F 144 .R53 U8 Copy 1 ^ PAGEANT of RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY June Nineteenth, Nineteen Fifteen THE BOOK OF Mhe Pageant of Ridgewood, M. J. MR5.ILANSING P. WOOD Pageant Master HIGH SCHOOL GROUNDS June Nineteenth 1915 Copyrighted, 1915 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FRANCES GILCHRIST WOOD ©C!,A'^nB774 JUL 19 1915 Introduction THE Pageant of Eidgewood is given by the pupils of the eighth grade classes of the Kidgewood Public Schools as the closing exercises of the grammar schools in June. Its purpose is to bring to the consciousness of the children the fact that "A peo- ple, which takes no pride in the noble achievements of its remote ancestors, will never achieve anything worthy to be remeni!bered by its re- mote descendants." (Macaulay). The selection of historical events has been governed by the fact that this community has not owed its development either to commerce or manu- facture, but is essentially a community of neighbors. The Delaware Indi- ans were noted for their hospitality. There was always a welcome for the guest to the seat of honor upon the mat, back of the fire. The pioneers of sparsely settled Paramus Road were dependent upon neighbors. And as old Paramus was a neighborhood of land-holders, so newer Eidgewood is a neighborhood of householders with the business in the city. The Pageant presents in dramatic form the history of the old Post Road, bounding this village east and north, the settlement at Paramus, and the later developments of the suburban community of Ridgewood after the coming of the railway. The synibolical interludes are intended to express the changes wrought by each successive spirit of the age upon the living commandment — "ISTeighbors." Page three The Pageant Direction Master of the Pageant Mes. Lansing P. Wood Composer of Music Mrs. H. J. Gadmus Director of Music Mes. Luva Bailey Rexford THE PAGEANT COMMITTEE Board of Education Dr. H. S. Willard Me. Daniel R. Bacon Mr. A. Frank Halsted Mr. Ernest M. Bull Mr. John V. Knowlton Dro W. C. Craig Mr. Edwin B. Liixy Mr. Hadley Ford Mr. Homer S. Pace Mr. Ira W. Teavell Superintendent of Schools Mr. Joseph C. Fitts Principal of Beecli-Union School Mr. Duncan W. Strawbridge Principal of Harrison School Mr. Robert S. Myers Principal of Kenilworth School Me. Howard H. Reddick Principal of Monroe School Teachers and Parents HISTORrCAL COMMITTEE. Mr. Everett L. Zabriskie^ Judge Cornelius Dormeus, Mrs. Frances A. Westervelt^ Rev. John A. Van Ii^este, Mr. Richard T. Wilson. Fa^e four Graduating Classes MONEOE SCHOOL Chaeles Aeberle Joseph Aloysius Crowley Howard George Bradner Leslie F. Hiler Albert B. Clark Robert Charles Lichtensteiit E. Lester Congdon Charles Henry Nelson Henry Costa S. Tuttle Yeomans Virginia Baim Gladys Taylor Lynch Kathryn Wells Clements Mabel Macdonough Florence Norma Corsilia Janet Ann McCook Helen Frazer Frances D. Morgan Florence Hall Helen Elizabeth Pace Anna Helen Hinnes Edna Alice Eyland Barbara Hinnes Edythe Zabriskie Alice Mae Keil HARRISON SCHOOL William Barkenbush John Douglas Dewar Paul Ten Eyck Campbell Melvin Sylsbuey William Vassar Volger Margaret Agnes Keeley Ida Pries Grace Black Pearston Edith Mildred Smith BEECH-UNION SCHOOL Edgar Thomas Ashworth William Heydt Lomar Walter Ernest Bolte Donald Moore Leonard John Brunie Dan Pattison Harry C, Brunie Leonard Peter Sullivan Charles Freeman Clark Donald Zabriskie Terhune Charles Willis Dean Harry Tice Theodore Fritz Winthrop Travell Theodore Price Walstkum Page five BEECH-UNION SCHOOL— Continued Janet Perry Allen Viola Lillian Almquist Helen Lee Butler Ruth Elizabeth Fekres Bernadine Fielding Agnes C. Fox Eunice Genne Dorothy Hills Kirk JoHNNiCE Doris Miller Mary Elizabeth Mitchell Cecelia Lucy McIS[4.mara Fannie A. Pearsall Dorothy May Pearsall Dorothy Seydel Slade Edna Marion Surpi.ess Dorothy Louise Turner Margaret Marij n Waddell Margery Willard KEmLWORTH SCHOOL Clarke Bingham Edward Burger John Delamater George Etesse Donald Grimley George Kohl Edward Maass Isabel Blauvelt Carolyn Bull Alberta Carlock Mae Denio Anna Hanhan Edna Martin Lois Merrill David Moneypenny Frank Nutry Gray Reinbrecht Charles Shaw Ellsworth Vanderbeck Walter Vanderbeck Harry West Helen Miles Gladys Myer Ruth Peniston Margaret Stege Mabel Verhoeff Dorothy Win'J'Ers Marion Winters Fa£e six Episodes of Pageant Pkologue — 'The Coming of the Spirit of Neighbors. EPISODE I. 'The Old Post Road. ScEisTE 1 — Kidnapping by the Indians and Gift of Land. Scene 2 — ^Th'e Founding of Paramus Church. Scene 3 — ^The Husking Bee. Inteklude I. — ^The Duel for Freedom. EPISODE II. The Highway of the Wae Scene 1 — ^Washington's Retreat Across the Jersies. Scene 2 — ^The Tory Neighbors. Scene 3 — ^Wedding of Aaron Burr. Scene 4 — How Ridgewood Happened. Interlude II. — ^The Quarrel Between Neighbors. EPISODE III. Scene 1 — The Flag on the Old Church. Scene 2— The Village Near the City. Interlude III. — The Coming of the City. EPISODE IV. Scene 1 — ^Ridgewood Organizing. FINALE The League of Neighbors of the World. Page seven Prologue A tribe of Minsy Indians set their one night oamp at the edge of the wood. The women build the fire, grind corn and put succotash on to boil. The braves watch the boys' game. Suddenly one gives the alarm that strangers are coming, who prove to be visiting friendly Indians. They are welcomed, given the seat of honor, and smoke the peace pipe. After the evening meal the chief, Mamshier, tells stories. He tells of the passing of the winter Manitou, Peboan, who in the hunger moon sat starving on the furs on the floor of his tepee. (As the story is told it is enacted on the hills back of the camp.) An Indian maiden entered carrying a great bundle of willow buds in her arms. Her dress was of grass and early maple leaves. Her eyes were like the young deer. Her hair was like the blackest feathers of a crow and it was so long that it was like a blanket over her shoulders. She was small and her feet were hidden in two moccasin flowers. "Menabozho has heard the prayer of Peboan, the winter Manitou. He has sent me. I am Seguin." ''You are welcome, Seguin. 