Sonya Remembers Ruth and Didi Nielsen and the Nielsen House Nielsen House located on the site of the Post Office Parking Lot Across from the Ponds Church Ruth and Didi They were sisters, but you never said….Ruth or Didi…it was always the Ruth and Didi. Ruth committee suicide at 57….four years later Didi died of cancer. Neither married… we could only speculate on why Ruth killed herself. She was a nurse, and she died from an overdose. After Ruth died, Didi was alone, she was teaching math in Butler High., I don’t know why she decided to retire so young, perhaps then you could retire with a pension at that…
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Encampment on the Ramapo – 1776
The Revolutionary war “Encampment on the Ramapo” Today, the location known as “Green Meadow” is part of Ramapo Reserve, a high class luxury development on the west side of the Ramapo river in Oakland, New Jersey. Access is limited to residents and little if any of the original setting remains. The property extends up the mountain and into old Camp Todd boy scout camp. This mostly quiet stretch of the river once passed by the early colonial style home of the Fox family, and since the 1930’s was home to Mr. Sidney Kingsley, a famous early screen producer and playwright. His wife was a silent screen actress, Madge Evans and…
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The Colony
Linda Anders & Bob Blumenthal On Sep 3, 2009, at 8:14 PM, Linda Anders wrote: From: “Linda Anders” Subject: The Colony Date: Thu, 03 Sep 2009 Hi , I just discovered your website & am enjoying so very much. In 1971 my dad was told that by the time he would be 40 years of age he would no longer be able to walk due to a back injury (He is 81 now & walks just fine) but because of this my parent sold their house in Bergenfield & moved to The Colony. We bought 2 attached houses on riverside drive . #48. Two log cabins made for the summer.…
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Oakland History: An Op Ed View
I’ve been engaged for a few years now on Facebook presenting the history of Oakland to all who desired to fondly recall their roots. And I have done this as a relative stranger among the multitude who grew up here in Oakland and indeed lived, breathed and who were so enriched by the simple, wonderful joys of our Mayberry. Along the way since my wife and I moved here in 1979, I have been blessed with many friends, many of whom grew up here and shared what it was like then. I am insanely jealous. I grew up in Bergenfield, NJ when we moved there from the Bronx as one…
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Ponds Cemetery Graves
Ponds Cemetery Oakland, Bergen County, New Jersey As of 4/22/2017 Source: http://www.interment.net/data/us/nj/bergen/ponds/index.htm Contributed by Richard Hrazanek. Abbott, Harvey H., b. 1 Nov 1919, d. 11 Jan 1971, New Jersey SSgt 3607 Ord Ham CO WWII Abbott, James B., b. 1918, d. 1958, s/w Mary B. Abbott, Mary B., b. 1919, d. 1997, s/w James B. Abbott, Priscilla A., b. 1919, d. 1995, s/w Harvey H. Abed, Danielle, b. 12 Mar 1963, d. 11 Apr 1963 Acker, Catharine, d. 13 Dec 1856, 82y 1m 21d Acker, John D., d. 19 Jun 1830, 49y 2m 5d Ackerman, Adell, no dates, 13y, d/o of John A. Ackerman Ackerman, Catharine A., b. 5 Nov 1839, d. 17 Jun 1870, w/o John W. Ackerman,…
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Notes on Clifford MacAvoy
Notes on Clifford MacAvoy The MacEvoy trail is named for Clifford E. MacEvoy who was a wealthy contractor of large public works. MacEvoy helped conceive and construct the nearby Wanaque Reservoir. In the 1920’s, MacEvoy bought property in the Ramapo Mountains to form the Bergen County Hunting and Fishing Club. MacEvoy’s estate was sold and purchased by the State of NJ using Green Acres and federal funds in 1976 and became what is now known as Ramapo Mountain State Forest. Mayor of Oakland 1936-1942 Died in 1960 Buried at Ponds Cemetery Married to Bernice Ryerson Daughter married Bud Verveat – Oakland Mill Built Ponds memorial Bldg Statrted Rt 208 $543,724 grubbing and clearing contract for…
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Once There Was Indians All Over This Place
“Once There Was Indians All Over This Place” 2 23 Mar, 2016 in Features “Once There Was Indians All Over This Place” By Kevin Heffernan That wonderful and memorable quote is directly from a sign that was once proudly displayed from the flag pole for generations in Bush Plaza. The quote and depiction of an Indian of an unknown origin form a tearful lament, a proud but sad reminder of Oakland’s past and a vehicle for the questions as to why they left, when did they leave and where did they go. It is tearful lament because it weeps for the despicable and shameful treatment of primarily the Dutch toward the Lenni Lanape…
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Memories of Oakland by Bradford Boone
by Bradford Boone Memories of Oakland may be slightly shaded these days. What remains, however, are a multitude of impressions treasured by a young man who lived through the depression era in a quaint, bucolic village cradled in the Ramapo Valley. Yet, the roads, grasslands, ponds, trees and buildings that lent their charm to the tranquility of yesterday have all but disappeared. That was yesterday, but yesterday’s gone, and changes over the years have all but obliterated the Oakland of my youth. Fortunately, memory is a unique resource. It brings pleasure upon recall and reaffirms the joys of better times. It embraces the spirit and inspires a never ending quest…
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Marie Sarcka
The following is the obituary of the wife of John Sarcka who was the headmaster of the Oakland Riding Academy in Oakland, NJ. The Oakland Military Academy was the successor to the Calderwood Hotel in Oakland which in turn was the successor to the Bush residence, a 2 story 18th Century residence on Ramapo Valley Road. All the above is now a parking lot and a strip mall located on the east side of Ramapo Valley Road between the railroad tracks and Oak Street. MARIE SARCKA New Windsor, N.Y. Marie Sarcka of New Windsor, a retired school administrator for Oakland Academy in New Windsor and longtime resident of the area,…
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Oakland Beaches -The Glory Days
Oakland Beaches -The Glory Days In 1930 the full effects of the Depression were setting upon the nation. Employment was scarce and money was more than tight. Compounding the effects of the Depression in Oakland was that our farms no longer in existence. While Oaklanders had little money, we were nonetheless rich in many resources. Specifically, we had free-flowing, pristine river teaming with fish, mountains filled with game, fresh air and hotels and inns built to accommodate the many visitors and guests generated mostly by the businesses here. And, most importantly, we had access via the railroad. That superb combination created a huge opportunity for local residents to capitalize upon.…
