USA > New Jersey > Bergen County > Ridgewood > Ridgewood, Bergen County, New Jersey, past and present > Part 12
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The year 1688 is the first in which we hear of any doctor in what is now Bergen County. Dr. Johannes, the man referred to, lived in what is now Hackensack (in the then County of Essex, which extended only as far west as the Hackensack River). Bergen County.
Dr. Van Emburgh must have practiced in or about Hackensack be- fore 1709, as a deed was filed that year to his widow.
The next one of whom any account is found is Dr. Abraham Van Buskirk, who lived at Paramus, and was surgeon in the First Militia of Bergen County, February 17. 1776. In July of that year the Provin- cial Congress ordered that the treasurer pay to Dr. Van Buskirk and two others the sum of 335 pounds. 10 shillings, being the amount due for 79 stands of arms at 4 pounds, 10 shillings apiece. Before the year was out he had gone over to the British, family and all. He was leader of many Tory raids in Bergen County ; one raid through Closter in 1779.
Joseph Sackett, Jr., who practiced in Paramus was one of the seven- teen who signed the Instruments of Association and Constitution of the Medical Society of New Jersey in 1766, which society this year cele- brated its 160th Anniversary, being the oldest medical society in this country.
Many of the early physicians covered large circuits, often being away from home for several days at a time. They rendered efficient service to the public in the days of stage coaches, spinning wheels and tallow dips. While much of their system of medication today is obso- lete, it served nevertheless as a stepping-stone to modern practice, and it would be unjust to deery their methods.
At one period the country was overrun with itinerant doctors,
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natural bonesetters and others of like character. Many elergymen took up the study of medicine which they practiced along with their ministry. On the tombstone of the Rev. Robert MeKean, of Perth Amboy, who was also the first president of the New Jersey Medical Society, is in- scribed: "An unshaken friend, an agreeable companion, a rational divine, a skilful physician, and in every relation in life a truly benevo- lent and honest man."
Dr. Elijah Rosencrantz, graduated from Rutgers College in 1791, studied theology for a period of sixteen months with the Rev. Peter Studdiford, whereupon he was granted a license to preach. After preaching one sermon he decided that he was not fitted for the ministry. He took up the study of medicine and in 1799 received from two judges of the State Supreme Court a license to practice as a physician and · surgeon in the State of New Jersey. In 1800 he purchased the Hermi- tage, formerly the home of Madam Provost, now the Rosencrantz home- stead, where he began practice. He held the appointment of surgeon to the Second Regiment, Bergen County Brigade of Militia. He died in 1832.
Dr. Garret D. Banta, born in 1792, practiced in Paramus and it is interesting to note that his wife was in the habit of accompanying him on his rounds and aiding in his professional work. Dr. W. L. Vroom has now in his possession the old mortar and pestle with which Dr. Banta compounded his prescriptions. The eagle over the pulpit of the old Paramus Church was presented by Dr. Banta in 1800.
Dr. Henry G. Banta, son of Dr. Garret D. Banta, born in 1815, fol- lowed his father in the practice of medicine and also located in Paramus. He died in 1876. It is mentioned that his rounds often required two or three days before returning home and that wherever meal time found him he would make himself welcome. Frequently, upon leaving a pa- tient, he would take along a sack of oats or corn for his horses, this often constituting the only compensation for medical services.
Dr. DuBois Hasbrook, a cousin of Charles Hasbrook of Hackensack, was located on the Paramus Road, at the old Lane place, about 1854.
Dr. O. Blenis, located on the Paramus Road, now the Vermilye home- stead, previous to 1864 and later moved to Saddle River.
Dr. John T. De Mund, born in 1840, was assistant surgeon of the 58th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry, in 1863. and began the practice of medicine in Paramus in 1864. He came to Ridgewood in 1878 and continued practice until 1914, when he retired. Upon locating in Ridge- wood his office was in a small building adjacent to the site of the Wilsey Building. In 1888 the building was removed to its present site at the entrance to the grounds of his residence on Ridgewood Avenue.
Dr. George B. Parker, a surgeon of the Civil War, came to Ridge- wood about 1876. He was the founder of City Point Hospital. It is related that President Grant said to him: "Dr. Parker, if there is any position you wish, I would be glad to make the appointment." The doetor in his characteristic way answered : "Thank you. Mr. President, I am a Democrat." Dr. Parker long treasured an axe with which. at the earnest solicitation of a number of officers, President Lincoln split
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a rail in his tent one night. to demonstrate that he had not lost his ability in that line.
