History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 151

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 830

USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 151
USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 151

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" The terms of admission are fixed at the lowest price allowed by law, -ne dollar initiation fer and tiny cents a quarter

"Ludies will be permitted to have access to the library by paying twenty-five cents hulf.yearly.

" The library is open on Tuesday and Friday evenmes of each week.

"WH BRADFORD, "JULEN HARPER, "W K. I .t., "R. C. WETENHAL.I.,

Trustees."

WEST HOBOKEN, April, 18.

Some amount of emulation had evoked the above circular. The West Hoboken Literary Society, in active operation since November, Is51, contemplated additional facilities looking to the intellectual im- provement of its members. The West Hoboken Lyceum and Library Association, actuated by similar inclinations, gave considerable attention to their design of facilitating mutual intercourse and pro- moting "a spirit of useful inquiry." The Literary Society set forth in September, 1852, their amplified regulations, showing a working force of twenty-six active members. Essays took a wide range within this society and the questions in debate likewise. By way of illustration, the question here given was debated on the evening of October 21, 1852: "Was Napoleon justifiably sentenced to St. Helena?" Affirmative debaters, John Syms, William Galbraith ; negative debaters, W. F. Buckley, W. H. Alcorn,

At this period many efforts were made to facilitate transit to and from West Hoboken. Accordingly the following citizens signed a petition to the legislature, asking for the establishment of the "Weehawken Ferry" as a means of enhancing facilities of enter- course : Stephen Verity, Curtis Jennings, Garret Spear, John -peir, Garret Van Vorst. Patrick Collins.

A prospectus, issued with a view of promoting this Ferry enterprise, declared the western shore of the North River to be advancing briskly in importance, make it more accessible. By reason of the prevailing westerly winds at that season the winter finds this shore less encumbered by floating ice. The summer sres it surrounded by many advantages. Elevated, fresh and pleasant, these suburban grounds present an invaluable outlet to the thronging thousands of the metropolis. The region offers its indueements as a desirable and healthful locality for residence. No insignificant revenue flows into the State Treasury from canals and railroads. Schools derive support from State funds in addition to the amount annually received from township taxation. Within Hudson County (continues this prospectus of 1853) several of the schools are already free and others are upon the verge of this condition. Taxes in this county are much less than in New York, and here we may ob- serve the reasons that are leading many to escape from the din and dust of the city to more congenial homes on this side of the river.

In the local reports the advancing steps were shown. By the State report for the year 1856 it may be seen that six hundred and fifty dollars had been assessed for enlarging the public school-house at West Hobo- ken, and by the report of the Lyecum and Library association, efforts were concentrating in the prosecu- tion of a laudable enterprise.

Among the donors to the Library Association may be mentioned, John Alcorn, William Bradford, S. II. Cone, John Hague, S. R. Syms, Robert Harper, Anthony HI. Ryder, A. B. Ryerson, J. J. Senell, John Syms and W. J. Syms.

The library was indebted to the generosity of the late James G. King, a donation from him having been appropriated to fit up the book-cases. Subsequently to the Lyceum and Library Association John Sims, nud Grace L., his wife, by deed recorded in the twenty-fifth book of Deeds for the county, conveyed that plot of land at the junction of the southerly line of Hague Street with the easterly line of Suckley Street, a plot measuring one hundred hy fifty feet, to the Trustees of the Association named, mentioning special provisions in the conveyance. The purpose of these donors seems to have been to make the solid clements alluring and to exercise an effectual favor in behalf of intellectual improvement. The mode of address in the Deed determines their design and the annual report of the association already referred to looks upon a sphere of usefulness only commenced in this direction.

West Hoboken made a Township .- Practical ex- pedients were familiar to the populace here, and as circumstances transpired requiring definite action there were inhabitants in West Hoboken ready for the exigency. The township of North Bergen, with rapidly increasing citizens located in senttered neigh- borhoods, admitted of division. The township had

