'immmm^-' NEWiJER^EY /A' THIS PUBLICATIOX WILL BE FOUND A COMPLETE ANT> SATISFACTORY ANSfVETl TO THE MOST PER- PLEXING OF ALL THE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS THAT CONFRONT THOSE DOING BUSINESS IN NEW YORK, TO-DAY: IVHETiE ARE WE TO LIVE, "BRING UP OUR CHILDREN, AND MAKE OUR HOME ? PRESS OF THOMSON & CO. NEW YORK BROOK HOHOKUS (NEAR THE GOLF CH'b) RIDGEWOOD NEW JERSEY AND WHY By henry p. PHELPS .^uthor of "Players of a Century," "Stage History of Hamlet, "Under the Turquoise Sky," Etc., Etc. SECOND EDITION "Home-building should lie just as much a matter-of-course ^vith Human Beings as Nest-Building is with Robins." COPYRIGHT BY THE RIDGEVVOOB BOARD OF I RADE, RIDGEWOOD, N. J, 1910 1 ^^^^T N writing- this booklet it has been assumed that upon cer- tain propositions no argument is necessary. For instance : A Brook is preferable to a Gutter; The Song of Birds to the Roar of the Elevated Railroad ; The Fragrance of a Flower to the Smell of a Sewer ; The Sunshine of the Meadow to the Gloom of the Subway ; A Walk in your own Garden to Climbing your Landlord's Stairs. For the purposes of a Real Home, a zvliolc house, windows on four (4) sides, nobody over your head, nobody under your feet, Is to be preferred To any arrangement of "flats" or apartmients, of which the manifest object is to stow away in the smallest possible space the greatest possible number of human beings. For a children's play-ground, blue-stone and as- phalt are no improvement upon the green- grassed bosom of Old Mother Earth ; Nor is the companionship of street urchins more beneficial to the rising generation than the influence of birds and flowers and household pets. It was not the Original Intention that it should be necessary before .bridging children into the world to obtain consfijt of the landlord ; or that practical and ''permanent dispossession should follow obedience to the First Command. ^CI.A25G844 /^^^^ AKING for granted that the reader has already dis- / 1 covered the serious difficulty, if not utter im- ^^^^ possibility, of living in comfort on a moderate income in the city of New York, let us tell you about Ridgewood — not Ridgeway, nor Ridgefield, nor Ridge- wood over on Long Island, nor any other place of the same, or similar name, but Ridgewood, Bergen County, New Jersey. And we are not going to use the flowery language or glittering generalities com- mon to many pamphlets is- sued by land improvement companies and real estate boomers ; for this is the utterance of the Ridgewood Board of Trade, made up of conservative and respon- sible business men who de- sire to present certain rea- sons — not mere assertions — why Ridgewood is to hv preferred instead of vari- ous other localities to which your attention may b e called — giving just the defi- nite information that you would expect from a friend thoroughly acquainted with the facts, of whom you asked advice in relation to selecting a place for a Home in the vichiity of New York. That friend, if he ivcre a friend, and if he zvcre thoroughly acquainted with all the facts, would tell you that, hundreds of seductive advertisements to the contrary notwithstanding, a wise, if unassisted, choice in this matter is by no means easy. He would say, in the first place, that no matter how attractive the surroundings, n(^ locality for a Home should be considered [51 Ridge WOOD — New Jersey for a moment that was not Healthful. For the family, for the children, for the bread-winner himself, health should be the first, the paramount consideration. And if your friend should "mention names"'^ — which we certainly shall not do — he would tell you of localities in the vicinity of New York where the troubles arising from malaria are almost a matter- of-course; of others, where to ask persons with a predisposi- tion to throat and bronchial difficulties to permanently reside is "tempting- fate" ; and of others — and they are legion — where the prevalence of mosquitoes is equivalent to disease ; and he would sum up by saying, finally, that — In Order to get safely outside the Malarial, the Mosquito, and the Salt Air Belts which encircle the Metropolis, one must go at least Twenty Miles away from the New York City Hall! With this condition in view, and the fact that next in im- portance to healthfuhiess is accessibility, the problem grows complicated. The Garden of Eden would be no place to live for a man doing business in New York — not so much on ac- count of snakes^ but because it is too far, by time measure- ment, from Broadway. His home must be where he can get to it easily and quickly ; otherwise the bi-daily trip becomes irksome and fatiguing. And transportation should not be expensive. Pleasant surroundings are of course, desirable ; as are adequate school and church facilities, agreeable social rela- tions, and good neighl^ors. With the great majority, it is essential also that real estate be not too high-priced. Bearing these several specifications in mind, let us see how nearly Ridgewood comes to filling the bill. [6] R I D G E W D New Jersey Ridgewood is situated in Northern New notation Jersey, on the main line of the Erie Railroad, acccssifailitp ^^-^ miles beyond Paterson, tvvent^y-two miles from New York. It is also the western ter- minus of the Bergen County Railroad, acquired by the Erie in 1881, and which, leaving the main line at Rutherford, avoids the Passaic River and shortens the distance slightly. Its chief advantage to Ridgewood is that it gives us four tracks to the city, and betters the train service materially, there being thirty trains a day each way, one making the ... 