Category Archives: “A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City

Beacon Historical Society 61 Leonard Street Beacon, NY 12508

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Beacon, NY, Exploring Historic Dutchess County NY, Exploring Historic Towns of Upstate New York, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Historic Hudson River Valley in New York State, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Historic New York State neighborhoods, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New York State, Walking in Downtown Beacon NY, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Beacon Historical Society

61 Leonard Street

Beacon, NY 12508

(845) 831-0514

https://www.beaconhistorical.org/

https://www.facebook.com/BeaconHistoricalSociety/

Open: Sunday- Wednesday Closed/ Thursday 10:00am-12:00pm/Friday Closed/Saturday 1:00pm-3:00pm

Admission: Free but donations are accepted

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g47291-d15772700-Reviews-Beacon_Historical_Society-Beacon_New_York.html

The Beacon Historical Society at 61 Leonard Street at Christmas time

The outside of the building in the Summer

The sign for the Beacon Historical Society at Christmas time

The outside sign in the Summer

The Mission of the Society:

(From the Society pamphlet

The Beacon Historical Society was founded in 1976 to preserve, collect and interpret the rich history of the City of Beacon and its predecessor Villages of Fishkill Landing and Matteawan.

History of the Society:

(From the Museum website)

Established in 1976, the Beacon Historical Society showcases Beacon’s history through exhibitions, collections, programs, books and an informative monthly newsletter. The Beacon Historical Society is proud to serve as Beacon’s repository of rare photographs, paintings and prints, Hudson River ship models, objects and ephemera from local factories and Main Street businesses, records of local cemeteries and Civil War veterans, maps of Beacon, Fishkill Landing and Matteawan.

I recently did a walking tour of Downtown Beacon, NY and was impressed by the numbers of restaurants, bars and stores in the downtown area. It is an impressive downtown with very few empty stores and impressive and lively street life. On my first trip to the Beacon Historical Society I learned this was not always the case.

I recently visited this small historical society packed with information on the history not just of the City of Beacon but the surrounding Hudson River area. The museum gives an in depth view of the industrial history of the area and the highs and lows of many of the river communities. These small communities have seen a renaissance over the last decade especially during COVID and many of the older towns have seen new life being breathed into them.

The first exhibition I looked at was the Photographer Patrick Prosser exhibition (being shared with the Howland Cultural Center) ‘Work in Decay: The City of Beacon NY’.

Artist Patrick Prosser

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Beaconphotogroup/posts/30007658412154532

Photographer Patrick Prossner was born and raised in Beacon and a graduate of Beacon High School and SUNY New Paltz with BFA. His work on this project started in 1982 photographing the decay of his home town (Author’s Bio on BHS website).

The photographer moved to the area in the early 1980’s during a time when Beacon’s mills and factories were closing and the downtown was boarded up. It shows what the downtown business district looked like and the changes that were made to shape it today.

The sign for the exhibition

Pictures of the former industrial zone

The pictures showed a once vibrant industrial community and the changes once these factories closed.

The changes in the surrounding area

The exhibition really shows the transformation of these towns from the once industrial hubs to the artsy communities filled with galleries and bars that many of them have become.

Downtown Beacon today filled with art galleries, shops and small restaurants

The former mill is now a luxury hotel and restaurant overlooking the same waterfall that used to power the mill

These small communities factories have now become hotels, lofts and in some cases new cottage industries have moved in. Time transforms areas and what is old becomes new again.

The first floor gallery

The second exhibition that I walked through was the ‘From Haverstraw to Beacon: Inside the Brickyards the built New York City’, an extensive look at the brickyards and the clay deposits that once lined the Hudson River that build most buildings in the City in the end of the Eighteenth, Nineteenth and early Twentieth centuries.

The exhibition sign

The map of the location of the brickyards along the Hudson River. This depended on the location of the clay deposits.

Transportation of freight and people for both recreation and business was described in this display of different boats down the Hudson River.

The display of understanding the brick business

Display of the different companies and processes of making bricks

The display of people that make up the industry

The process of mining, making, drying and creating the bricks that would end up in New York City

Some of the bricks and the companies from the New York market that were created in the region

Another display on the companies

More of the companies and processes to making bricks

The exhibition was a very interesting look at what was once a dominant industry in the area but like any industry as the clay ran out and building materials changed, the industry diminished in the area and that way of life changed. With it as well was the transformation of the area.