1503

WEST HOBOKEN TOWNSHIP'

a collector who sat, for publo convenience, one day at T'rion Ilill, another at Seanous, another at Wet New York, and another at West Hoboken and so on. These populous regio is aspired to greater distinction, school superintendent, in h's annual report for 1563, notwithstan ling the township had entered open a char- terel career when the country had just begun to h agitate l by a civil war, carnestly rec nmendel thet and began to contemplate the measure of making steps be taken to " seek out a suitable central location themselves municipally independent. At primary conventions a dithicules presented itself of supplymg for a school-building, ascertain upon what cond un- lots can la procur 1, consult Be to best plan and its local calls, and many reasons combined to show that cost and mature a report in reference to the whole room for at least a trio of townships might be ob- subject." His method comprised a committee of seven, who would hear suggestions is a all interested in the subject, and whose written report su ale submitted at a public meeting for townamp action. In such A pithy proposition appe ret the elec enta always deserving doe deliberation. Reports, & they -areeel that suggestion, shook no feature her put forth ; and measures in due time tolow I. e rrylog the scheme into opera in The advertisement shortly appeared in the public prints, asking n- fol- lows. served on a map of North Bergen-the North Bergen of Isi9. Accordingly notice appeared in November 1.00, in one of the new papers published in the county, announcing that application would be made at the next session of the State Legislature to divide the township of North Bergen noto two or more town- ships and to amend the act creating the township of Wwwhawken. The latter towi bip had, since March 15, 1×50, organized under the act of that date, and was covering territory taken in part from North Bergen and in part from the city of Hoboken. West Hoboken, with zealous action under notice just men- day of Angost next for those1 . tioned, had a full passed by the House of Assembly creating the township of West Hoboken That act, when about to be submitted to the Senate, was with- Enq. at N _ Pind Sin t, Now Y rs, or the rd , w 11 bu- Aitken, fre and after the date not I tie and day ( light, sul after that date at his roas less . drawn, with the consent of its advocates, and the bill Senate No. 50, entitled " An Act to divide the Town- ship of North Bergen, in the County of Hudson," took its place. This act establishing North Bergen · JAMER .ARY. by new bounds, and creating the township of Urion . &h- Trust-w. and the township of West Hoboken, became a law Feb. 25 Mil.

New Mode of Transit. The scenes about West Hoboken began to vary, and the populace became more familiar with the quick step of local im- provement. Francisco's hacks for many years con- venient, and the omnibus and the stage were all tried, and still the people sought farther and better marks of transit, Adventure "took another tack," as can be gathered from the significant notice that follows :

" The subscribers to the capital stock of this company un requested to pay an in tamment of ten por crutam, or ". 50 for each hare subscrilwl, on a h of the h Lowing day's

June løt. th lelær lat.

Aug 1INt. Ihremaber Ist.

JuTH4 1al.

April 1st AUKON! Ist.

October lat.

" The payments are to be' mudo against the rer ripts of John Roemm .It. treasurer, at the offer of Res med & Letech, Or Mudan Cis, or at the office of the Holken and Wichauken Hore Railroad Company, op- poile the Ferry Buildings In H boken.

' 1 y order of the Board of Directors,

" Mav 14, 1%(4 "

Educational. Keeping even pace with material progress were considerations looking to general educa- tion and the facilities to be afforded to it. The local

A population here, said to number about two thousand five hundred in 1-3, showed a cesons of seven hundred and eighteen children between five and eighteen years of age Some of these were in a parochial school; others at the Palisade lostitute, a school sustained by private enterprise: the bulk however,-at least five hundred and eighteen of the township children - bad resources for tuition to the public schools here, of which there were four reported in the township by the previous year's report ina kept in the old school-house, and two in hired buikt- ings. During several years the census showed rapid advances in the numerical force; as in leo? there were Ille school children reported ; two years after, in Iso9, there were 1244; and in Isil there were 1474. The local superintendent near the clone of Isin, in his yearly communication touching public instruction, sought a plan of school building large enough to accommodate six hundred pupils, and reported to the State superintendent that the town- ship had recently bought a building site one hundred by one hundred and fifty fret. County Superintend- ent Dickenson, when reporting for the year 1571 to the Department of Public Instruction, remarks: " District No. 11 embraces the rapidly growing town of West Hoboken. No district in the county has improved more than this during the time I have been in office. * * Now a gond three- story brick school house, and a corps of ten wide-

1304

HISTORY OF HEDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

awake teachers, are very gratifying proo > of rapid the warm season for admirer- of fine scenery. Mr. and satisfactory progress." In passing, it may be Von Drehle for many years occupied a handsome well to suggest the fact that the State, by generous en- "dwelling south of the Loss homestead, below the hill dowments, was from time to time contributing directly to local facilities in the way of public edification. near the meadows. The Loss property was divided about the year 1848, A. L. Von Boskerck, Garret Sip and Thomas B. Gautier serving as commissioners. Von Drehle offered at auction April 10, 1877, con- siderable land located at Lossburg. The map of that property then exposed for sale, exhibits a ('litt, a Washington and a Weehawken Street, leading to the mountain road. Besides the latter road, there are traces also upon that map of Hillside road, of the Bergen turnpike, of Amelia, Chestnut, Hermann and Luke Streets. Herman Von Drehle was born Oct. 9, 1808, became a United States citizen here Oct. 8, 1844, and died at his Lossburg residence Oct. 25, 1882.

