Local Girl Scouts collected pots and pans for the
Scrap Metal Drive and dutifully turned them over to the Norwood Police.
The
tiny Borough sent 11 of its sons into the armed forces: Fred Waller,
Santo Squadrito, Dewitt Hunt, George Topp, Henry Happel, Charles
DeMartini, Howard S Kniffin, Chester A Bullinger, Delmer W
Carroll, Edward A Flieger, and Byron Ratto. When piece
finally came 10 young men returned home...Henry Happel had given
his life in the defense of his country.
At long last the Second World War was over. On VE Day and VJ Day, joyous
citizens danced and sang in the streets of America...but there would be
no 10-year celebration this time. The United States had lost its
innocence. Life was real and the Country was earnest.
[50th
Anniversary - Borough of Rockleigh, NJ - 1923-1973]
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A
Borough
Hall |

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The
First Seat of Government |
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Now
that peace had finally come, one of the first things Rockleigh did was
to look for a site for a permanent Borough Hall. By 1947, the Borough had received two
generous gifts...one in the way of a 200 x 150-foot plot of land, and
the other in the form of a tiny building...15 x 29-foot. At the time
Councilman Fred Swanson called for a town meeting and summed up his
thoughts with..."Folks, with a little dressing up—a coat of paint
and perhaps some landscaping—Rockleigh can get itself out of the
"Chicken Coop" and into a small but attractive home of its
own. The plot was cleared, and the building moved from the east side of
Piermont Road, to its new home on Rockleigh Road....
That tiny building now stands on Rockleigh Road today. It is the
central core of the Borough Hall, expanded to house the Rockleigh Fire
Department and Borough offices, and dedicated in 1973 by Mayor Gordon Hutcheon.
[50th
Anniversary - Borough of Rockleigh, NJ - 1923-1973]
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Rockleigh
Volunteer
Fire
Department |

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Rockleigh
Fire Company,
lead by Chief George Kershaw, lines up for inspection at the
Annual Fireman's Parade - October 1973. |
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As
the Borough developed on its own, the need for a Fire Department became
evident. Since 1923 Rockleigh has relied on the neighboring towns of
Northvale and Norwood for fire assistance and paid an annual fee for
their aid and cooperation. In 1932 the
Rockleigh Volunteer Fire
Department was organized and incorporated and requested that they be
recognized as the official Borough fire fighters. With the approval of
all concerned they received financial assistance from the Borough to
purchase a Mack truck and equipment from the Ridgefield Park Fire
Company for $200.00. Rockleigh had truly progressed! But what would they
do with the fire engine...there was no Fire House! Tallman's garage was
"re-dedicated" as the official "Fire House." Over
the next few years, they would disband and reorganize again in 1944.
Within their history, it is possible that they were the only fire
company in Bergen County to boast of having a "Lady Fireman"
in their ranks. Mrs. Pauline Hinson Muzzio was a full-fledged member of the
department and even drove the engine!
Recruitment for the Fire Department had always been a problem. Most
Rockleigh men left for work outside the Borough, leaving the town
undermanned in the event of fire. A solution to the problem came in the
1950's when male employees of Astral Industries and the Carlee
Corporation volunteered their service for fire duty during the daylight
hours. Hence, the Industrial Brigade of the Rockleigh Volunteer Fire
Department was born. Although the Industrial Brigade was not officially
formed until 1964, it had long been recognized as a vital part of the
Department. Today, its volunteers come from many firms in the Rockleigh
Commercial Park. The commercial Park is the vital bridge that joins the
commercial and residential communities in the daily life of the
Borough.
[50th
Anniversary - Borough of Rockleigh, NJ - 1923-1973]
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Bergen
County
Police |

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As
part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration, the Borough also dedicates the
new Rockleigh Sub-Station of the Bergen County Police. Last year, when
the addition to the Borough Hall was completed, the Borough found that they
had ample space for themselves. Additional space was offered to the
County Police, who accepted the offer and relocated to the new
facilities in the Municipal Building. The Bergen County Police
served Rockleigh Borough through 2003.
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R.V.F.D.
Ladies
Auxiliary |
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On
October 5, 1950, the women of Rockleigh organized to assist the
Rockleigh Fire Department. The new auxiliary was sponsored by the Ladies
Auxiliary of the Knickerbocker Hook & Ladder Company of Closter, New
Jersey. The Rockleigh Auxiliary boasted seventeen Charter Members.
Through the years they have helped raise funds for the Fire Department
through annual social events held at the Fire House. On May 19, 1963,
the Ladies Auxiliary sponsored a Horse Show which was held at the
Pegasus Riding Club. It was one of the most successful events of the
season. When the Borough Hall and Fire House were remodeled, the Ladies
Auxiliary donated the kitchen. Their "Pot Luck Suppers" are
always enjoyed by all as the Ladies are all excellent cooks.
[50th
Anniversary - Borough of Rockleigh, NJ - 1923-1973]
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Rose
Haven
School |
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The Rose Haven School For Girls in the 1950's |
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From
1930, Miss Ruth Van Strum and Miss Mary Brichard ran the exclusive
Rose Haven School for girls in the former home of Mayor Tait (Abraham D. Haring House).
Daughters of many notable people attended Rose Haven over the next 50
years. The many bedrooms on the second
floor of the manor house provided comfortable living space for the
girls. An adjacent building contained several classrooms. In the mid
1950's a teacher at the school, Agnes Boyd, purchased the school and property
to establish the
Rose Haven Country Day School. The
private school closed in 1983 upon the retirement of
Agnes Boyd.
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Retailing
in Rockleigh |
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M & R ESSO
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Tallman's
Garage had evolved. In the 1950's the garage was run by Byron Ratto and
still housed the Rockleigh Fire Engine. In 1952 a retail enterprise in
Rockleigh Borough began with an ordinance passed by the Mayor and Council
permitting the opening of a country-style grocery store on Piermont Road
next to Ratto's garage. The store was owned and operated by Sam Lee.
This little retail complex continued until 1968 when Standard Oil
Company of New Jersey, envisioning an increase of traffic along Piermont
Road, bought out Ratto's station and built a modern service station. The
country store was converted to a residence, but the new ESSO Service
Station became an integral part of Rockleigh Borough....
Subsequent
operators of the service station were Michael Devlin & Richard Bush
in the 1970's - 1980's, Charles Argenti in the 1980's, and Joseph
Speccavento in the 1990's. One common thread is that all of the
operators of the service center, going back to Tallman, have been active
members of the Rockleigh Volunteer Fire Department. Another continues
to be the excellent specialty service of foreign cars. With 80% of their
work coming from employees of the Rockleigh McBride Office and Technical
Park, the service center traditionally has been open on Saturdays for
local residents.
[50th
Anniversary - Borough of Rockleigh, NJ - 1923-1973]
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Rockleigh
in 1973 |