The former brick factories

The Brockway Brick Company that built Macy’s original building in Manhattan

There were smaller exhibitions as well all over the two floors of displays. First there was a handmade dollhouse on the first floor that is a favorite of the elementary school students.

The handmade dollhouse on the first floor

On the seconded floor is a display is the socially prominent Van Nydeck family. The family donated their family tree and many family heirlooms and portraits.

Part of the Schenck Van Nydeck family tree

The Van Nydeck family heirlooms

There was also artwork and artifacts from the surrounding community on display all over the museum.

The painting is by a local artist and the pottery is locally made

The window is a Tiffany window from a local church that the Historical Society saved for the museum

The first floor gallery

The docent told me after I toured the exhibition that there are more exhibitions being planned for the future.

Touring Downtown Beacon, NY:

After the trip through the Historical Society, I ventured and walked Downtown Beacon. The neighborhood has certainly changed since the early eighties.

Downtown Beacon today

Downtown Beacon today with Mount Beacon in the distance

The beautiful floral arrangements in the downtown today

Day Three Hundred and Forty-Nine The Macy’s Fireworks Display July 4th, 2025

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Chinese Restaurants for the budget minded, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Brooklyn, Exploring Brooklyn Block by Block, Exploring Chinatown in Manhattan, Exploring Coney Island, Brooklyn, Exploring Lower Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring NYC Parks, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the New York City Subway System, Historic New York City neighborhoods, Hot Dog, Hamburger & Fries for the budget minded., Little Shop on Main Street in New York City (LittleShoponMainStreet), My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan Experiences, Uncategorized, Walking around Brooklyn, Walking in Brooklyn, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I had been in Coney Island all day with the Hot Dog Eating Contests’ at Nathan’s in the morning and just walking around the amusement area and the Boardwalk. It was a perfect day to be in Coney Island. The Boardwalk and the beach area by the amusements were packed with people. I got to see Miki Sudo defend her title and then the return of Joey Chestnut and his return to claim the crown again. That was a lot of fun.

I had gotten there in time to watch the entertainment before the competitions. This is why it is fun to come early. Plus you want to get a good viewing location.

Video of the entertainment at 9:45am. You have to get here early to see everything.

By the late afternoon, I had toured the whole area and visited the Aquarium. After a long walk on the Boardwalk and beach I wanted to head home. I had gotten so much sun and must have walked two miles in the sun. I took a long walk along the shore and walked through the waves to cool down. The water felt fantastic.

Enjoying a long walk along Coney Island’s famous beach

I passed Nathan’s where the contest had taken place hours before and it still had lines of people waiting to get their delicious hot dogs and French fries. The sign was up from the contest earlier in the day.

The sign just outside of Nathan’s

Nathan’s in the late afternoon

My blog on the Nathan’s Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest:

Day Three Hundred and Sixteen Exploring Coney Island and watching the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest July 4th, 2024 (Again July 4th, 2025)

Video on Joey Chestnut’s return

(This made the crowds bigger)

Once I got on the subway, I started to get hungry again. I thought, why not just get some dumplings in Chinatown before I head home. I could tell that the tourist season was really in swing as Chinatown was packed with people. I realized that I really didn’t want just dumplings but a full meal. I know where I wanted to go so I headed to Wonton Noodle Garden on 23 Pell Street (not to be confused with the one on Mott Street) for dinner.

Mei Lai Wah/Wonton Noodle Garden at 23 Pell Street

https://postmates.com/store/mei-lai-wah-%7C-wonton-noodle-garden/4fOxm-haWwKrTQUwGZwSQQ

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d26997229-Reviews-Mei_Lai_Wah-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=69573

My review on LittleShoponMainStreet@Wordpress.com:

Wonton Noodle Garden 23 Pell Street New York, NY 10013 (moved in June 2023 to this new location)

I have been enjoying both restaurant locations since 1978. I took the advice from the waiter and ordered the General Tso’s Chicken and an order of the House Fried Rice., which is a ten ingredient dish. The meal was excellent and was the perfect way to end the afternoon.