Dr. William Francis, born in England, resided in what is now the Terhune house on Ridgewood Avenue, and practiced in Ridgewood for a number of years. He died in 1888. The doctor, accompanied by a huge mastiff in his walks about town was for years a familiar figure.
Dr. Wm. L. Vroom came to Ridgewood in 1888, taking up the prae- tice of Dr. Francis. In 1893 Dr. Vroom took possession of the old stone house on Ridgewood Avenue, which is one of Ridgewood's landmarks, being the second oldest residence. The deed embracing this property. given by the "Lords Proprietors of the Province of East Jersey" and dated 1698, is still well preserved. It is elaborately engrossed on sheepskin.
Dr. George M. Ockford was next to establish himself in Ridgewood. coming from Lexington. Ky., in 1891. He has the honor of being the present Postmaster of the Village.
Next in order are:
Dr. Charles W. Harreys, who began practice in this Village in 1898.
Dr. Harry S. Willard, who began practice in 1898, soon giving up general practice to devote himself to the speciality of the eye.
Dr. Cornelius A. De Mund, son of Dr. J. T. De Mund, began practice in 1900. following his father, whose practice he has now taken up.
Dr. Harry HI. Pettit reached Ridgewood in 1906 and located on Franklin Avenne.
Dr. H. A. Bonynge, located on Prospect Street, began practice in 1907.
Dr. William C. Craig, who associated himself with Dr. Win. L. Vroom, began practice in 1909.
Dr. F. W. Gilbart was next in order and located on West Ridgewood Avenue in 1912.
Dr. Win. Tomkins located in Upper Ridgewood in 1912.
Dr. Walter F. Keating located on Franklin Avenue in 1915.
The Ridgewood Medical Society, consisting of the resident physi- cians and those of the immediate vicinity, was organized in 1911, the object being the promotion of scientific discussion and social welfare.
The Ridgewood Hospital was incorporated in 1911 with the follow- ing Board of Directors: W. L. Vroom, M.D., F. von Moschzisker, W. C. Craig, M.D., Judge Cornelius Doremus, and James M. Craig.
The hospital is located on West Ridgewood Avenue, adjoining the office of Dr. Vroom, and is conducted for the physicians of Ridgewood and vicinity in order that they may properly care for their patients who require hospital treatment.
The Dental Profession
The science of dentistry embraces the treatment of diseases and lesions of the teeth and the supplying of substitutes for such of these organs as are lost. As in the early days of the Medical Profession. dentistry was practiced to a large extent by persons engaged in other pursuits and without any professional education. This was due pri- marily to the fact that mere tooth-drawing constituted the surgical
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dentistry of the times and the operation demanded muscular strength and manual dexterity rather than anatomical knowledge or surgical skill.
The very apparent need of educating individuals for the profession resulted in the establishment of courses of studies in various colleges and institutions throughout the country. Now, under the laws of the various states, only those who can produce a certificate that the required course has been completed may take the examination for a license to practice.
In the early days of Ridgewood, dentists who had located in the neighboring municipalities of Hackensack, Paterson, and New York, cared for the needs of the villagers. The first dentist to establish in the Village was Dr. Walter Van Emburgh, who began practice January 1, 1894, and continued until June 10, 1914, when he retired.
The next to open an office was Dr. Harold J. White, who began practice on September 10, 1903.
Shortly afterward Dr. Russell Suffern opened an office, but only remained in the Village about three months.
In the spring of 1909, Dr. G. W. La Liberte began to practice and in the summer of 1911 removed to Orange, N. J.
During September, 1910, offices were opened by Dr. Walter A. Tracey and Dr. Angelo Zabriskie. In October of the same year, Dr. G. A. Wessner established an office, and Dr. W. S. H. Martin began to practice here during the early part of 1913.
PUBLICATIONS
Ridgewood has two weekly newspapers, one bi-monthly publication and one magazine issued every other week. The community's first news- paper was established in 1889 by William JJ. Tonkin and was issued monthly under the name of "The Ridgewood News."
The Ridgewood News
This paper was for some time printed in New York and its edi- torials and news articles were prepared by Mr. Tonkin as he traveled between the Village and the City. Six months after its establishment, the News became a semi-monthly. At the end of the year, Mr. Tonkin decided to discontinue his work as a publisher and sold his paper to Leonard N. Taft, who was then station agent at Ridgewood for the Erie Railroad. The purchase price was $1.00. Mr. Taft immediately in- stalled printing presses, type and other necessary materials in a room over Eglin's blacksmith shop and published The News as a weekly.