'Sit by my fire — it is warm. I have no meat. Sit down and tell me what you can do." "Peboan may tell first what he can do," said Seguin. Peboan said, "I am a winter Manitou. I blow my breath and the flowers die ; the waters stand still ; the leaves fall and die." Seguin said, "I am a summer Manitou. I blow my breath and the flowers open their eyes. The waters follow me on my trail." Peboan said, "I shake my hair and the snow falls on the mountain like the feathers of Waubese, the great white swan." Seguin said, "I shake my hair and the warm rain falls from the clouds. I call and the birds answer me. The mountains put on their white veils. The trees put on their leaves and the grass grows thick like the fur of a bear. The summer sky is my tepee." Peboan's head bent over his shoulder. Seguin waved her hands over him and a strange thing happened. Peboan grew smaller and smaller ; his Page eight deer skin clothes turned to leaves and covered Peboan on the ground. The winds and the rains danced the April dance of Spring and blew Peboan away, and all the creatures of nature danced in rejoicing that Peboan, the Manitou of Winter, had gone. As Seguin leads them through the maze of figures of ''the Growing Time" in the Carnival of Spring, she beckons to the Indian children around the camp fire, who slip up the hillside and join the dance. A runner comes breathlessly from the right and tells the startled camp that a strange ship has come from the Place of Breaking Light and that strange men with pale faces are invading their hunting grounds. The In- dians break camp hurriedly. The Chief stands watching on the hilltop. A pioneer and his family enter and look about them for a place to make their home. As they climb ujd the hill all the wildwood creatures come from their hiding places and angrily try to drive the intruders away. The man defends his family but cannot protect them from attack on all sides. He cries aloud for help and hears an answering shout down the valley from another pioneer, who runs to his assistance, leaving his family to fol- low. Together they drive away the hostile nature forces and the first pion- eer turns in gratitude to his helper, when the second family is heard to cry for deliverance from the Spirits of the Wilderness. Both men run to their aid, and as rapidly ao possible bring the two families together in order suc- cessfully to protect them both. The Mists of Time drift down the slope toward the pioneers and in a dance of rejoicing and congratulation reveal the Spirit of Neighbors born of their struggle together for the common good. Reverently the pioneer neighbors receive the Spirit and give her the place of honor among them. Even the Red Men feel the neighborly influ- ence and come near. It touches Nature and the Spirits of the Lowlands offer their help to the pioneers. The wildflowers dance with the Indian children, who shyly beckon to the children of the pioneers and all dance together while the Echoes sing "Away to the Woods," untU the mothers, returning, call the children. 'The indian children run down the trail and the nature spirits become invisible when there are no children to see. The Echoes repeat the song far away. Pa^e nine Fa^e ten i^ Pageant of Ridgewood, N. J. EPISODE I. Pa0e eleven Page twelve niie Pageant of Ridge\\?ood, N. J. EPISODE I. Scene 1. Part 1. Albrecht Sobieski, cousin of Joliii, King of Poland, and exiled with him, came to Bergen Oounty on the Dutch ship "Fox" in 1662. His old- est son, Jacob, is reputed to have been stolen bj the Indians and kept with the tribe for twelve years, 'becoming a valued interpreter. On the boy's return to his father the Indians gave him title to a tract of land, called, on an old surveyor's map, "The ISTew Paramus Patent." (Wearimus tract). This is the Paramus Highlands (later known as Chestnut Eidge) lying east of the Saddle River and crossed by the old Post Road. Ridgewood is built upon the grant of five hundred acres made by the Lord Cartaret to Samuel Kingsland in 168Y. The land was sold to Peter Johnson for the sum of thirty-two pounds and ten shillings, and in 1698 to Johann Van Emburgh, who built the first house in 1700. Some of his de- scendants still have their homes upon this land. EPISODE I. Scene 1. Part 2. 1685. Paramus Highlands. Albrecht Sobieski, riding along the trail from Hackensack, dismounts and stealthily climbs the hill, searching for some sign of the Indians he suspects of having stolen his son. Oranachop and his tribe file out of a nearby ravine, following the trail south, Jacob behind the chief. Jacob (calling to indian hoy in rear). Is that the river where you caught the fish ? The chief signs for silence. 'Sobieski, recognizing his son's voice, drops into a wooded hollow and surprises the chief as he reaches the opening of the ravine. As the Indians make a dash for the woods with the 'boy, the pioneer lifts his gun. Sohieski. Hold! Hold, or I fire! Oranachop {halting as if to parley). What is it the white chief asks ? Page thirteen Sohieshi. Why have you stolen my son ? Oranachop. We were not acting in the dark. We have taken him to live with us for a time so that he may know our speech and ways. The boy is content. Sohieshi. 