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Rockleigh
Municipal Building in 1973
Old Borough Hall is flanked by the R.V.F.D. and Borough Offices |
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The
"great migration from the cities to the suburbs" brought many
"new families" to the Borough over the past 25 years. Modern
residences with well-groomed lawns and swimming pools now contrast
Rockleigh's Historic Old Homes. The planned blending of the old and new
have made this tiny community unique in modern-day New Jersey. If you
approach the Borough from south Piermont Road you will pass Knockeen
Farm where thoroughbred Irish horses graze by the roadside. If you come
down the road from New York State you will pass by the Rockleigh
Commercial Park. The Park is situated on 110 acres of countryside,
wooded acres, and groomed flower gardens. The Borough is one-square
mile, adjacent to the New York border, and is situated in the
north-eastern corner of Bergen County. [Map
of Rockleigh]
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Show
at Knockeen Farm, circa 1973 |
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The
Pegasus Club left a legacy in Rockleigh which lay dormant in Pegasus
Farm. In the 1960's, Irish champion of steeplechase and breeder of
thoroughbreds, Richard Widger, purchased the property and founded , named after a family horse farm in Ireland.
Knockeen's
reputation in the Hunt and Show was enviable as prestigious horse shows
returned to Rockleigh. Two horse farms in Rockleigh contribute a rural
ambiance and the reminder of an older, more relaxed way of life.
Golf
is another recreational activity enthusiastically embraced by this
community. The Rockleigh-Bergen County Golf Course spreads over
264 acres. It is
one of the most beautiful public courses in this part of the country.
Its rolling "greens" add immeasurably to the open nature of
the Rockleigh environment.
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Rockleigh, long recognized for its beautiful country atmosphere, has
been included in the State of New Jersey long range "Open Space
Plan" as a "green area" worth preserving for future
generations. The Rockleigh-McBride Office & Technical Park,
was designed and built in the early 1960's on the "Open
Space" Concept. The Office & Technical Park has won many awards for architectural achievement.
It is one of the outstanding planned industrial areas in the State of
New Jersey today.
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As
a community, Rockleigh is dedicated to preserving its
own identity. The Borough is an example to the fact that the
inclusion of commercial and industrial activity within an area need not
detract, depress, nor disrupt the life-style of a region or its topography,
but as in our case can do much to enhance all aspects of community
living and commercial work patterns.
[50th
Anniversary - Borough of Rockleigh, NJ - 1923-1973] |
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The end of the 20th Century |

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The Rockleigh Municipal Building was about to change |
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During
the the lst quarter of the century, several of the larger farm properties
were subdivided for development. The Borough fathers instated two-acre lot
size in the residential zone and adopting Historic Guidelines for
construction within the Rockleigh National Historic District. This ensured
an orderly progression of development compatible with the historic nature
of the Borough.
A
portion of the Riker-Mabie-Conklin-Sneden Farm was saved from development
through a Green Acres purchase. Subsequently, a contiguous 70 acre tract
at the base of the Palisades uplands was purchased from the Boy Scouts of
America and maintained as a natural habitat. This purchase was followed by
a consortium of Rockleigh, Alpine and Bergen County to purchase 134 acres
of former Boy Scout Property ("Lamont Track") to the east of Rockleigh on
the western slope of the Palasades.
To
oversee the Borough Nature Sanctuary and woodlands a borough Parks
Commission was established. The Sneden Ice Pond was cleared of trees and
brush, dredged, and the dam repaired. The adjacent meadow was cleared.
This area provides a pleasant ramble through historic farm lands. Old
woods roads were discovered, including the Skunk Hollow track, and opened
as hiking trails. Rockleigh Borough has not only been proactive in
historic preservation, but proactive in environmental areas as well.
The
Rockleigh Volunteer Fire Department was revitalized in the early 1980's by the purchase of
three new pieces of apparatus, a Mini-Pumper and Two Maxi-Pumpers.
Increasingly stringent requirements for safety, qualifications, and
firefighter training brought the capabilities
of the volunteer
firemen to an impressive new level.
A
s the Century turned, Rockleigh was in the unique position of being the
second-smallest borough in the state, yet had managed to broadly control
it's destiny for the welfare and quality of life of it's residents. |
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Compiled by E. W.
April, 2002
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Background Music:
"When You and I Were Young, Maggie"
Courtesy of Barry
Taylor
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