About a year later JJohn A. Ackerman became owner of the paper and published it until 1892 when he re-sold it to Mr. Taft.
On September 15, 1894, Frank A. Baxter and Joseph Babcock be- came proprietors of the paper. Several years later Mr. Baxter pur- chased his partner's interest in the paper and continued to publish it until June 1, 1916, when he retired from journalistie work, disposing of his interests to Franklin Fishler, the present proprietor.
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The New's was at first non-partisan in its politics, but in recent years has been consistently Democratic.
The Ridgewood Record
In 1898 Mr. Leonard N. Taft, formerly owner of The Ridgewood News, re-entered the newspaper business and established The Ridgewood Record, a weekly. After a brief period, he sold the paper to Eugene Ferrell, who published it until a fire put him out of business. Mr. Taft bought what remained of the plant at public sale and installed it in the carriage house in the rear of his residence at 76 Woodside Avenue. He then began the publication of a paper called The Ridgewood Herald.
The Ridgewood Herald
This paper was published by Mr. Taft until August 15, 1905, when Brainard G. Smith secured possession. Mr. Smith brought to the Herald a ripe experience in newspaper work gained through fifteen years' service on the staff of the New York Sun. The editorial and news columns of the Herald since Mr. Smith's ownership have reflected the journalistic atmosphere which made the New York Sun, during Charles Dana's régime, so justly famous.
The Herald has been consistently Republican in politics and has been invaluable to the party in Bergen County. It owns its home, a sub- stantial structure of concrete block, at Hudson and Broad Streets, which was completed in August, 1912, and has a well-equipped modern print- ing plant.
The Ridgewood Times
The Ridgewood Times was started in 1916 by J. Douglas Gessford, who sought to establish an independent weekly newspaper of rather ambitious ideals. The first issue appeared February 19, 1916, as a four page, eight column paper. It was continued weekly until July 8, 1916, when it was permanently discontinued because the editor and his entire staff had joined the colors on the Mexican border as members of Com- pany L, Fifth New Jersey Infantry.
The Arrow
The Arrow is the publication of the Ridgewood High School and is devoted to dissemination of Ridgewood school news and the publication of meritorious articles, stories, poems, and papers written by students in the High School. It was the conception of the Class of 1908 and appeared originally as the year book of the class. The first issue was published under the editorial direction of Miss Nell Doremus, who had associated with her Mildred Hiler, Florence Kemp, Helen Van Buren, Lindley de Garmo, and William Ransome, the cover being designed by Edgar G. Wandless of the Class of 1910. This publication aroused so much interest that three issues were published in 1912 and 1913. In 1914, under the editorship of Olive Graham, The Arrow became a quar-
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terly and the following year was issued bi-monthly and has so continued since. The Arrow presents many items of pertinent school interest which escape the attention of the newspapers of the Village. Its staff consists of twelve students of the High School with two members of the Faculty as advisors.
The Editor
The Editor, a publication accurately described by its sub-title, which is :The Journal of Information for Literary Workers," was founded in January, 1895, by James Knapp Reeve, at Franklin, Ohio. Mr. Reeve published the magazine for ten years and then, having become associated with the Outing Publishing Company, turned the active man- agement of The Editor over to Leslie W. Quirk, who continued the work until 1909, when Mr. Reeve resumed the management of the periodical and moved the plant to Ridgewood, locating in the Pioneer Building. In 1911 William R. Kane acquired the controlling interest in the maga- zine. In 1913 it was published as a bi-monthly and later in the same year began to appear every other week. In 1914 the plant was removed to Glen Rock, but in December, 1916, it was again located in Ridgewood and is now established at 2-4 Godwin Avenue as the Station Place Press. A few months prior to this change, Mr. Arthur Tomalin, of Allendale, became associated with Mr. Kane as publisher. The paper now has nearly 9,000 subscribers.
The Editor Company also published The Threshold, a magazine of new names and things in literature, The Editor Quarterly, which con- sists of reprints of articles appearing originally in The Editor, books of value to writers, and maintains a Literary Bureau to assist writers, by criticism and advice.
