Emerson, NJ History & Preservation Efforts

Emerson, NJ History & Preservation Efforts Page to celebrate Emerson, NJ's history: the stories, people, sites, structures and artifacts, that contribute to making Emerson unique and special!

On this day…http://www.emersonnj.org/vertical/Sites/%7B3CE7C79E-1CDE-42D4-BE99-DEDBCE95F9A4%7D/uploads/History_of_Emerso...
04/08/2026

On this day�http://www.emersonnj.org/vertical/Sites/%7B3CE7C79E-1CDE-42D4-BE99-DEDBCE95F9A4%7D/uploads/History_of_Emerson_draft_for_Boro_Web_Page.pdf

Then and now, courtesy of Pascack Historical Society
03/03/2026

Then and now, courtesy of Pascack Historical Society

Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution in Bergen County!https://bergen250.com/
02/18/2026

Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution in Bergen County!

https://bergen250.com/

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02/01/2026

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01/09/2026

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12/22/2025

Map of the Pascack Valley from the Revolutionary War Era

PASCACK:
This was a general term for settlements along the Pascack Brook, roughly from what is now Pearl River, N.Y., down through Montvale, Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, Hillsdale, Westwood, and then on through River Vale, where the brook empties into the Hackensack River. Later designations would include Upper Pascack, Lower Pascack, and West Pascack. From a Lenape word of uncertain meaning, possibly referring to a valley (Pasehsajeek) or place where the land is split (Pachat).

KINDERKAMACK:
The southeastern side of the Pascack Valley, including parts of modern-day Westwood and Emerson south toward Oradell and River Edge. From a Lenape word possibly meaning "place of ceremonial dance." This name was adopted by European settlers as far back as the 1680s.

OVERKILL:
An early name given by the Dutch farmers for the area along the west side of the Hackensack River in River Vale, from Old Tappan Bridge northerly to the New York state line. It was the land "over the kill" (or "stream" in Dutch) from the Old Tappan settlements. At the time of the Baylor Massacre, Rivervale Road was called Overkill Road.

OLD HOOK
Included eastern Emerson and parts of Westwood and River Vale. Named by the Dutch for the bend (hoek, "hook") where the Hackensack River meets the Pascack Brook.

WIERIMUS:
The area of the Pascack Valley toward the Saddle River, including sections of modern-day Montvale, Woodcliff Lake, and Hillsdale. From a Lenape word meaning "land of grapes."

Christmas tree in the DeBaun House. Photo undated.
12/18/2025

Christmas tree in the DeBaun House. Photo undated.

To all our veterans, Thank You!🇺🇸 A bit of history on Veterans Day: In 1938, Armistice Day was established to remember t...
11/11/2025

To all our veterans, Thank You!🇺🇸 A bit of history on Veterans Day: In 1938, Armistice Day was established to remember the armistice – or agreement – that had been signed back on November 11, 1918, marking the end of WWI. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day in 1919, emphasizing peace and honoring those who served in the Great War. In 1938, Armistice Day was declared a federal holiday with a focus on WWI veterans. In that legislation, the date of November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'"

Armistice Day to Veterans Day-“Armistice Day” became “Veterans Day” as the holiday evolved from commemorating the end of WWI to honoring all U.S. veterans. For further reading-https://www.military.com/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day.html?amp

Young Emersonians in the Halloween spirit circa 2008. Wishing all a safe and spooky good time trick or treating today!👻🎃
10/31/2025

Young Emersonians in the Halloween spirit circa 2008. Wishing all a safe and spooky good time trick or treating today!👻🎃

Things to do: be sure to visit this new display at Pascack Historical Society highlighting General Washington’s Revoluti...
09/29/2025

Things to do: be sure to visit this new display at Pascack Historical Society highlighting General Washington’s Revolutionary War Kinderkamack Road Encampment, which was located right here in Emerson!

In The 📰:September of 1981
09/22/2025

In The 📰:September of 1981

🇺🇸 In honor of Independence Day, the federal holiday to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on J...
07/04/2025

🇺🇸 In honor of Independence Day, the federal holiday to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, sharing photos of Mayor Emeritus Owen Cassidy, who was known by many for his patriotic spirit! Photos: 1974-enacting The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere; 1976-US Bicentennial celebration. 🇺🇸

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