My meal that night General Tso’s Chicken with an order of House Fried Rice

The General Tso’s Chicken

The House Fried Rice

What an excellent meal

After dinner, I noticed crowds of people walking south down Catherine Street towards the Brooklyn Bridge area. I had thought that the fireworks were on the other side of the island but they were on the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn, so I decided to stay and watch the fireworks. I had not planned on doing this but it was a nice evening and I thought it would be fun to see the fireworks again. I had not seen them live since 1994. What a show when it got dark!

Walking down Catherine Street in Chinatown just below Canal Street

The crowds gathering just as it was getting dark

Then the fireworks began around 9:30pm

The crowds were packing in just as the fireworks started. It was such a fantastic display. Some people got really rude as they pushed themselves and their families through as the fireworks were going on. Thank God I am so much taller than most people because I could see them from the fence in the park.

The display started at the top of the Brooklyn Bridge

New York City still leads the holidays

It just started to dazzle everyone from where we were standing

It was dazzling for the next forty-five minutes

Here is a preview of that evening as the fireworks really got started

The middle of the display

The grandest part of the show

Then started the finale

The finale

I read recently that the residents from Brooklyn were put through hell trying to see the fireworks. That was pretty sad to hear considering this is one of the free events in the City that people anticipate and I heard the lines were like chaotic. I had just walked into the Public Housing parking lot and stood my ground. I was not moving from the spot by the fence.

Chinatown after the fireworks display was over

Chinatown at the end of the evening.

The Brooklyn Bridge at the end off the evening

It was the perfect day and the perfect night what a way to end the evening. This is why I love New York City so much!

Happy July 4th!

Things to do:

Both on July 4th day:

Nathan’s Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest

Coney Island, Brooklyn

https://nathansfranks.sfdbrands.com/en-us/promotions/hot-dog-eating-contest/qualifiers/

Advice: get there by 8:30am to get in front of the stage area. If you get there by ten, you will have to view by Jumbotron outside the viewing area.

Macy’s Fireworks Display:

https://www.macys.com/s/fireworks/

Check the Macy’s website and get to the location at least an hour before it gets dark. Then plant yourself in your location because last minute people will try to squeeze their way in front of you.

Places to Eat:

Nathan’s Famous

1310 Surf Avenue

Brooklyn, NY

(718) 333-2202

https://nathansfamous.com/

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60827-d458011-Reviews-Nathan_s_Famous-Brooklyn_New_York.html?m=69573

Mei Lai Wah/Wonton Noodle Garden

23 Pell Street

New York NY

(212) 966-4033

https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fmeilaiwahcoffeeshop%2F%3Fhl%3Den&is_from_rle

My review on TripAdvisor:

The old restaurant on Mott Street:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d2370537-Reviews-Wonton_Noodle_Garden-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=69573

The new restaurant on Pell Street:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d26560651-Reviews-Mei_Lai_Wah_Wonton_Noodle-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=69573

My review on LittleShoponMainStreet@Wordpress.com:

Wonton Noodle Garden 23 Pell Street New York, NY 10013 (moved in June 2023 to this new location)

Day Three Hundred and Forty-Four Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. presents the project “Critchley’s Candies-We’re Making It!” June 23rd, 2025

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. Projects, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring Paramus NJ, Exploring River Edge, NJ, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Exploring Westwood NJ, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Interesting Candy Shops, Little Shop on Main Street in New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Pizzeria's and Italian Restaurants for the budget-minded, Uncategorized, Walking Downtown Westwood NJ, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This is the first time in my career at Bergen Community College that I have taught a summer class and it was a very interesting experience. I have taught Business 101, which is the Introduction to Business class for many years but not in a modified seven week period. Normally this important entry level course is taught in fourteen weeks.

With an issue with my car the first day of class and then the Memorial Day holidays the next week put us two days behind and then I had to work on a modified Team project for the students. This would be a challenge. I had done all the on campus events I wanted and there was not much time for one of the bigger more detailed events. So I decided to reach out to a local business to help me out.

I was going to use the florist across the street from the campus and thought that would be the perfect client. The couple unfortunately was selling the business and even though they liked the idea thought it would not work since it would not help them as they were looking for a buyer of the business.