HOTELS, INNS, AND TAVERNS
The old David Naugle Tavern, located about 500 feet north of Lin- wood Avenue, on the west side of the Paramus Road, was built about 1790, by John A. Zabriskie, originally a residence. Mr. Zabriskie later turned the house into a tavern, which was one of the stopping places on the old Hoboken-Goshen stage route. After the Revolutionary War and during the early part of the Nineteenth Century, in accordance with the custom of that time, the house was the headquarters of the citizens of the community when engaged in general military training under General Andrew H. Hopper, on what were known as "General Training Days".
In 1809 the property, including 100 acres of land, was conveyed by Christian De Peyster to John A. Zabriskie.
About 1849 it came into the possession of David B. Naugle, who conducted the premises as a hotel during the Civil War. On May 23, 1905, F. H. Bogert bought the property, at a partition sale in the Sheriff's office at Hackensack. At that time it was and for more than twenty years had been conducted as the Ackerman Hotel by John J. Ackerman, as lessee of the David B. Naugle Estate. Mr. Ackerman was permitted by the new owner to continue in possession until his death in the spring of 1913. His widow continued the business until
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the expiration of her license on September 1st of that year. Although a new license was granted by the court and Mr. Bogert was offered an increased rental for the property for hotel purposes, he declined the offer and thus terminated a hotel business long conducted on the site. The building was never again occupied and soon after the property passed out of the hands of Mr. Bogert, in 1915, it was torn down, the cellar at present marking its site.
Henry Van Emburgh conducted a hotel in the building now known as "Maple Homestead", located about 1,000 feet north of the old Nangle Hotel on the Paramus Road. This business was discontinued at about the time Mr. Naugle took possession of his place.
A number of years after the Revolutionary War, a hotel was built by a man named Bogert, on the present site of the Martin property, on the north side of Godwin Avenue opposite Lincoln Avenue. During the early 40's, the place was conducted as a tavern by James Blauvelt, who was noted throughout the country-side for his efforts to discover the secret of perpetual motion, and his place was a center for the people of the neighborhood.
About 1870, J. W. Halstead built the present Ridgewood House on West Ridgewood Avenue. At that time the Village was a mere hamlet and the hotel was looked upon as a very large affair. About two years later Abram G. Hopper opened the Franklin House, on the present site of the Ridgewood News Office, and continued it until a fire swept that block. In 1885 Mr. Hopper purchased the Ridgewood House and con- ducted it until his death. His family carried on the business for a short time and in 1906 its present occupant, Henry Zellweger, took possession.
In 1870, Abram Terhune conducted a grocery and meat business at the corner of Maple and Ridgewood Avenues. In 1874 he obtained a license and opened a hotel known as the Ridgewood Avenue House, which burned in 1876. It was re-built at once and continued as an inn and tavern until its present proprietor, Harry Rouclere, took pos- session in 1893. He remodelled and refurnished it. added two stories, put in baths, toilets, and all improvements, changed the name to the Rouclere House and it soon became the best known hotel in Northern Jersey. It was a mecca for all bicycle parties and as the wheelmen at that time were numerous, the reputation of the house grew rapidly and as many as 400 dinners were often served in a day.
Mr. Rouclere, tiring of the hotel business, leased the house to Mr. Zellweger and returned to the theatrical business. Later he again leased it to Emil Meyers and at the expiration of the latter's term, returned and once more remodelled and refurnished the entire place, adding sev- eral private baths, a new grill, and a separate dining-room, which at the present time can seat more than 100 diners.
About 1891, H. A. Herbert erected a building on Maple and Spring Avennes called the Herbert House and ran it for several years. It was afterward leased to Miller & Myers and later to S. J. Topping. Subsequently it was taken over by Van Nortwick & Gillfillen and the name was changed to the Village Inn. It is still under this pro- prietorship.
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The first license granted in Ridgewood was issued to Casper Van Dien and Albert S. Hopper, who had a grocery store on the site of the present Hutton building, and conducted the liquor business in a small building in the rear of the store.
PUBLIC UTILITIES EXPRESS SERVICE
Wells-Fargo Company
About 1888 the Wells-Fargo Express Company succeeded in extend- ing its service from Chicago to New York over the Erie Railroad. Pre- vions to that time all express matter entering Ridgewood was carried by the United States Express Company.
Gradual improvements have been made, from time to time, and to- day Ridgewood is enjoying an efficient service with two deliveries daily covering the entire Village.
GAS AND ELECTRIC SYSTEMS
Gas
The Ridgewood Gas Company was incorporated on April 24, 1900, the first directors being: D. W. La Fetra, William R. Boyce, J. W. Pear- sall, B. C. Wooster, Theodore Vietor, August P. Crouter, Lucius S. Willard, II. S. Willard, M.D., Arthur JJ. Hopper, Joseph P. Walker, S. W. N. Walker, W. W. Breakenridge, and F. A. Mallalieu.