'This is the talk of the forked tongue. Why did you not ask him from me, his father ? There has always been peace between us. Oranuchop. Oh, white chief, you would not have let him come for the asking. (Steps forward speaking passionately). The white men are coming from across the great water and like a black cloud of insects settling down over our land. We have taken one of your own tribe to live our life and speak our tongue that he may show the white man the Indian's heart and so, it may be, save our home and hunting ground for our children. {As Sohieshi stands thinhing, the chief hrings Jacoh forward.) Here is the youth. Let him make choice. (Jacoh stands hetween the two and as he turns toward his father the indian hoy slips to his side, offering him his own how and arrow). Jacoh. I will come bacfk when I have learned all the Indians have to tell me. I can swim now and yesterday I almost shot a ralbbit. Sohieshi (slowly). So be it, Oranachop. I have your meaning. But your life will pay if the boy comes to harm. Oranachop. I will pay. Also we will give him of our hunting grounds for a home when he returns to his own people. This belt of wampum is the word of Oranachop. (To scout) Bring the pipe of friendship. (They smohe the pipe in ratification of the agreement). Sohieshi. I have brought presents and pledges of peace with me. (Brings in horse and takes from pach fathoms of wampum, white and hlach, peltries, clothing, rum and implements of hu^handry). These shall also bind the bargain for the land. (As Sohieshi leaves, Oranachop turns to the tribe, speahing with great solemnity). Page fourteen Oranachop. Oh, men of the Minsey tribe, you have heard and seen. This boy is to me as a blood brother. In proof of this I give the word of a Delaware chief that in the war 'between the Swanekins (Dutch) and the English, sooner than let the 'boy demean himself by the shame of capture, I will kill him with my own hands. {They follow the trail into the woods). EPISODE I. Scene 2. Part 1. The early settlers of New Jersey were a religious folk and to that fact this country owes much of its staibility of character. The land on which Paramus Church was built in 1735 was given by Peter Faircouier, in consideration of which Church Article 3 recites, "Peter Faircouier shall have seats for himself and wife for a continued possession for themselves and their heirs. These shall be exempt from all charges by the church, except the minister's salary, as an acknovp'ledgment of their donation of the land on which the church is 'built." Article 4 makes the following pro- vision: "There shall remain five or six free seats for the old and deaf, where the church masters think best." The first building was of stone, and octagonal in shape. The steeple was in the center with the bell rope hanging down in the middle of the church. Among the members in 1735 were: Peter Faircouier his wife Jacob Zabriskie Jannetje " Harmon Lutkins Annetje " " Garret Hopper Jost Bogert Maria " " Abram Westervelt Annetje " " Garret Ackerman Rachel " " Abram Eutan Margaret] e " " B. Demarest Ritchje " " Washington made Paramus his headquarters at times during the War of the Revolution, and the church building served both as hospital and prison. As a consequence of its hard usage, it had to be rebuilt after the war. The old church has played a stirring part in the community's his- tory and is a power still. Page fifteen EPISODE I. Scene 2. Part 2. 1735. Site of Paramus Churcli. The neighbors of Paramus Plains assemWe on April 21, 1735, to laj the corner stone of Paramus Church. They arrive on foot, on horseback^ and in wagons, seated in high backed chairs which are taken out to serve as seats for the congregation. The weather (being still cold, they bring their footstoves. The men, carrying their muskets, discuss the crops and the neighborhood news as they await the arrival of the Dominie. A hoy gallops in on horseback. "Where's the voorleser ? The Acquackanonk is bank full and has swept the bridge out. Dominie Van Driessen is on the other side and can't get across." The men confer with the voorleser and decide to go on with the cere- mony of laying the corner stone. The congregation stand beside their chairs while the voorleser with his face buried in his hat, breathes a silent prayer for help and guidance. He lines out the Psalm, then gets the pitch with a tuning fork and raises the tune. It proves to be too high and the singing is stopped and a new start made, with a rather disjointed and dis- connected result. The collection bag for church support is passed, the lit- tle bell rousing the attention of sleepy members. The voorleser reads the solemn liturgy beginning, "We are assembled here in the name of the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, to lay the corner stone of a house to be erected to His honor and service and praise." The corner stone is lifted into place by four men and Paramus Church is established for its long life of usefulness. At the conclusion of the ceremony a second collection is taken, this time for the poor, and the congregation dismissed with a hymn. EPISODE I. Scene 3. 1774. The Husking Bee. Two young men bring to the barn floor shocks of corn, piling them up in the center. The girls of the house bring pitchers of cider and plates of Dutch crullers, and welcome the arriving neighbors. The race to husk the first basketful of corn is, interrupted by the finding of a red ear with its consequences. The fodder and baskets are cleared away and the floor swept for the dance. The fiddler arrives, is perched on a high seat, and the dance begins. Pa£e sixteen Interlude I. Into the rollicking tune of ''Pop goes the weasel" comes the discordant note of Tyranny. The Mists of Time scarcely hide his bulky figure as he strides threateningly forward. The men, hastily putting the women be- hind them, face the Spirit of the Age shoulder to shoulder as the music sounds the neighbor motif like a trumpet call. The Mists of the Future swiftly descend the hillside and from their midst leaps the Spirit of Freedom, who draws his sword and meets Tyran- ny in mortal combat. Out of the discords of the battle-music suddenly emerges the clear neighbor motif as Tyranny is driven from the field. Freedom draws a banner from his breast, fastens it to a pioneer's musket as to a staff and leads them to the hilltop, singing The Flower of Liberty. Pa^e seventeen Pa^e eighteen fS Pageant of Ridgewood, N. J. EPISODE 11. Pao'e ?iineteen Pa£e twenty The Pageant of Ridgewood, N. J. EPISODE