5 . ■ ■ ■ V ■■■ji^' ' umimi^ ^ ENTRANCE TO KATHAWOOD PARK time in the morning to Jersey City in 41 minutes, and one in the afternoon from Jersey City to Ridgewood in 33 minutes. The schedule time of other trains between Ridgewood and Jersey City, is from 50 to GO minutes. Trains leave the Erie station in Jersey City via the undcr-river route, for the Ter- minal Building (down town) every 2^^ minutes or less; for 83d street and 6th avenue (up town) every 5 minutes or less. Coming to Ridgewood 11 minutes must be allowed for train connection from the Terminal Building; 17 minutes from 6th avenue. [8] RiDGEwooD — New Jersey The commutation — flat rate — is $6.35 per Jloto Kate of month (sixty rides), or a trifle less than half a cent a mile (.00483). This includes ferriage via Chamhers or 23d street. Right liere is the place to say a word for siiprrioritp ^ijg j?!-}^ service. No one road in the country ©rif iSrrbicc has been so persistently slandered by cartoon and paragraph. To such an extent has this been carried that even ridicule itself has been made ridiculous. And where this happens a speedy reversal of public opinion usually follows. As a matter of fact, the Erie, so far as its suburban service, and particularly its main line service is concerned, is one of the best conducted roads entering or approaching New York. At vast expense it has just removed the one natural obstacle to prompt, safe and pleasant opera- tion, in opening a new four track passage through Bergen hill, forever abolishing the darkness, smoke and gas of the original mile-long tunnel; its under-river connection direct to either the Terminal Building or 6th avenue and 23d street is swift, frequent and satisfactory, obviating all former ob- jections caused by ice or fog, and making Ridgewood as easily, and more pleasantly accessible than very many sections of the Greater city. In simple justice both to the Erie and to Ridge- wood, it should be known to all who are thinking of making their home here, that the people of this village generally not only regard the service of the Erie as satisfactory, but as an important factor in making our place a desirable residence for those doing business in New York. However, we are not, as heretofore, to be /igorth Ifcrscp dependent upon one method of getting to and (JTompan/ "^' from New York. Before this edition is fully distributed, and perhaps before May 1, 1910, the cars of the North Jersey Rapid Transit company will be in operation through what is about the center of Ridgewood, [9] Ridge WOOD — New Jersey from Waldwick to Warren Point, making direct connection to Paterson, Hackensack; and to New York, at 130th street. At present writing" the new road is nearly completed. Coming by way of the main line of the Erie, ^opoijrapbg the first glimpse of Ridgewood creates a de- apncarantc cidedly favorable impression. For the first time since leaving New York one seems to have reached the "real," the unobjectionable country. The mos- quito-breeding meadows, the malodorous Passaic River, the factories, and workshops, and foundries, the tenement houses and all other city sights and city smells are finally behind us. We have reached what for many years has been a land of gardens, farms, and orchards. Ridgewood lies on both sides the tracks, and when within a mile or so of the station, the western district, in particular, shows up very handsomely, being mostly on the uplands, form- ing what may be called the "foothills" of the Ramapo Moun- tains. Here in full view, lying so as to receive the KatftataooH f^^.^^ beams of the morning sun as it peeps over the Palisades and shines across the intervening- valleys, is Kathawood Park, first of the regularly organized development projects of which now there are a number. It is situated south of Godwin avenue, from which it has a handsome entrance, and enjoys proximity to the Midland Park station of the Susquehanna & Western Railroad, be- sides being only 10 or 15 minutes' walk from the Ridgewood station. The Park now contains some 25 residences, all of which are in high favor with their owners, because of pleas- ant surroundings, and desirable character of the neighbor- hood. Just south of Kathawood, and formerly part of that property, is Lincoln Park to which a similar description applies. [II] RiDGEwooD — New Jersey Ibeigftts" That part of Ridgewood west of the Erie tracks inchides what is popularly and appro- priately known as "The Heights," a section which only 13 or 15 years ago was looked upon simply as a hill covered with wood and underbrush, the whole of which could probably have been bought for the price of one or two plots there to-day. The territory is now largely occupied by RESIDENCE IN LINCOLN PARK handsome cottages and villas and the high ground, the fine views, and the deservedly high reputation of the property combine to make it very desirable. MJastfna On the beautifully wooded western slope of the Heights section, is Wastena Park of about 35 acres, traversed by winding roads, and adorned with natural growth forest trees. Although develop- ment was only begun here in 1909, some 800 feet of macadam [12] WASTENA PARK Ridge WOOD — New Jersey have been laid, water, gas, electricity and tele])hoiie have been brought in, and 12 houses erected, all of which will be oc- cupied as soon as entirely finished. Included in the plan to make this an exceptionally attractive section, a plot 250 feet square has been reserved for a centrally located clubhouse for the use of residents of the park, and which it is proposed, if thought best, to distinguish by certain co-operative features tending to the happy solution of what are sometimes perplex- ing house-keeping problems. Just west of Heights Road, in the heart of ^crracf anU ^^^^ Heights section, and under protection of aaHooaianti the "Heights Association" is a heavily wooded property of fifteen acres known as Heights Terrace and Woodland Terrace, one of the very latest de- velopments to be undertaken with taste and enterprise. It is all highly restricted to fine private dwellings of which five were erected in 1909. It offers almost the seclusion of a forest within eight minutes' walk of the Ridgewood station. (See page 20.) The eastern part of the village, although not (East of tl)e ''^ conspicuous on first approach by railroad, has ©ric ^rac&s many advantages and attractions of its own, making the question, which side of