I then had another idea with a business I passed all the time driving up and down Kinderkamack Road on my was back and forth to work, Critchley’s Candies in River Edge, NJ. The business had been around for seventy years and I had met the owner once before. I thought would he help me out?

Critchley’s Candies at 812 Kinderkamack Road

https://www.critchleyscandies.com/

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g46776-d33257078-Reviews-Critchley_s_Candies-River_Edge_New_Jersey.html?m=69573

https://www.facebook.com/CritchleysCandies/

https://www.instagram.com/critchleyscandies/

I was very lucky in that the store had a new owner, Rossana, who was willing to partner with me and liked my proposed ideas. I was lucky that she was looking for ideas to expand her business so it was a win win for the two of us. This would give her free marketing and a fresh perspective from a younger customer and would give the students an opportunity to help a small business owner.

I made two trips to the store to get some ideas and look over the merchandise. They have a nice selection of candies and chocolates and a whole new line of handmade candies that are made in store.

The inside of Critchley’s Candies

The selection of candies at Critchley’s

The selection of handmade candies

Once myself and Rosanna, the owner, worked together to fine tune the project, I brought my class to the store for their field trip. We had a two week deadline on this project and there was a lot to do (they actually did the whole project in ten days).

Over the weekend, I picked my Executive Team and fine tuned the project with more details to each section of the project. It had to be pared down because unlike many other Team projects, we had only two weeks to pull this off and present it to the client.

The proposed project: Critchley’s Candies: We’re Making it!

BCC-Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. 2025 Critchley’s Candies-We’re Making It!Download

On one of the rainiest mornings we had in a long time (it never stopped raining for a month), I met my students to tour the candy store. We had a really nice time touring the store that morning and Rossana’s full time employee, Nancy, led the tour with myself and the class.

My students on the tour of the store

My class getting a feel of the merchandise

Nancy, one of the employees of the store led the tour discussing the different lines of merchandise.

We discussed the different types of gummies, jellies and hard candies the store carried.

The video of the tour of Critchley’s Candies that day:

My class and I touring Critchley’s Candies with Nancy, one of the long service employees at the store. She explained all the candy lines to us and what chocolates were made in house.

She then discussed the individual chocolates that are on sale for creating boxes for gift giving.

Me tasting the homemade Milk Chocolate Covered Oreo

When we finished the tour, we had a candy tasting. Everyone got a chance to taste either a homemade Milk or Dark Chocolate Covered Marshmallow or Oreo Cookie. It was a sweet way to end our tour of Critchley’s Candies. Then it was on to our Team Lunch.

After the tour was over, our class took a group shot at the store with Nancy.

After the tour was over, I took my students on their first ‘Business lunch’ and we met as a class at Pompilio’s Pizzeria at 223 Westwood Avenue in Downtown Westwood, NJ. I have taken students here before for lunch on about five other Team projects.

This gives the students the opportunity to get to know each other and have some Team bonding. The pizza is also excellent here too and they have very fair prices and a wonderful ‘school special’.

The Team Lunch:

Pompilio’s Pizzeria & Restaurant at 223 Westwood Avenue in Downtown Westwood, NJ

https://www.pompiliospizzeria.com/

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g46923-d4643410-Reviews-Pompilio_s_Pizzeria_Restaurant-Westwood_New_Jersey.html?m=69573

Some of my students at our Business Team building lunch

The pizza here is excellent

From this point on the students were on their own to create the project. We have already had a series of Board meetings in class and I have had to face two students dropping the class ( I just don’t think this is for everyone).

For the next two weeks, technically ten days, the students worked with their teams on completing the assignment. This meant meeting on their own time and trips back to Critchley’s Candies to film commercials and Tik Tok videos.

We had our last Board meeting the day before the Presentation to wrap things up and go over any missing items. I strictly informed about dress code and performing the role as Student Consultants. From this point on, it would be up to them. They were also assigned two papers to finish the project up.

Paper Three: What would I change in the store if I bought Critchley’s Candies from the owner:

BCC-Intro to Bus Paper Three Critchley’s Candy PaperDownload

Paper Four: What did I learn from the Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. project:

BCC-Intro to Bus Paper Four Summer 2025Download

On Tuesday morning, June 24th, 2025, the Presentation took place in our classroom. The first mode of business for each student was to pass the ‘Dress Code’ grade. I have students come in formal business attire. My way of turning group of Gen Zers in to Gen X. Image is very important when trying to sell a concept or program and you must look the role.