II. Scene 1. Part 1. Under date of Deceml^er 16, 1776, the following appears in the New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, printed by Hugh Gaines at the Bible & Crown, Hanover Square (whose ''printer" became a tory after the occu- pation of New York City by the British) : "The Shattered Remains of the Refeel Army, 'tis said, are got over into the Jersies. Humanity can but pity a set of poor misguided Men who are thus led on to Destruction by despicable and desperate Leaders against every Idea of Keason and Duty, and without the least Prospect of Success." ''The Rebels are everywhere mouldering away like a Rope of Sand. "With the most impudent Bravadoes they have not yet had the Spirit to make anything like a Stand in a single encounter. The New England People have neither money nor Recruits ; and the rest of the Colonies are nearly drained of their Resources." Jan 20, 1777;, "Mr. Washington, with about two thousand poor Wretches who can get no Subsistence hut by following him, has fled across New Jersey to Pennsylvania." EPISODE II. ScEiYE 1. Part 2. 1776-7 — Paramus Road. Rumors of a raid by the tories have warned a Jerseyman and his fami- ly to seek possible safety with a neighbor. They have buried their few treasures and take such provisions as they can carry with them. The boy, running ahead to the turn of the road, stops suddenly and runs back at greater speed, crying, "The army ! the army !" The sound of a fife and drum is heard. As the father catches up the smallest child and leads the way to the river crossing, the boy protests. "No, No ! It's Washington ! I saw him !" A detachment of the retreating army marches north along Paramus Road, Washington, with resolute face and bearing, rides at the head of his hungry, disheartened army. Ragged, barefooted, scarcely a whole uni- form among them, they follow their leader and a seemingly hopeless cause. Many of them mutter in sullen resentment to each other. Page twenty-one The boy begs some food from bis mother and the basket is soon emptied by the hungry soldiers. They warn the Jerseyman that the Hessians are close behind them. After the army has passed, the family cross the road to hide in the woods. The boy stands looking after them, turns to go, then runs back, calling out, "Tell Washington " A soldier in the straggling rear guard stops to listen. "Tell Washington I'll help him fight when I grow up !" The soldier waves his hand as both march away, and the music of the fife and drum try to cheer the discouraged army. EPISODE 11. Scene 2. Part 1. New Jersey, the debatable ground between the two armies in New York and Pennsylvania, suft'ered, not only from raids by the Hessians, but also from the tory neighbors in their midst. The New York Gazette of January 20, 1777, tells of the successful raids of "A party of New Jer- sey Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Abraham Van Buskirk, who has been distinguished for his loyal attachment to King and Consti- tution. "They (the colonials) have every prospect of a Famine, as their last Crop of Wheat is more entirely blasted than has ever been known in the Memory of Man. "Many begin to draw back (from enlisting) from a strong Preposses- sion that Independence and Ruin are closely united ! In short, the whole Course of Things has 'been so much against the Cause, that, to use the im- pious Expression of one of their Preachers before his Audience, 'it seems as if God Almighty was really turned Tory.' " Hopperstown (now Hohokus) on the old Post Road was settled by John Hopper in 1724. Two of the family, General Henry Hopper and Captain Garrett Hopper, were officers in the Colonial Army. Their homes, the Mansion House and the Stone House above the bridge, are still standing. b' EPISODE II. Scene 2. Part 2. 1777. Hopperstown. The Post Road and grounds before the Man- sion House and Stone House. Captain Garret Hopper, wounded and lame, and General Henry Hop- per, his cousin, arrive on a furlough. They are welcomed by their fami- Page twenty-two lies and enter their respective homes. In a short time Abraham Van Bus- kirk and his torj raiders ride up. VanBushirh (shouting roughly to serving man). Here you ! Where's your master ? Servant (frightened). I do — don't know, sir. VanBv^Mrk. Well, go in the hausen and tell him to come out here. Mrs. Hopper (coming from house). Ah, Colonel VanBuskirk, how come jou on? It is such a hot day. Leave your horses and rest awhile. (To servant.) Bring pitchers of apple- jack and steins, and have the women fix some ham and rye bread sand- wiches, and a plate of those fresh olekokes and the hot ginger bread. VanBuslxirh and men dismount, are served and eat heartily. Mrs. Hopper keeps the steins well filled and is most gracious and entertaining. The men become visibly mellowed in manner. Servants pass along the road below the house carrying two feather beds. Mrs. Hopper. Ah, see what the tavern law has done for me. "Two extra feather beds" must I keep besides "extra room in pasture, stable and house." (Speaking to men). Jacob, take those beds to the stone house across the mill race and bring back the pair with clean ticks from the upper spare room. VariBushii'l'. Mrs. Hopper, you have been very friendly and kind to us, but now we will have to go through the hausen to see if relbels might be there. Mrs. Hopper. To be sure, Col. VanBuskirk. They go in. As soon as they have disappeared ivithin the house. Gen. Hopper is seen slipping through the woods from the Mansion House. He comes to the ravine as the servants reach the pkice with their burden. Hurriedly removing the top feather bed, they help the wounded Captain to his feet and both hurry away into the woods. The disappointed tories come from the Mansion House, showing their anger as they mount and ride away. The servants, returning with the beds, are eagerly questioned by Mrs. Hopper, and assure her of her husband's escape. They are joined by the