the tracks is most desirable as a place of residence simply a matter of opinion, the wide range of choice being one of the most in- teresting features of the place. At present, and probably for a long time to come, the principal business of the village is, and will be done on the east side; the churches are on that side and all the schools but one. During the past three years the growth has been quite equally divided. Many houses have been built nearly a mile east of the station. Quite a notable development on the east side ^"f''''^' is that of Prospect Park on the southerly line of the village, but at present in the borough of [14] Ridge WOOD — New Jersey Glen Rock. It consists of 30 acres bordering on Prospect street, some 12 minutes' walk from the Erie station, and in- cludes one of the handsomest beech groves to be found in Bergen county. It is also on high ground, with views of the PaHsades, and of the Metropolitan building in New York. The streets have been made to follow the natural formation of the terraces, and charming locations have resulted. De- velopment begun in 1907, now numbers 26 houses with all improvements, inside and out. (See page 28.) This is another tract of about six acres, which roa'^^""^ is undergoing development, just outside the vil- lage lines, in the borough of Glen Rock. Some second growth timber still remains on the ground, which has a fine situation with good natural drainage assured from the lay of the land, and a pleasant prospect of the line of the rail- road towards Paterson. The principal street which parallels Highwood avenue and at the north end terminates at High street, is laid out on the lines recommended by Mr. Robinson in his report on beautifying Ridgewood, affording ample space for trees and grass on either side of the walks. Another east side development at present Ibarrison projected onlv, but more than reasonably cer- DEbdopmcnt ^^^'^ ^^ speedy materialization, is on Harrison avenue, near the new school, and trolly station ; some 50 acres of fine sandy soil, with an expanse of view that will astonish those who have never visited it. The checker-board regularity and prosaic fffflt^""^ sameness of many villages are entirely lacking. The land dips and curves — here only a gentle eminence, there a commanding, tree-crowned height overlook- ing almost the entire county, and from whence on clear days are visible the spires of half a dozen cities, and at night "Shining in the distance, The Lights o' Gotham lie." [i6] RiDGEwooD — New Jersey Less than half a mile east of the station the land for quite a distance is apparently almost a level plain. Elsewhere there are shady dells, sheltered nooks ; the clear- watered brook Hohokns, and farther on, the somewhat larger stream which gives to this part of the country the name of the Saddle River Valley. In short, throughout the whole domain of Ridge- wood the dominant and distinguishing characteristic is varied picturesqueness. Nowhere within a hundred miles of New York City has Nature herself more strikingly or emphaticallv indicated — "This is the Place to Live!" That part of Ridgewood lying north of K?flaftoDoti Cameron Lane and west of the railroad is now known as Upper Ridgewood, a section part of which is undergoing very radical development from pasture and woodland into a model residential neighborhood. Its altitude, unsurpassed views, and uncontaminated atmosphere are supplemented by proximity to the new railroad station (Hohokus) that leaves little to be desired. The public water supply is from the new wells of the Bergen Aqueduct Com- pany, at Wortendyke. Although active development was not begun till 1907, there are now 25 houses in Upper Ridgewood, a number which will at least be doubled before the end of 1910. The new and handsome rubble structure which the Erie has built to take the place of the old Underclifif station, al- though standing within the borough of Hohokus, and called by that name, is largely used by residents of Ridg'ewood living north of Harrison avenue and Cameron Lane, and the waiting shed on the west side is actually in this village. The situation, with the Cliff on one hand and the Glen on the other, is per- haps, the most picturesque of that of any station in Erie suburban territory, and a large surrounding growth is pre- dicted. [i8] Ridge WOOD New Jersey Another new development in this vicinity known as Ehnwood, althoug-h within Hohokus borough, is one in which Ridgewood residents are largely interested. It consists of al)out 60 acres and presents m any attrac- tions of plan, both of lay-out and finance, and is particu- larly conveni- ent to the Erie and the new electric road. A lake and the r /'-\ 1 1 ON HEIGHTS TERRACE I SHE PAGE I4) famous Old Elm, long a land-mark on Franklin Turnpike, are special features of interest. Both hillside and valley included elsewhere in the borough of Hohokus are admirably adapted for home building, m any of the views being of special charm and beauty. Not being a part of Ridge- wood, how- ever, they do not fall strictly within the scope of this &ot)o'kus ON HEIGHTS TERRACE (SEE PAGE I4) [20] Ridge WOOD — New Jersey publication. But just as there is no tang^ible line marking; the boundary between the two places, so there is no dividing- line in their interests. What benefits one will help the other, and the new school, new sidewalks, and other public improvements re- cently made in and l:)y Hohokus indicate that she is inspired by the same spirit that is bring^ing; Ridg-ewood so rapidly to the front, and that she is destined to enudate our g-rowth and share in our prosperity. Nearly forty years ago physicians in New Co aaHbat York and Brooklyn — notably Dr. Willard Parker ffito'^'^^t"^ — began recommending this particular locality to •Start patients, for whom the harshness and humidity of the salt air were unsuited, as being not only unobjectionable on that account, but exceptionally free from malaria. The breezes which sweep over the Paramus High- lands and across the