Lossburg. - Charles Loss, a resident for some time at C'oblentz, on the Rhine, came to America about the year 1795. An old map among the heir- looms of his descendants exhibits at one of its cor- ners written in a bold, clear hand, the following words : " I do hereby agree to convey to Mr. Charles Lo- twenty-three acres of land according to the lines of this map, for one thousand dollars. Aug. 21, 1804. Jolin Stevens." No doubt the frank offer so expressed was accepted, and Mr. Loss, who was a Huguenot, found room to enjoy here liberty, peace and prosperity, boons denied him in la belle France. Loss was a surveyor; as was his son, Charles Loss, Jr., also. The vineyard upon the easterly slope made, no doubt, an umbrageous exhibit amidst the rocks so abundant on that ridge many years ago.

Of the family, we find that Luke Stransbie, married one daughter, and Herman Von Drehle, another. Stransbie who was born at Birming- ham. England, April 20, 1788, was many years in the service of the Land and Improvement Company, a very genial, companionable man, having what might he called the tourist's courtesy, a social way with him that all who knew him, well remember. The venera- ble gentleman closed his career at the okl Loss home- stead, being in his eighty-sixth year at the date of his death, Sept. 12, 1873. Ilis wife, Amelia, sur- 1876, in her eightieth year. Von Drehle was a genial man, familiar with the Holland language, and spoke the German fluently. By his first wife, he had one daughter, who married (. O. Von Meyer. She, her husband and the childrens' governess were drowned at South Ilampton, Long Island, July 29, 1869. The four children were afterwards adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Von Drehle. The second wife of Mr. Von Diehle was a daughter of Luke Stransbie. The dwelling at Lossburg was built in 1869. From the rear piazza and windows of this domicile, a most commanding prospect is had. The decline from the bluff is abrupt, and the altitude of the house is three hundred feet above sea-level. The prospect takes in the city of New York, portions of Long Is- land, Staten Island and the intervening rivers and hay. Near the dwelling a few yards north, stands the observatory," long here a trysting place during

WILLIAM RANNEY, the artist, exercised his skill with assiduity for several years here, having his resi- dence and studio upon an eminence south of Lossburg, on the west side of Palisade Avenue, several blocks north of the Palisade News office. The pictures that made Ranney prominent amongst the fraternity of landscape painters were mainly produced here. He was passionately fond of nature in its romantic aspects, and rural views had a fascination for him. The expe- rience he had gained in the military service as a vol- unteer under Gen. Houston, and the pursuit of his artistic studies at intervals, made him apt in the line of delineation. Sketches made in his Texas eam- paigns gave a spirit and vigor to his paintings, con- tributing to the celebrity he gained for a vivid por-

vived him three years; her death took place Sept. 13, ' trayal of prairie life. Ranney was born at Middletown,

Conn., in 1813; died in West Hoboken Nov. 18, 1857. His amiable and courteous greetings are remembered by many of the early residents here. Ranney showed prolific genius, seldom in want of a subject for his easel. The hunter and soldier characters of our early history were his favorites ; and these were copied and carried to every city on the globe where prints are exhibited in shop-windows. The versatile scenery presented by this artist did honor to American talent. Ile numbered among his subjects "The Sleigh-Ride," "On the Wing," " The Trapper's Last Bullet," " Ma- rion and his Men," " Boone's First View of Kentucky," the latter being amongst those of his works that were engraved by the American Art Union.

Cox's Corners .- At the time most of the present residents came to count themselves amongst the in- habitants of West Hoboken, the New Inn, by W. Cox, was what in legal parlance would be styled a misnomer. The site was anterior to the entry by Cox, owned by J. Gillman, who had bought of his predeces- sor, Ross. The locality went by the name of Cox's Corners, and continues to be designated in that way, although the bills for many years emanating as well from this old as from the new store, are dated at " Weehawken Village, N. J." The Corners got to be a common entrepot for every kind of goods, other

1 Lanuza A , Leonora M., Henry F. and Albert Herman Von Meyers.

" The prospert is commanding and consmends itself to home tourists in quest of a wholemme recreation, and to strangers from abroad seeking prominent views within our country The proprietor, Charles Schmitz, le courteour and accommodating, and no one who takes to his experi- once the panorama here presented is apt to forget it. A scene so exten- sive, varied by mich a multitude of the most significant objects, in apt to img rem itself upon the memory, to be, as the years puss by, reviewed and retraced us a scenic treasure of the recollection.