General's wife, who leads the Captains wife home rejoicing over the strategy that has saved their husbands from capture. Fag", twenty-three EPISODE II. Scene 3. Paet 1. In the fall of 1777 Aaron Burr and his regiment were detailed for scouting duty in New Jersey with headquarters at Eamapo. One of the numerous engagements with the Hessian raiders took place near the Little Hermitage. Then and there Burr first met the fascinating Theodosia de Visme Prevost, the widow of a British Colonel. In 1778-9, while in com- mand of the Westchester lines, thirty miles away, Burr would cross the Hudson after dark, with his horse thrown and hohbled in the bottom of the boat, ride twenty miles through the enemy's country to see the widow, and get back into camp before daybreak. It is a popular tradition that they were married in the Paramus Church, July 28, 1782. ^ EPISODE II. Scene 3. Part 2. July 28, 1782. The Little Hermitage (now Rosencrantz House, Franklin Turnpike). After their wedding in the old Paramus Church, Aaron Burr and his bride drive up to the Little Hermitage. They are surprised with a recep- tion by their neighbors, who have discovered the cause of the errand to the Church and who greet them with congratulations and rice. Among the other guests Burr discovers his old friend, Col. Popham. Col. Popham. Ah, Colonel, I congratulate you both. One more instance of your bril- liant tactics — you have stolen a march on us. Col. Burr. Ah but, Colonel, you have captured our forces by countermarching. ( After much laughter and applause another of Burr's military friends steps forward and reads to the company a poem beginning:/ From the commandant's quarters on Westchester height The blue hills of Ramapo lie in full sight ; On their slope gleam the gables that_ shield his heart's queen. But the Redcoats are wary — ^the Hudson's between. Through the camp runs a jest: ^'There's no moon — 'tw'.ll be dark; . 'Tis odds little Aaron will go on a spark !" And the toast of the troopers is : "Pi(ikets lie low. And good luck to the colonel and widow Provost." He hands the verses to the bride amid much merriment and claims her as his partner for the minuet. After the dance they are bidden to the din- ing room and go out to the wedding supper. Page twenty -foiLV EPISODE 11. Scene 4. Part 1. When in 1812 Fulton superintended the construction of steam ferries across the Hudson, a new era opened for New Jersey. The safety and speed of crossing made the two states practically one and railway develop- ment began. The Paterson and Ramapo R. R. Company built a single track line from Paterson through Godwinville (now Ridgewood) to the New Jersey and New York State Line in 1847. The second track was laid in 186'5 and the third and fourth tracks in 1902 and 1903. The terminus at tide- water previous to 1861 was at Weehawken, through the Paterson & Hud- son R. R. ; but the railroad in that year was extended through the Long Dock Company's tracks direct to the river. EPISODE II. ScKNE 4. Paet 2. 1846. Present site of Ridgewood business section. A surveying corps crosses the swamp, running a line due north, A man from Godwinville (formerly Newtown, now Wortendyke) comes from the West. Oodwinville Citizen. Well, young fellow, what are you about ? Surveyor. Locating a railway line. Godwinville. A railway ! Where's it going to ? Surveyor. Suffeiti, Ramapo way. A man from Paramus comes from the East. Paramus Citizen. Where's it coming from ? Surveyor. Paterson. Paramus. What on earth would a body want a railroad through here for ? Insert Surveyor. Shorten the route for the gre^t through line from New York to Dun- kirk. Paramus. That's your reason. What's the good of a road to us ? Surveyor. Give you young fellows a chance to go to town and see the sights. Ever hear of New York City? Happen to know that there's 307,000 people living there ? Godwinville. Well, if your railroad is to use, why don't you build it convenient? There's nobody lives in this mudhole but the frogs. Come over by God- winville. Ever hear of Wortendyke's Candle Wicking mill? Happen to know we sell it all over the United States and ship direct to both China and Japan ? Paramus. Why don't you build over by Paramus where the town is ? This place is nothing but a swamp on a cross road from the Goffle to the Post Road. Surveyor. Because Paramus is too far east. Godwinville is too far west. Orders are to go straight through — the mud hole. {To flagman) All right, go. ahead. Godwinville and Paramus citizens have in disgust. Note: In 1855 Captain Dayton hired a man to ditch and draw the swamp, paying 37^c per working day (from sun up to sun down). Interlude II. Two neighbors meet with friendly greetings. In the course of conver- sation a question of ownership) arises, uJDon which there is a difference of opinion. The difference soon grows into a quarrel and as it grows more angry the mists gather ahove them. As they float down towards the valley the Lord of Wrong creeps over the top of the ridge and the music crashes into battle sounds as it ushers in the big, brutal figure of War. The Spirits of Wrong influence the quarrel to greater bitterness while War stands im- passively waiting. At last the neighbors with final threats of defiance rush back to ISTorth and South and returning with rifles kneel and take aim at each other. Swiftly out of the ISTorth and South comes a woman with children, who kneel before War, imploring. War answers with a single ges- ture — reaching forth his arm toward the fighting neighbors with cruel de- liberation he turns his thumb down. The neighbors fire and fall. War stalks into the foreground with exultant gestures and in triumphal march goes on. Behind him follow Grief, Famine, Despair, humbled Civilization, the crippled Future and the rest of the sad train. The sorrowing figures of Humanity help the widows bear away their dead. Just over the hilltop the Spirits of Wrong lie in wait. Page twenty -five Tage twenty-six