Paramus Plains, as the two sections of Ridgewood were then called, had long been known to be dry and bracing", and also free from taint. Unquestionably, there- fore, Ridgewood owes its start as a commuting community to its reputation for salubrity ; and it is a notable and most sug- gestive confirmation of this theory, that a large percentage of its residents to-day became such originally because they could not endure the air of Brooklyn. Understand, no claim is made of magical properties or any- thing unreasonable for Ridgewood atmosphere. It is not that of Colorado, nor of the Adirondacks. The village does not pose as a "health resort," or a consumptives' camp. But It IS twenty miles from the ocean; Its soil is porous; There are no standing bodies of water; The drainage, natural and otherwise, is good; The elevation at some points is 350 feet; And there are very few mosquitoes. These arc facts easily demonstrable. Equally is it true that very many persons who in New York and Brooklyn have [22] Ridge WOOD — New Jersey been troubled with throat and bronchial difficulties have, on coming- here to live, found great relief, or been completely cured. The same thing is to be said in regard to certain forms of rheumatism. Children are exceptionally healthy here. No resident of Ridgewood would be likely ^ ^° ., to exclaim, as did a landholder on Staten Island once, when asked whether there were any mos- quitoes there, "Mosquitoes! What are Those?" We know what mosquitoes are, and it is a subject on which we desire to be explicit, especially as it is one usually tabooed in publications of this kind relative to places in New Jersey. Aside from the now generally received theory that mosqui- toes originate malarial disorders, there is no denying that in many New Jersey, Long Island, and Staten Island towns they certainly do make life miserable, especially for children, who cannot play outdoors without being scarified by them ; while they are usually most annoying at the very hours when the commuter himself is at home from the city. Now there are some parts of Ridgewood where, sometimes, on some evenings, in some seasons, of some years, there are some mosquitoes — just as there are anywhere else in North America. But nowhere, at any time, in Ridgewood, are they the un- conquerable, unavoidable, unmitigated pest they are in many places not far distant, and which everybody knows, but which it might seem invidious to name. Sufficient to say, that one of the most important points in her favor — next, indeed, to health fulness — is one on which Ridgewood challenges com- parison, and invites investigation — fczvness of mosquitoes. The location and environment of Ridgewood being thus naturally conducive to good health, the forethought and en- terprise of her citizens in providing an unobjectionable water supply, and adequate sewer system, serve to keep it so. [23] R I D G E w D — New Jersey The public water supply is derived from five I^Icntp of artesian wells, sunk 210 feet below the level of iOrcf Ilcnt ^gtPj the valley, at a point north of Harrison avenue; and from there pumped direct to consumers, the surplus going' to a half-million gallon reservoir situated on high land west of the railroad, thereby giving sufficient pres- sure to force a stream over any building" on the main street. To provide against accident, there are two complete and independent pumping outfits, each capable of elevating 1,000 gallons a minute. Never has this underground source of supply been found inadequate, and it appears to be not only inexhaustible but steadily increasing. Five hundred thousand gallons a day are now used. The water coming from such a depth is free from any danger of surface drainage. It has a pleasant taste, and, percolating through red sandstone, is consequently soft — agreeable for bathing, and suitable for washing clothes. Coming direct from the great subterranean supply, distributed practically without storage, and nowhere subject to contamination, it is doubtful whether any commu- nity in the world has purer, or in any other way better, potable water than Ridgewood. The works started eight years ago with 300 "taps" ; there are to-day 1,180, showing an average annual increase of 150 takers. With the convenience of running water in the ^I)E B^ufalic house, comes the necessity for adequate and sani- iSpstcm ^'^^T drainage. This all-important problem has apparently been satisfactorily solved by adoption of the system which first conducts the sewage to a large septic tank, in which the bulk of the organic matter is precipitated and retained, where it is subject to beneficent bacterial action, the overflow of water being conducted to filter beds of coke covered with crushed stone, and when there purified trans- mitted to a running stream. Fourteen and a half miles of sewer pipe, underlying the most thickly settled division of [24] UNITARIAN METHODIST BAPTIST PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL RIDGEWOOD CHURCHES Ridge WOOD — New Jersey the village and now including part of the west side, have been laid, and connection therewith is imperative. The system will be extended wherever and whenever increase in population makes it necessary. Upon such features as macadamized streets, gjjj^j, flagged sidewalks, electric lights, gas for light Jfraturcs and cooking, free carrier delivery of the mails, tcr-of' telephone exchange, local newspapers, fire and Course police protection, etc., over which some places make ado, it does not here seem necessary to dwell ; they are a matter-of-course in Ridgewood, as is every other improvement and advantage usually found in a wide- awake, progressive, and at the same time moderately con- servative community. A word or two should be said in relation to ^he Dribesi the good roads of which Ridgewood is the cen- KifteetoooH ^^^'> '^"^ the delightful drives that they make possible and easy. They branch forth in every direction : Southward to Patersoa and the Falls of the Passaic, whose once famous beauty