1305

WEST HOBOREN TOWNSHIP

stores not having the variety, or, at least, the assort - a survey and map of al program Is the T wantup ment, kept at this. The store of William Cox, of Cox & Sons, or of William and George Cox, for such " That the roadwar and al /ks feld pr pul ant fre portion of the Mountain Romual fr m ile It sta n th ref | Washing- were the mutations, had ample supplies to meet demands. It was a country store, showing an inventory of many commodities. Builders resorted that the a le walka f | The-ill stre to -nisi -nul He at-be Margin - four fe t wil Tren l'al le \ 1 . Wanbl & t4 1 -1 1 .11 Injurer mowalka luid thereun to this place, teamsters, painters of fences and dwell- ings, as well as all who needed Hour, feed und tine "3. That Wm - la'r , Cha. 5 tall ruch and J hn G sens le, and they are here by appfor |f ante groceries. An addition was made to the building in 1×45 enlarging the original edifice. The edifice now "+ That the oriaprov mest shall I nuuk under Albert Beyer, I wrbip SurveYor weenpied by George Cox is located just cast of the old building on the same side of Bergen turnpike. The store is at the extreme northwest point of the *|||1 YTan'm West Hoboken boundary as established by the art of Isit. Elevated upon the apex of a hill, from the west end of the front piazza is enjoyed a commanding A brief period in advance of the foregoing ordi- nance many land owners had met to discuss "an art to provide for the acquisition and construction of a public pleasure ground and avenue," contemplated as a more general improvement. The meeting was held at the Hudson County Hotel, Bergen turnpike, Feb. 15, Irus. The call was signed by many citizens, including William Galbraith, Charles Saulhof, Louis Becker, John H. Bonn, J. W. Paulsen, H. J. Rott- mann, Herman Brensing, Alfred E. Gregory, Peter Brunges. The measure assumed various attitu les, Its opposers and exponents arranged many schemes vontriving to urge or to circumvent the proposal .A variety of plans followed, none of which, however, went far enough to assure sucress. Local authorities for all that gave way to no expectation of a general improvement by the county, but kopt a vigilant hand busy West Hoboken lent her ear to petitions, and elenred the course for progress : prospect looking to the west. The stage line of Goelz & Mechler. in 1862, extended along the route in front of Cox's, the conveyances passing several times a day to and from Fairview. In earher year- the omnibus arrived at Cox's d'orners from Hoboken, this point being the route's terminus. Old residents talk of these corners as a locality always showing some- thing new. The inn had, like other public resorts, its show of current advertisements placarded upon the walls; sometimes that of a stray cow, a lost dog, or a stolen horse. Local matters were often noticed here. George V. De Motte, at that period town clerk of North Bergen, in October, 1852, notified the North Bergen people that the township committee would " meet at the house of W. Cox on Wednesday, the 20th inst .. between the hours of 10 o'clock, A.s. and 3 o'clock, p.s" At that time this locality was a central position convenient for the populace to get here from each extremity of the large township, and "HPPNING OF PHILING STREET. occasionally the polls were held at Cox's Corners. Wil- " Paragaut to a resolution of the township etminister of the township of Want Hodniken politi to fire in hereis given of the following petition for opening spring street, from the Putersen l'lank Roud to the flack- ·nek Flank Hoa I, in the tow int roof West Indanken liam Cox. Sr., had ax daughters and four sons ; all excepting Emma, the wife of Edward Marvin, sur- vived him.1

Elizabeth, wife of John Rowland; Mary, wife of William Chapman ; Harriet, wife of Christopher Manahan ; Felina, wife of Thomas Keynton; Maria, wife of Genge Fussel ; William, John, George and Charles.

Roads and Streets .-- The local authorities were moving from time to time, showing enterprise in the | matter of improvements, seen in proceedings As here .-

. An ordinance to provide for the opening of a street fr i Palisuils Avenue to the 1- Station to called of the Mountain Road, and to grade and dag the site, and alu portion of the Mountain Hond.