fS Pageant of Ridgewood, N. J. EPISODE III. Page tiventy-seven Pa^e twenty -eight ni\e Pageant of Ridge^ood, N. J. EPISODE III. Scene 1. Part 1. In the 60'Sj Union Hall (now Paramus Church Chapel) was built by the ReiDublicans, and the first speech delivered within its walls was by Horace Greeley. An old block house, east of Hohokus, was the drill room of the ISTation- al Guard of Hohokus, of which Abram VanEmburgh was captain. When the company enlisted for the Civil War and became part of the 22nd Regi- ment, Capt. VanEmT^urgh was put in command as Colonel. This hall was also the meeting place of the Society for the Promulgation of Education in Bergen County — apparently in the principles of the Democrats, since it was their headquarters. EPISODE III. Scene 1. Part 2. The morning after Fort Sumter was fired on, Dominie Corwin fastened a flag to a pole and thrust it out of the belfry of old Paramus Church. When the congregation came to church the following Sunday they found Old Glory waving in the breeze above them. Some of the members object- ed, telling the pastor that it was not right to have the flag there as long as some of the congregation held different opinions, and that he must take it down. Two patriotic members, William Ranlett and John Jacob Zabris- kie, approved of the Dominie's action, and told him to keep it on the steeple and that they would protect him. A committee of the objecters called on Mr. Corwin and demanded the removal of the flag before next Sabbath's services. In the meantime Mr. Ranlett armed and equipped twenty-five men at his own expense. On the following Sunday the congregation assembles, with certain of its members missing. The committee approaches the pastor and the chair- man speaks : Chairman. Dominie Corwin, we told you that flag must come down and it's com- ing down now. / They start toward the church.) Page twenty-nine Dominie Corwin. And I told jou our flag should wave above us until this v^ar is over. Men. Well, it won^t. It's coming down now. Dominie Corwin {raising his voice). I have twenty-five men here who will help me j)rotect it. The first man who touches that flag to tear it down will be shot ! The company of men made up of the missing members marches to the front of the church, barring the way to the door. They stand silently "at attention." In the midst of consternation and excitement the committee and symapthizers gather together their families and leave, some never to return. The Dominie enters the church, followed by the women and chil dren. The Captain faces the company. Boys, three cheers for Old Glory and then we'll go to church. They all cheer, then file into the church still carrying their guns. N"ote : — The flag lasted half a year and was replaced by others until the close of the war. EPISODE III. 'Scene 2. Part 1. The rolling stock of the Paterson section of what is now the Erie Rail- way at first consisted of "three splendid and commodious cars, each capa- ble of accommodating thirty passengers, drawn by fleet and gentle horses ; a rapid and delightful mode of travelling." When the change was made to steam power it must have been with many misgivings, for it was advertised that "The steam and horse cars are so intermixed that passengers may make their selection, and the timid can avail themselves of the latter, twice a day." The locomotive was the old "Grasshopper Engine" with its walking beam, loping along like its predecessor, the running indian. In 1866 there were but three or four buildings in Ridgewood. The first station was a freight car. Mr. Cornelius Shuart was station agent and Mr. Benj. F. Robinson, postmaster (salary $10 per annum). Mrs. Cornelia Dayton suggested the change of name from Godwinville to Ridge- wood. Pa^e thirty EPISODE III. Scene 2. Part 2. 1866. Eidgewood Station. Mr. Benj. F. Do i yton . ^ J^:^-z^e^-¥' .r:H ■ Good morning, Mrs. Dajton. Mrs. Cornelia Dayton. Good morning, Mr. Robinson. Mr. Bohinson. Well, the Erie R. R. has given in at last. Various packages came in on the 9 :20 this morning mai^ked Ridgewood instead of Godwinville. Mrs. Dayton. 'That is good news indeed. Let me see, it is just six years, is it not, since we first requested them to make the change ? Mr. Bohinson. Yes, and for one year Uncle Sam has made them drop mail hags marked "Ridgewood" on this station platform. 'The Erie is a queer road in some ways. Mrs. Dayton,. Oh, don't say that — ^what would Ridgewood 'be without the Erie ? — nothing at all ! A countryman comes down the road with his children hanging to his coat and crying. Mrs. Dayton. Why, what is the matter ? Girl. Father's going to the City and we may never see him again. Countryman. It's all nonsense. I want to go into the city to see the sights I've heard about, and the whole family's scared to death. Countryman's wife. Do you thing it's quite safe, sir ? Pa£e thirty-one Mr. Robinson. Why certainly. Why not ? Countryman s wife. Oh, sir, if he would only walk in. A car going hy steam is against nature. Mrs. Blank of Paterson walked all the way in last week, and bought her hat and walked home again. Countryman. Yes, and walked in next day and took it back again and then walked out — and her shoes into the bargain. Just like a woman ! Mr. Robinson. I'm sure it's perfectly safe. It was only last year the Erie constructed a telegraph line through the tunnel to signal warning of coming trains at either end. thus avoiding collisions. ilf rs. Dayton. And there is so much to see in the city. 