the most utilitarian of surroundings do not always and entirely hide; Eastward across the valley to the Hackensack River, and beyond to the Palisades, which form the misty boundary of our east- ern outlook; Southeasterly through Areola to the county seat ; Along the delightful Saddle River road, past the Joe Jefferson place, where the old comedian had his summer home; Up the much automobiled turnpike to Rockland County, N. Y., less than ten miles distant — ^to the Ramapo Pass, where Washington and his army encamped, and onward to Tuxedo; Westward over the hills to Franklin, Crystal, and Pompton Lakes, etc., etc. All the places mentioned and many more are within easy driving distance of Ridgewood, each route leading to some individual point of interest, each having its own peculiar charm. [26] REFORMED OLD PARAMUS RIDGEWOOD CHURCHES PRESBYTERIAN ROMAN CATHOLIC RiDGEwooD — New Jersey Within an hour's smart walking^ is the house still standing- where Aaron Burr wooed and won the w i d o w Prevost, and within the vil- lag-e limits is old P a r m u s IN TROSPECT PARK (sEE PAGE I4) (2ll)urcl)ei3 church, where tradition (not history) says they were married. Ridgewood is well supplied with churches, all the leading denominations being represented. The Reformed church, organized in 1875, retains its original pastor, and has a pleasant edifice containing a new and ex- ceptionally fine organ. The seating capacity, however, has been outgrown, and a new building will soon be erected. At the Protestant Episcopal music is made a special feature of the service. The church is a dignified building of stone, and there is a near-by parish house, both recently erected. The Methodist church building is perhaps the finest in town, and the large congre- gation one of the most active in good works, It has recently entirely freed itself from debt. The Roman Catholic IN PROSPECT PARK (sEE PAGE I4) [28] Ridge. WOOD — New Jersey church is large and the services so well attended that a new edifice has been determined upon, and will probably soon be erected on the west side. The Unitarians, although a small body, have their own church building", which is a center for literary culture as well as religious thought. They have also recently extinguished their debt. The Baptist place of worship is altogether too small, and $25,000 has just been raised towards the immediate erection of a new one. The Presbyterians have an active and enthusiastic follow- ing, with a church edifice well over on the east side ; while Christian Scientists for the present assemble weekly in the public library, but look forward to a church for which a lot on the west side has been secured. To the family in which there are children the ^m ©ubiic importance of living where there are good and ample school facilities cannot be overestnnated, and in this particular Ridgewood will compare favorably with any community that can be mentioned. The completion and occupation of four first-class grammar school buildings at a cost of $140,000, in addition to the high school erected a few years since at a cost of nearly $50,000, places the village in the first rank as far as educational accommodations are concerned. The new school buildings have been constructed with the idea of giving industrial training in a practical way, the equipment and arrangement of rooms being specially adapted to that end, thus completing accommodations for the demands of modern education. The kindergarten rooms are the delight of the little ones. The primary and grammar schools give a complete and thor- ough course of instruction; while the high school, thoroughly equipped with chemical, physical, botanical, and zoological laboratories, enables the pupil in a practical way to meet the [29] RiDGEWOOD New Jersey rccjiiircnicnts and (Icniands of modern science as well as those of the best technical schools and universities. The depart- ments of history, ancient and modern languages, mathematics and English, are fully organized and equipped to accomplish the distinct and definite purpose for which the American high school came into existence — the preparation of young men and women for American citizens. Five courses are offered : The classical, Latin-scientific, technical, general, and com- mercial. These furnish thorough preparation for all who wish to enter colleges, scientific or technical schools. Music, HARRISON AVENUE SCHOOL drawing, and physical training are a corporate part of each course. Manual training in wood-working, domestic science, sewing, printing, and basketry is carried on in a broad and practical way through both the grammar and high schools. Athletics is given a prominent place for both boys and girls. The athletic association puts annually a football, baseball, both boys' and girls' basketball, and track team into competition with other teams from the best high schools in the State. The school has both orchestra and glee clubs. Each school is pro- [31] RiDGEwooD — New Jersey vided with a library. The certificate of the high school is recognized by many of the leading colleges and universities, and by the regents of the University of the State of New York.' The present registration of pupils numbers nearly 1,400, with a teaching force of 34. Ridgewood is "social," or not social, very Social much in accordance with the taste and prefer- ences of those interested. The opportunities af- forded by the churches and their various organizations, by the lodges and fraternal societies, and by the clubs, for becoming acquainted, meeting frequently and making friends are many and quite generally enjoyed. On the other hand, if one pre- fers for any reason to forego society, it is easy to do so with- out exciting comment. The happy medium between the utter indifference of a large city and the annoying inquisitiveness of a small village is desirably maintained. The Ridgewood Golf Club, with two hun- '^^^^ftooop dred members, no doubt, owes something of its (Solf ellufa .' ' ., M- great popularity to the exceptional