" The inhabitants of the Township of West Hoboken, In the l'amiity of Hudson, do ordain as follows

"I. That a street fifty feel wide be opened, beginning at the 1st Station of the Mountain Road, and running westerly, in or about the wintherly line of 1'. Savoy's property, and ending at Pulisolo Avenue, where it strikes the mauro ut early right anglen, and in a irdance with

1 He died March 22, 1866. A brother, Abraham for, residing at Nara- tugu, vver eighty years of age, was still living there in lass

To the Honorable the Township t ommitter

"GENTLEMEN . - We, the undersigned, owner of property un spring street, respectfully request your homeraldo fully to take such ADD na you dem base for the spening of wall street fr us Pat nan Planck Band to the Hackensack Plank Road.

" We request A. Beyer be appointed surveyor

"Amdl your petitionare will ever prny

"A Aidemon, Griswold & Amrade per R T. Boues, Jamva Dy M. Day, Janus Mckenna, W F. Wells, E. " button, Thinnas Brennan, Poter Halpin. T H. Gerdes, Patri & Hagen, Jouph F. Tav r. J. D. L. Meredith, Samuel R. sym, Christ pher harb. The HE luck u Land and Improvement Company, by W W. Shippen, president

"Now, therefore in further pursuance of mid real tion pull astice Is hereby given that all partien interested In the alu re improvement called for, and ulyerting thereto, must flo the same, In writing, with the township clerk on or before Wednesday, July 1, 1971, at 7 3 P. M. as which time the township committee will meet at the Town Hall to con- wider such olyertils.

JONAH FLIA'HER.

" Tornahop ( Look. " Town Hall, West Hoboken, Juna , 15,4 "

Similar steps leading to local progress have been made during the decade just elapsed, the views here

1306

HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

given showing who were busy and what were the matters attracting attention during the periods just explored.

Early and Recent Business .- Engaged in the carlier traffic here were many persons of whom mere mention must suffice. The pencil case manufactory of John Hague, a representative for many years in the Board of thosen Freeholders, the silk fac- tory of Henry G. McRea, the watch case manufac- tury of l'. Savoye (the latter we will notice a little

later); the business carried on by William Galbraith, more recently by his son, Charles F .; the same taxi- dermy conducted also under varied auspices by A. F. Alexander; that chocolate factory on Dubois Street. conducted by L. Thourot-in all these enterprises skill developed the local industry, and in the cases where the business still goes on, enterprise is joined to valuable experience.

R. T. Bene, corner of Clinton Avenue and Barclay Street, has been many years engaged on fine work, the productions in the ostrich feather department giving evidence of familiarity with the process. Not less important is the silk business carried on within this township. Messrs. Givernand have one of their factories here. (See North Bergen.) The like busi- ness in silk fabrics is carried on by .I. W. Pinkney & Co., successors to Jordenil & Co. In ribbons, as well as dress-goods, there is the establishment of John Comby, and in silk specialties that of Joseph Rappi.

On Paterson Avenue are the Phalanx Silk Mann- factory, with a Mr. C'este serving as its director, and two separately conducted shuttle manufactories, one uindler the direction of Mr. A. Bonnet, and the other of Mr. Cotte. A manufactory of considerable per- manency here is that of C. A. Schindler, west side of Palisade Avenue, corner of High Street. He man- ufactures photographie furniture, including pedes- tals, with fine antique cabinet furniture as a specialty. Schindler settled here about the year 1855, and erected the dwelling he now occupies, in 1861.

The eligible situation of the edifice, its odd form and elevated flagstaff, make it a prominent objeet to the gaze. Extensive additions, with circular win- dows, were added to the building in 1854. Mr. Schindler, assisted mainly by his son, C. A. Schind- ler, Jr., conducts the manufactory in the basement, thus utilizing the entire premises.

Ilenry Hlassenpfluge, south side of Bergen turn- pike, began the harness-making business about the year 1863, condueting it with skill and energy to the present time.

Heury Todd began twine manufacturing in 1866 at Bonneville. A similar manufactory was subsequently conducted there by Robert Bankosky.

Alphonse Burgnon established business in cigar- making at Lossburg in 1866; Valentine Eberlee at Bonneville in 1867. An express instituted by Nicho- las Schmidt, since well known as Schmidt's New York and Union Hill Express, began operations

in September, 1866, with its headquarters located here.

The official business connected with transactions by the West Hoboken and the Hoboken Passenger Railway, and by the North Hudson County Railway Company, was conducted during several years in the brick otlice on the east side of Bergen Line Avenue, south of the ear stables.

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 151

Author: Shaw, William H Publication date: 1884 Publisher: [United States :] Number of Pages: 830

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 830