Of these directors the first nine were residents of Ridgewood and they elected as the first officers of the company :
President Sceretary Treasurer
D. W. LA FETRA. ARTHUR J. HOPPER. AUGUST P. CROUTER.
Soon after the company was incorporated, work was begun on the plant located on Ackerman Avenue near the intersection of Doremus Avenue. Construction delays interfered with the completion of the plant until the following year, when it was placed in service.
During 1903 the Board of Directors re-organized. D. W. La Fetra remained as President for two or three years longer, when he was suc- cecded by J. W. Pearsall. Later A. C. Brooks served until the affairs of the company were taken over by the Public Service Gas Company in July, 1910.
The first price of gas as established by the company in 1900 was $1.50 per 1,000 cubic feet. Prior to the taking over of the company by the Public Service Gas Company, the rate was reduced to $1.15 per 1,000 cubic feet. Before this there was a cooking rate of 80 cents and a consuming rate of $1.25.
When the Public Service Gas Company assumed the affairs of the company, all rates were changed to $1.15. In 1912 they were reduced to $1.10, and on May 1, 1913, through an order of the Public Utilities Commission of New Jersey, they were further reduced to 90 cents, which rate is still in effect.
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In 1910 the Ridgewood Gas Company served 864 consumers, includ- ing 200 in Glen Rock and 70 in HIo-Ho-Kus. At present the Ridgewood District of the Public Service Gas Company supplies 1,950 consumers.
The original works of the Ridgewood Gas Company are still in use as a storage plant of the Public Service Gas Company, the manufactur- ing of the product having been discontinued about 1907. Gas is now supplied from Paterson under high pressure, with high pressure mains encircling the Ridgewood District to maintain a proper pressure for all domestic purposes.
Electricity
Kerosene oil lamps for street lighting purposes were introduced by the individual property owners in the early 70's and continued in use until the Ridgewood Electric Light & Power Company, through the efforts of E. H. Watlington, began supplying consumers between the months of October and December, 1893. The original officers of the company were :
President Treasurer
.J. F. CARRIGAN, PAUL WALTON.
Secretary E. H. WATLINGTON.
At the time the plant was constructed on the present site of the Public Service Company's station, a 40-kilowatt alternator for house lights and a 40-are direct current generator for street lighting were installed. The street lighting system was arranged on what was known as the "moonlight schedule", while the current for house lighting was started at 5 P.M., and discontinued at 1 A.M. each day.
Originally a flat rate of $5.00 per month was charged for current with an additional charge of 40 cents for each electric bulb furnished. On account of increased business, meters were installed in 1894, at which time bills to consumers were rendered on the basis of one cent per burning hour for 15-candle power lamps, with a step rate discount.
In 1897 are lamps were supplied to commercial consumers at $5.00 per month with a 5 per cent. discount. In 1899 the Gas & Electric Company of Bergen County leased the Ridgewood Electric Light & Power Company, and changed the rate to 25 cents per 1.000 watts, supplying an all-night service. The street are lights were changed to 32-candle power lamps and a scale of discounts for prompt payments was made as follows: 20 per cent. on bills up to $10.00, 25 per cent. on bills from $10.00 to $20.00, 30 per cent. on bills from $20.00 to $30.00, 35 per cent. on bills from $30.00 to $40.00, and 40 per cent. on bills of $40.00 and over. In 1900 the rates were changed to 20 cents per kilo- watt with a discount of 15 per cent. This rate prevailed until April, 1906, when it was changed to 15 cents straight.
The Public Service Electric Company assumed the affairs of the Bergen County Electric Light & Power Company during April, 1905, and continued their lease of the Ridgewood Electric Light & Power Company plant.
In January, 1908, the rate was changed to 12 cents and in January, 1910, to 10 cents, which rate now prevails without discounts for light-
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ing rates but with a sliding scale for consumption of over 50 kilowatt hours, as per the existing contract.
During the year 1910 the old plant of the Ridgewood Electric Light & Power Company was taken down and on its site a modern and up- to-date sub-station was erected by the Public Service Electric Company. This sub-station contains motor volt regulators and is connected with the company's central stations at Newark, Paterson, and Marion, which are of sufficient capacity to carry whatever load the business may place upon them, thus assuring the consumers of Ridgewood a continuous service.
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