accessibility of its grounds ; the entrance thereto and the club house being only a half mile from the station, and nearly in the exact geographical center of the town. "The Royal and Ancient Game" is not a new institution in Ridgewood, for although the present course has been oc- cupied for only nine years, for about ten years previous, un- der its original corporate name of the Hohokus Golf Club, the organization developed and maintained a nine-hole course at Hobokus, being in its earliest days oblig'ed to import all its materials, as there was then no dealer in golf supplies in the United States. Naturally, therefore, it came about that the new course was laid out by seasoned players, and the ground being very adaptable, it is a very good one. There are but nine holes, though the acreage would permit [32] R I D G E W D New Jersey about eighteen. The "fair green" is wide. The playing" dis- tance, 3,100 yards, is divided into proper "golf distances," and every tee, hazard, and green has been carefully located. "Col. Bogey's" score is 42,-84 for the double round. A very comfortable club house not only furnishes needed quarters for players but afifords opportunity for parties, dances, and other social functions. Adjoining it are a set of four fine tennis courts, upon which, besides the continual play of the members, one "open" tournament is held each summer. THE RIDGEWOdl In the very center of its grounds, moreover, the Club has es- tablished a pond which affords a surface of about five acres of ice, for skating, hockey, and curling. The dues are $-")0 per year, with privileges to the ladies and boys under sixteen years of age included in the member's family. The White Star Athletic Club is another Mii)ite Star well-managed and popular organization, being atl)Ietic €lub incorporated, and owning its own club house. It has a membership of 140, and has been es- [33] RiDGEWOOD New Jersey tablished about I-') years. It has a gymnasium, bowling alley, billiard room, parlors, etc., and is in every way well-equipped for the purpose for which it is designed. The initiation fee is $5 ; dues $10 a year, payable quarterly. The Y. M. C. A. occupies its own new build- l^ounc g^cn'g ing- on Oak street, recently erected at a cost, issodSn including land, of $23,000, and entirely devoted to the work, in which the gymnasium plays an important i)art. A competent physical director is in charge of CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION that department, and a general secretary also gives his entire time to the institution. There is a considerable amount of apparatus which is being- added to from time to time; also several shower baths, a swimming pool ; two bowling alleys ; two pool tables, and a number of other games contribute to the sociability of the pleasant rooms. From early spring till severe cold weather the contiguous athletic field, with tennis courts, is in almost constant use. The commodious assembly room is used for religious meetings, lectures and entertain- [34] Ridge \\' ood — New Jersey ments. An active ladies' auxiliary gives frequent evidence of the general interest taken in this enterprise for the de- velopment and fostering of strong-, virile Christianity in our young men and boys. The membership, open to any boy or man in town, numbers over 300. Fees: For seniors, $10; intermediate, $5 : junior, $3. THE NEW HOHOKUS STATION (UPPER RIDGEWOOD) Among other org-anizations are a Masonic ®^^". . Lodge, Odd Fellows Lodge, Royal Arcanum, Knights of Honor, and Junior Order of Ameri- can Mechanics. There is also a Photographers' Club, a Dra- matic Club, one or two Musical Societies, a Woman's Club, and a Ladies' Village Improvement Association, the latter supporting a free public library ; also The Relief Society of Ridgewood and Vicinity. [35] Ridge WOOD — New Jersey Ridgewood has two Building and Loan Asso- ■BuilBinc anU ciations. Both are managed wisely, economic- ciationg ' ^^l^' ^^^^^ satisfactorily. There are no high- salaried officers, no expensive rents, none of the risks which are common to what are known as national asso- ciations. All the business done is strictly local, and there is no opportunity for anything but straightforward dealing. Hundreds of residents of Ridgewood are to-day owners of their homes, or in a way to be so, who would not have been so fortunate were it not for the system under which these associations conduct their business. With a lot paid for, a Building and Loan Association is willing usually to advance 80 per cent, of the actual cost of erecting a house. This 80 per cent, is paid back to the Asso- ciation by monthly payments for a period extending over ap- proximately 130 months. While a premium is paid for the use of the money, the dividends of the Association, generally exceeding 7 per cent., bring the net rate of interest down to about 4 per cent. Each monthly payment comprises a por- tion of the principal and a portion of the interest. At the ex- piration of 130 months, the party building a house through a Building and Loan Association owns his home free and clear. Meantime his monthly payments are likely to be less than the price of an ordinary flat in New York or Brooklyn. On the other hand, members who do not build, gain from the 7 per cent, dividends a much larger income than is paid on an equal amount by any other saving institution equally safe ; with privilege of withdrawal, or of borrowing at any time. Ridgewood 's Board of Trade has for its ob- ^oarli of jects the promotion of tiade, the encouragement of intercourse between business men, the im- provement of facilities for freight and passenger transporta- tion, the correction of abuses, the diffusion of information re- [36] Ridge WOOD — New Jersey lating- to Ridgewood, and the promotion and development of the commercial, industrial, and material interests of the vil- lage. More than merely its name indicates does the Board of Trade concern itself with the sesthetical welfare of the place, as is illustrated by its