'Stewart's Marble Palace is the largest drygoods store in the world — 152 feet on Broadway and 100 back on Chambers street. I have been told that they employ no less than 350 salesmen and clerks in their wholesale and retail departments to- gether. Girl Oh, father ! I want to go with you. Neighbor. And the city is growing so large that Tiffany's Fancy and Curiosity store has moved uptown to 441 Broadway. But no one needs to walk. There are five lines of commodious city cars drawn by horses and mules — one to 23rd, one to 27th, and three clear up to 59th street. The streets are paved all the way up to 44th street. (Astonishment). Mr. 8huart. Some of the buildings are six stories high ! And the new St. Nicholas hotel has 600 rooms. Then just think of the private houses costing from fifty to two hundred thousand dollars ! All Oh! Mr. Shuart. Well, sir, you will have to hurry. There comes the 9 :29 express. The next train is the mail at 6 :40 this afternoon. Countryman's family hurries out. Little girl crying. Don't go, father. Oh, I mean, take me too ! Page thirty-two Interlude III. Paramus appears on tlie highlands looking off toward the sea. Behind her the jSTature Spirits slip out of the edge of the woods. The Mists of Time sweep orer the hills, then swirl away and Manhat- tan stands silhouetted against the horizon line. She 'brings with her a fam- ily of city dwellers. Beholding Paramus across the valley, she calls : All hail ! Paramus of the Highlands. Paramus. Hail and welcome! Manhattan by the Sea. 3fanhaUa7i. Also your welcome for these my children. North, south, west, and from across the waters their fathers come to fill my market place. But the young cJiildren thrive not in the crowd. Will you give them room in the pure air of your Highlands ? Paramus. Aye, Manhattan, we cannot refuse the children. It was for their chil- dren's sake our fathers endured all hardships to win this land for a home. Mayihattan. Also, Paramus, I bring many inventions to light, to drain, to pave your streets, and swift flying trains between your hills and my market place for the father, whose new name shall be the commuter. Param,us. So 'be it, Manhattan. But in your eagerness for the new, forget not old virtues. I will share with you the quiet home of my fathers where for gen- erations our roots have gone deep into the place of dwelling. On your part, oh Manhattan, tax your invention, I charge you, to create in dcublc- measure the spirit of a sense-of-home for those whose feet wander. Manhattan: What mean you, Paramus ? Page thirty-three Paramtis. Oh, Manhattan, it is the passing of the old and the coming of the new, and it is well. Loyalty to the market place the man must have or business suffers. Loyalty to his home, the training place of his children, he must also have or they and the future suffer grievously. If we keep not the lode- star of home and neighbors to guide us we are lost. The place of ridges and woods is what we all of us make it, for we are Ridgewood. Lo, even now she comes ! All hail ! Ridgewood. Manhattan. All hail ! Ridgewood. Ridgewood. Hail to ye both ! Manhattan. Oh. Paramus of the Highlands, I hear and I will remember. The city dwellers salute Ridgewood, who gives them the freedom of her health-giving hills and valleys. As she waves her hand in gesture of wel- come the birds and the flowers and all nature come out to dance with the children and lure them into the beauty of the hills among the trees. Page thirty-four Pageant of Ridgewood, N. J. EPISODE IV. Page thirty-five Page thirty-six. niie Pageant of Ridgewood, N. J. EPISODE IV. Scene 1. Paet 1. "If our national genius is for organization, then our national game is not baseball, 'but going on committees. It has been said that if three Amer- icans have an idea in common, the best known immediately becomes presi- dent, the richest treasurer, and the most able, secretary. There is hardly a family without a memiber on some committee or in some club, lodge, un- ion or circle." Clubs and societies are not only the national sport, they are the nation- al and only school of democracy. The newly arrived immigrant who joins the insurance and social club of his neighborhood soon gets an understand- ing of what the rule of the majority means and why, as well as the differ- ence 'between the steam-roller and consent-of-the-governed kinds. We all of us pay our dues — that is to say, our tuition fees — to our clubs and com- mittees and educate ourselves. We are told that the migration of the world's people, intranational and international, is today on a scale and in a way never known before. Migra- tion of individuals, not the old-time migration of the social group, tends toward the losing of a sense-of-home, community background and social traditions. The effect on the future, through the generation now growing up, and soon to be the Citizens of To-morrow, is to be reckoned with. 'Team work at its 'best is only possible where one is acquainted with, and used to, the other half of the team. Where that is lacking other ele- ments must be suT^stituted. Among the twenty-eight members of the class playing the following scene are five born in Ridgewood ; the rest are from fourteen different towns in six widely separated states and countries. This is a characteristic common to urban and suburban communities. Page thirty-seven EPISODE IV. Scene 1. Part 2. 18 . Ridgewood. Commuters. A group of commu'ters hurrying home from the 6.01 train stop at the street corner. One man. Well, I turn oft" here. Other man. Spring Street ? So do I. You must come from Brooklyn. One. I did. How do you like it out here ? Other. It's a healthy place. My wife's throat is much better. Little lonesome though. We're newcomers. One. Same here. Come around some night. {A pause, then enthusiastical- ly.) Say, I've a bright idea — ^let's get hold of a bunch of Brooklynites and start a club or something. Other. Fine ! Here comes one now. Say, Green, let me introduce you to Grray. What do you say to (etc., etc., etc.) ? Lady walks in, looking back at Ridgewood Avenue in indignation. Meets friend. Oh, how do you do, Mrs. Bee ? Did you see that poor horse with no hat on to protect him from the sun ? Mrs. Bee. Horrible. Why don't somebody do something ahout it ? Is there a So- ciety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals out here ? Mrs. Aye. I don't think so. Wouldn't it be a good plan to call a