The Tainted History of a Summer Pleasure Land: Posted on February 27, 2013 by Gregg Griffin No one today would consider the northwestern corner of Bergen County to be a resort paradise, but for the first half of the 20th century that’s exactly what it was. In researching the history of the Ramapo River I happened upon several sources describing Oakland as a summer resort town. From the early 1900’s through the 1960’s Oakland was home to a number of resorts located on the banks of the Ramapo River. The quiet town of Oakland would almost quadruple in size during the summer months to accommodate all of the incoming tourists from the urban centers…
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The Mystery and History of Rotten Pond
THE MYSTERY AND HISTORY OF ROTTEN POND (RAMAPO LAKE) by Ed Zindel Feb 2015 When I reflect on the impressive list of local angling opportunities that I enjoyed in my youth, the finest warm water fishery was undoubtedly in an impoundment known as Rotten Pond (Rottan? Pond); located on the Oakland – Wanaque border. Furthermore, due to the abundance of large fish in this lake, it was also the most exciting fishing resource that was accessible to me during those cherished years. From the time I overheard the first whispers about this mountaintop fishing hot spot, the origin of the name “Rotten Pond” (as it was referred to by locals) was…
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West Oakland Memories
West Oakland Memories Published: December 31, 2008 WEST OAKLAND MEMORIES By Bob Blumenthal It was a magical time, and I was lucky to be a part of it. For fifteen summers I experienced a “high” that no drug can induce. Who knew that the summer of 1948 would change my entire life? I was an eight-year old city boy who was accustomed to the fumes of buses and the clanking of garbage cans. Then, one day, my parents decided to spend the summer in a place called the West Oakland Bungalow Colony. As I sat in the back seat of a ‘48 Dodge, I took in the sights. After crossing…
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Known as The Colony
The Colony Fifty years from now, what will the children of Oakland be remembering about the time, the people, and the place. For Saul Weitz, Bob Blumenthal and George Cohen, fifty years have come and gone, and the memories remain. As Spencer Tracy might say, “I can tell you the memories are still there- clear, intact, indestructible, and they’ll be there if I live to be 110.” The trio are on a mission to find others who can recall the bygone days of Oakland, specifically to what was, and is, known as The Colony. For those unfamiliar with the term, The Colony refers to a development of housing on the…
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Rotten Pond (Ramapo Lake) Dam
Ramapo Lake Dam Ed Zindel ARTHUR G. PULIS AND THE ROTTEN POND (RAMAPO LAKE) DAM On October 10, 1927 Mr. Arthur G. Pulis, owner of Oakland Beach and Oakland Grove, penned a letter to the New Jersey Division of Water expressing his “anxiety” over the safety of the Rotten Pond Dam. Included were concerns for his downstream cabins and their inhabitants as well as “the increasing number of new bungalows placed on both sides of the Ramapo”. Just two weeks later, on October 24, 1927, a state engineer performed a safety inspection on the Dam and promptly responded with a letter ensuring Mr. Pulis of its safe condition. Mr.…
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Some History about Muller’s Farm
History of Muller’s Farm in Oakland Emilie Grootendorst Barry, Evanston, Illinois – for 61 years (March 19, 2018) Well, I am the youngest, and the last of the six grandchildren of Katie Pfeiffer and William Muller, who came to Oakland in the 1890’s. They were married in Manhattan in 1887, when both were 23. My grandmother had no premonition she was to leave her mother’s high-stooped brownstone at 502 West 43rd Street neighborhood on New York’s West Side to spend the rest of her life in Oakland, Bergen County, NJ! But someone put the bug in grandfather’s ear about the countryside in Oakland. And he acquired the property with the…
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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 they…
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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 Linda Anders & Bob Blumenthal 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…
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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. 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…
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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.…