engagement of the civic improve- ment expert, Mr. Charles Mulford Robinson, to make a study of ways in which Ridgewood can be made more beautiful and attractive. His report, also printed by the board, is a pamphlet of far-reaching importance, making many practical suggestions which it is hoped will be eventually carried out. Acting upon one of these, the village gov- ^"h If ^''^ ernment has taken steps preparatory to acquir- ing land for a Park driveway along the Hohokus brook; and will, no doubt, even if immediate large outlays are not made, take action whereby Mr. Robinson's very valu- able ideas may assume shape in the not distant future. Acquisition by the village of the open space ^ ' adjoining the present Erie station is also an out- growth of action taken by the Board of Trade; as is the move- ment on foot for a Municipal building; and while, of neces- sity, many projected improvements must wait upon the long- delayed action of the Erie railroad towards an adequate, safe and convenient station, there is no question that in time they will be made. The growth of Ridgewood has a typical illus- a iE^pitnl tration in the progress made by the First Na- tional Bank, which opened its doors for business July 24, 1899, when the village population numbered about 2,500. The cashier of the bank has furnished a statement showing the amount of money on deposit at the close of busi- ness on December 31, 1899, and on the last day of each suc- ceeding year, as follows : [37] Ridge WOOD — New Jersey December 31, 1899 $82,438.17 1900 128,688.94 " 1901 159,445.00 1902 253,081.76 1903 283,816.63 " 1904 415,450.59 " 1905 502,877.21 " 1906 564,579-94 " 1907 577,097.04 " 1908 593,241.16 " 1909 652,936.51 FIRST N.\TH)i\AL liA.Nk Thus it will be seen that the bank's gains have not been by leaps and bounds, but in a steady, healthy ratio with the prosperity of the town. The bank began business in a small rented building", and was burned to the ground eight months later. A temporary ofifice was secured, and at 9 o'clock the morning- after the fire, [38] R I D G E w D — New Jersey business was resumed as usual, the books and cash having been saved. The question of the bank's success having passed the ex- perimental stage, the directors now seized an opportunity to display their well-known enterprise and foresight, by purchas- ing the best corner for their purpose in Ridgewood, and put- ting up the fine, commodious building now occupied by the bank, having as tenants the Post-office, the Public Library, the well-appointed Masonic Lodge of Ridgewood, and several dwelling f^ats. The bank and its building have met the universal com- mendation of the people of Ridgewood, adding, as it does, tone and dignity to the to\vn, and placing all banking con- veniences within their reach. Its money vault is built on modern lines, having safe deposit boxes and storage facilities for valuable packages, large or small, which are extensively used and much appreciated. Another very notable sign of the steady prog- KiUcetoooli ress and substantial development of Ridgewood, dompanp ^^ ^^^^ unqualified success of the Ridgewood Trust Company, whose new Banking House for beauty of design and perfect adaptation to the uses for which it is intended, has few equals this side of New York City. The corner on which it stands is one block from the Erie road — just far enough to escape its dust, smoke and noise, yet near enough for the commuter to make his deposit without missing his approaching train, when he hears its signal up the road ; and to facilitate that convenience the Trust Company's doors are wide open at 8 o'clock every morning to welcome all comers, whether to deposit or draw their money. First opening for business about three years ago, and al- though soon face to face with a jianic that withered and blasted many an older institution, the Ridgewood Trust Company in the midst of the flurry actually added $55,000 to its capital [39] Ridge WOOD — New Jersey )n TRUST COMPANY and surplus, and made thousands of dollars by purchasing good bonds at low prices when others were forced to sell. The broad and deep foundations laid by the managers of this Company to facilitate its certain expansion, show better than anything else could, their faith in the future of Ridge- wood. The vault in the banking room makes the famous den of Giant Despair seem like a parrot cage in comparison. Its outer door alone weighs 14,000 pounds, and its joints are fluid tight, while its compartments within, are capacious enough to house the securities and cash, of a business of many millions. The safety boxes and storag'e facilities are perfec- tion itself, and are evidently intended to make Ridge wood a barren field for burglars. Assured safety, with attractive in- terest rates, will bring out the "old stocking hoards," and make them earn something for their timid owners. Further evidence of the growth of Ridge- wood is shown in the increase of business in the post-office. Dn November ], 1897, when the [40] ©osit=2Dfficc !Statii3tic0 Ridge \v o o d — N p: w Jersey present postmaster assumed his duties, there were eight mails a day. At the present time there are twenty-four, and a Sun- day dispatch. The mail is delivered and collected in the vil- lage by five carriers ; and there are also' two rural carriers who cover about forty-four miles of territory. Including the post- master, the force now numbers fourteen, with an additional carrier expected in the near future. KiUgrtDODli'ja ^'^^ ^^^^ edition of this booklet was issued (Brototl) anil in March, 1907. The following summary of in tbc K^aiat facts indicates to some extent what the past three €;i)rcc Prars years have brought to Ridgewood : Tzi.'o Hundred and Ninety N'ctv Houses. From Jan. i, 1907 to Jan. I, 1910 the number of building permits issued was 313, of which 290 were for dwellings — - practically an increase of about 100 houses a year. Tzvo Thousand More Inhabitants (Estimated). The last census taken in 1905. showed a population of 3,980, an increase in five years of 1,295, or 48 per cent, over that of 1900. Directory publishers estimate the popu- lation to-day at not less than 6,000. Four Hundred Additional Pupils in the Public schools, the total number registered being 1,400. Three Hundred and Eighty-Three More Telephones in the Ridgewood Exchange. Jan. i, 1908 there were 587; Jan. I, 1909 there were 720; Jan. i, 1910 there were 970. T7V0 Hundred More Commuters (Estimated). The num- ber varies from month to month, and tickets being sold at both ends of the route, an c.