meeting? (etc., etc., etc.) Page thirty -eight Two geutlemen on way to station. Tom. Morning, Bill. What's the matter? Got the blues? Oh, I say, I think you look yellow instead ! Bill. Doctor says liver — not enough exercise. Tom. Um ' Bowling's good exercise. So's tennis. Bill. Where ? Tom. Well now, I've been thinking that if a lot of us fellows got together (etc., etc., etc.) Two ladies on way to Playhouse. Mrs. Zee. I wish you'd come out to Ridgewood to live. Why don't you ? Mrs. Dee. Well, the girls don't want to come. Mrs. Zee. Why, really ? Why not ? Mrs. Dee. Because although your boys are so heautifully provided for in the Y. M. C. A., athletic clubs, etc., your girls have almost nothing of that sort. T feel that such organizations are just as essential for girls as boys. Mrs. Zee. So do I. J^ow if women only had the ballet we could change all that. Mrs. Eigii is such an enthusiastic suffragist. Suppose we ask her to call a meeting (etc., etc., etc.) The organizations multiply seven fold. Then comes the second stage. Mrs. Eye. Well, how can we build a clubhouse without more money? Mrs. Jay. Oh, I'll tell you, let's have a fair. I have some tickets in my bag and we can sell them to our friends right now (etc., etc., etc.) (^ Repeated with variations.y The plague of ticket selling increases, each organization offering them to everyone else until all run away with their hands over their ears. Page thirty-nine Final Ridgewood stands alone and as she lifts her eyes to the hills she sees the ugly Spirits of Wrong threateningly come nearer. She looks about for help and discovers a veiled figure asleep upon 'the hill. Quickly Ridge- wood reaches her side and whispers: ''Awake ! Awake ! See you not the danger that threatens ?" She sleeps on and Ridgewood cries again: '"Will you not help me ? Oh, v/ho are you ?" Slowly the sleeping figure stirs and lifts her veil. "Men call me Civic Spirit. In the old days my name was " Then she sees the Lord of Wrong and in quick comprehension runs swiftly to the hilltop and beckons into the distance. Like ghosts of the long ago the Indians and Nature Spirits slip out from among the 'trees and to the strains of the Spring Music dance the April dance. As before, the first settler appears, the struggle is repeated, the call for help answered by another pioneer, and the Spirit of Neighbors is re-born as the music rises triumphant in the neighbor motif. The scene is drifting away into the Land of Memory, when Ridgewood holds out her arms, appealing to the Neighbor Sj)irit to return. As she comes nearer, Ridgewood says wonderingly: "But you are Civic Spirit." And the Spirit answers : "Aye, and of Neighbors too — we are one !" Then the organizations return waving their banners. The Neighbor Spirit unfurls her standard, lifts it on high, and all read thereon the legend, "Together, for the Common Good !" She points to the prowling Wrongs that have come nearer and turns VA^th a gesture of appeal to the organiza- tions. A number of them assem'ble at once under the new standard; but, seeing the others hold aloof, she lifts a trumpet to her lips and blows a call north, east, south and west for the Citizens of To-morrow. From the listening world below a fife and drimi corps run up the hill and take their stand by the Spirit's side, sounding a thrilling assembly call. The graduat- ing classes of Harrison, Kenilworth, Beech-Union and Monroe answer. Education hands them their enlistment papers and they march toward the Land of the Unknown Future. The dark Spirits sweep down upon the children. At their cry of alarm all the organizations swiftly surround the Neighbor 'banner and stand together between the children and the Lord of Wrongs who retreats a little way. Page forty Seeing this the people crj, ''Call more neighbors!" The trumpet sounds and Hohokus, Paramus, Glen Rock and Midland Park enter and take their stand with Ridgewood, and the Spirits of Wrong go further back. New Jersey descends the hill and the Spirit of Neighbors standing by her side again lifts the trumpet. New York, the Atlantic, Delaware and Pennsylvania take their places under the banner, "Together for the Com- mon Good," and the Lord of Wrong retreats to the hilltop. Once more the cry, "Yet more neighbors," Colum'bia appears on the height, and for the last time the trumpet is blown to the four corners of the earth: South America, mourning Europe, Asia and Africa, league the world in the new warfare of Humanity against the Lord of Wrong, who disappears below the horizon to stay as long as the League holds. Turn- ing to the Spirit of Neighbors the people sing a hymn as they follow her up the heights into the Land of To-morrow which shall be the Land of To- day when the children grow up. Page forty-one THE SPIRIT OF NEIGHBORS 1. Spirit of Neighbors, by whose courage Of kindly heart and helping hand Our fathers dared all unknown danger And built our homes within this land — 'Twas for the children, for the future, For a country that should stand. 2. 'Spirit of Neighbors, 'twas for freedom From Valley Forge to Bunker Hill Our fathers held this land together And, though we quarreled, hold it still ; 'Twas for the children, for the future, Our country's purpose to fulfill. 3. Spirit of Neighbors, we inherit The home they won, the country free; We pay our debt unto the future. Give us the vision to foresee J 'Tis in our hands to help or hinder Every child from sea to sea. 4. Spirit of Neighbors, Lord of Nations, The world rocks with the war of hate, Yet Thy Commandment, Love each other, 'Shall conquer war, shall recreate The song of courage for the future For the CHILDREN, for the STATE. Page forty-two SPIRIT OF NEIGHBORS ^^ ki P ^ ^^^ ' -^ ^ ^j j4 i -X«. t ^ -j*' ^ »l -BP'l 111) I [ ^ d Ofe CI ftt..^—;^^-^ ■^ J iJ'^-l J ^^^ i-f^^ - SLjL . p s '.t uT r =¥- -7^ i^+H-- -^ r '-r f'^ r Page forty-three LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 005 427 715 ll Paterson Pr«s8 Print