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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Installment #4 – The Real Skinny About George Washington and the Van Allen House
Oakland History Reconsidered Recap of Oakland History Presentation This installment will focus on just one of several events that occurred in Oakland during the Revolutionary War: Washington and the Van Allen House. More to the point, did he really stay there? Is this urban legend, wishful thinking or a documented fact? Commonly accepted Oakland history tells us that George Washington slept at the Van Allen House on July 14, 1777. Indeed one is tempted to develop an imaginary scene wherein RVR is lined with flag waving Oakland residents cheering with the passing of each troop with George Washington on a white stallion in the lead smiling and waving at…
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How the Brits Helped Us Depart
How the Brits Helped Us Depart 2 19 May, 2014 in Features / Oakland Time Travels Installment #7: The Rise of Townships in Bergen County and the Creation of Oakland or How the Brits Helped Us Depart By Kevin Heffernan The rise of townships in Bergen County…..Hmmmmm….Some might suggest that this is an article to assist borderline insomniacs while others might postulate that it is for the anal retentive interested only in the arcane minutia of little known events and connections of many, many years ago. Well, this mighty pen (keyboard) will quickly dispatch those dragons……Hopefully, if you remain awake to the end. Hang in and don’t despair as there are some pictures. I’ll try…
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History of the Van Slyke Castle
The Oakland Castle Oakland, NJ – Hike into History Take a hike. Depending on your tone of voice it can be good advice or a condescending suggestion. In this case it is very good advice because Oakland offers its residents a great opportunity to enjoy outdoor exercise, take in some beautiful scenery, and wander down wooded paths that lead you through local, regional and world history. The hike detailed here starts just off Skyline Drive and is approximately five miles, start to finish. It will take you up through the Ramapo Hills to great vistas where you can visit the ruins of what has been called “The Oakland Castle”, “The Van…
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A Veteran’s STORY
“A Veteran’s STORY” What does it mean to be a “Veteran”.. To some it is pride in serving their country at a time of need, or an obligation, or perhaps some inner need to prove something to themselves or perhaps others. Back in 1964 when I graduated from High School, I like others of my age at attaining the age of 18 years, had to register for the draft which was then in progress. The country was involved in a war in southeast Asia, a place called Vietnam. The year before we had witnessed the tragic death of our President at the hands of an assassin in Dallas, Texas. President…