\;act statement can not be given, but a reliable estimate makes the average number at present 800, an increase of 200 over three years ago. Four Hundred More Electrie Meters, as reported by the Public Service Corporation. Five Hundred and Eighty AVtc Water-Takers, and three •^" i «J»-. hiindrcd thousand additional gallons of water daily. Three and a Half Miles of Additional Seiver Pi/^e, includ- ing extension of the system to the west side. [41] R I D G E ^^' D — New Jersey The Relaying of Ridgczvood Avenue with Tarvia from tlie station to Van Dien Avenue, and eleven and one-half miles of new macadam, over twenty miles in all. The Phhza Iiiifroz'eiiteiit, preliminary to the projected new station of the Erie railroad. Iinpnn'ed Sehool Faeilities. Necessary financial provision for a fourth grammar school (on Harrison avenue), and the enlargement of two others. First Steps Tozvard the Park Driveivay, along the Hoho- kus Brook — preliminary, as is fondly hoped, to the creation of a still more beautiful Ridgewood. An Electrie Railroad, so far as grading and track-laying is concerned, for immediate opening of a new route to Paterson, Hackensack and the Hudson River. The y. M. C. A. Btiilding, erected at a cost, including grounds, of $23,000. Definite Plans for Two Ne-zv Church EdiHees, with two more in prospect. The Ridgezi'ood Trust Company, and its noble building. The A^'Ti' Erie Station (HoJrokus) , for Upper Ridgewood. IVastena Park. Terrace Drive, Prospect Park, Upper Ridgezi'ood and Ehnzaood Developments — all started within three years. In 1906. the total valuation of property in an Jncrcasr Ridgewood, as taken from the assessor's books, in Paluationis .... ,,,.,,. , , of $2,243,341 nicltiding land, bnilding-s and personal, was $2,959,849. The increase for the past three years is shown to be as follows : 1907 190S igog Land $1,258,285 $1,491,126 $2,457,551 Buildings 1,938,275 2.535,500 2,892,525 Personal 324,975 354.7SO 434,8oo Total $3-521,535 $4v38i.376 $5,764,876 Increase in three years, $2,243,341. In connection with this showing it should be MUl)oIIp borne in mind that Ridgewood is wholly resi- Kcsjlicntial ,.,.,,,, . '=' . , . , dential. W e have no factories or other mdus- [42] R I D G E w D — New Jersey trial enterprises employing large numbers of operatives : and, with all due respect, none are desired. Hundreds of other places invite and encourage such industries, and to those places we are perfectly willing they should go. Ridgewood is content with being a "home" and not a "workshop." All OUT traditions are to that effect — all our efforts in that di- rection. Right here it is worth noting how generally the merely "tenement" idea is eliminated, "flats" are almost unknown ; with a few minor exceptions over stores, etc., all dwellings are disconnected; there are no "rows" of houses — in fact, few double houses, for, while well enough in a way, it doesn't seem to be Ridgewood way, which, almost without excep- tion, is — "For One Family — One Roof." Land, too, is not yet so valuable that ample room cannot be spared for lawn, or garden, or a few fruit trees, or play- ground for the children ; and, much as we desire the prosperity of Ridgewood, we hope it never will be. There is no necessity here for "huddling" and there will be none when Ridgewood contains five times her present population. Our natural bounds are not restricted by village or borough lines, and the time is soon coming when in valley and on high- land, and with nothing to indicate where Ridgewood leaves oft", and Glen Rock, or Hohokus, or Midland Park begins, dooryard will touch dooryard for three miles either way. No one who has any adequate idea of what the congestion of population in New York City already means, and of the enormous rate at which it is increasing, can stand where he can overlook the village of Ridgewood and its environment, note its perfect adaptation for home building, and its acces- sibility to the great metropolis, and not be convinced that the residential development of this locality has only just begun. The Board of Trade is not desirous of unduly enhancing [43] RJDGEWOOD — New Jersey land values — least of all to increase a speculative boom in real estate. It seeks only the normal growth and substantial betterment of the community by attracting to it those who will themselves take a proprietary interest in advancing the cause of good citizenship, and do their share in maintaining a good neighborhood. To such, however, we would say that with conditions as they are, and the future such as seems most likely, it is almost inconceivable that either available building lots, or acreage, in this vicinity will ever be lower in price than they are at present, while there is every reason to anticipate their early and ma- terial advance. We ask for no snap judgment. On the contrary, we especially ask those to whom this booklet is addressed to take all the time they can afford for intelligent comparison, believ- ing that the more thorough the investigation the more con- vincing will be the conclusion that within fifty miles of New York, in any direction, no suburb so satisfactorily answers the questions, "Where to Live?" — "Where Bring up the Chil- dren?"- — and "Where to Make the Home?" as does The In- corporated Village of Ridgewood, Bergen County, New Jersey. Address all letters of inquiry to the Secretary of the Ridgewood Board of Trade, Ridgewood, N. J. [44] One copy del. to Cat. Div. .(:■'.• i* i;'