With the exception of a few hiccups, the whole class looked very professional considering it was 95 degrees outside. It not been this hot all week but it felt like 100 degrees. Thank God the air conditioning was working in our part of the building that day and the classroom was very comfortable.

The Presentation started late as one student got a flat tire and we had to wait for him. At the same time the owner of the store had an issue at her full time job that got resolved just as the student arrived in class. We started the Presentation at 11:00am and now it was full attention on the project.

Copy of the PowerPoint presentation:

Click to access ab2614_dc7edf59c3f74bedb1e3fc0ea2d28b57.pdf

The President this semester, Peter McNamara and the Senior Vice-President of Operations JC Abella welcoming everyone and starting the Presentation.

Marketing Team Member Kim Perez discussing the history of Critchley’s Candies to the audience.

The Marketing Team discussing the new ‘Store Jingle’ for the commercial

The Commercial on YouTube:

This includes the store jingle at the end of the commercial.

The students also created a Tik Tok video on the store and its wonderful selection of chocolates.

The Tik Tok video:

The Tik Tok video on Critchley’s Candies

Marketing Team member Matthew discussing the creation of the ‘Store Jingle’

The Product Development and Special Event’s Team discussing the QR Codes Program for the store’s boxed and individual candies.

Product Development/Special Events Team Member Aisha Martinez discussing the new ‘Summer Camp Care package’ proposal. This included a prototype of the packaging.

Team Leader of the Product Development/Special Events Liam discussing the ‘In-house Birthday Party’ program. This caters to that jaded Bergen County child who has seen it all. This birthday concept was very creative. It made it fun to have a birthday at the store.

His proposal for the ‘Birthday Party’ invitation with Vice-President of Product Development/Special Events Joel Fife to the right and President McNamara and SVP Arabella to the left looking on.

The Presentation concluded on time with a Q&A and a discussion on some of the ideas needing adjustments. Overall the owner of Critchley’s Candies, Rossana Rossi, who I partnered on this project seemed very impressed by the results. Then we took our Team picture with the owner and her employee, Nancy, who had led us on the tour of the store two weeks earlier.

The Paramus Critchley’s Candies Team with the owners of Critchley’s Candies.

After the Presentation was over, everyone took their jackets off and I hosted a reception for the students and our guests. I baked cookies and brownies and had an assortment of snacks and sodas for the students. I thought this went by very well for a class that had been here for only seven weeks.

The reception at the end of the Presentation

This is when I can say that I am very proud of my students!

The Official Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. website for the project with QR codes, Commercials, Logos and pictures from all the visits and the presentation:

https://pmcnamara139481.wixsite.com/bergeccocritchleys

The Presentation on YouTube:

The full presentation of the Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. of Critchley’s Candies Promotion.

For a project that had a two week turnaround, the Student Consultants did an excellent job with the Team Project.

Coney Island History Project c/o Deno’s Wonderful Wheel Park 3059 West 12th Street Brooklyn, NY 11224

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Brooklyn, Exploring Brooklyn Block by Block, Exploring Coney Island, Brooklyn, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the New York City Subway System, Historic New York City neighborhoods, My life at NYU-Graduate School, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New York City, Walking around Brooklyn, Walking Coney Island, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Coney Island History Project

C/O Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park

3059 West 12th Street

Brooklyn, NY 11224

https://www.coneyislandhistory.org/

Open: Sunday-Saturday 1:00pm-7:00pm (summer months only-May 24th-September 1st)

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60763-d4777489-r1014119112-Coney_Island_History_Project_Walking_Tour-New_York_City_New_York.html?m=19905

The front of The Coney Island Project

I came across this interesting museum/gallery when I was walking around Coney Island. The museum is a few small rooms located in one of the buildings in Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park. The museum is not related to the Coney Island Museum on Surf Avenue.

The small gallery space has a wealth of information and some interesting artifacts on Coney Island’s history both past and present.

The main room had artifacts and pictures of Coney Island’s past amusement history. There were many photo’s of the old parks, especially Steeplechase Park before its closing in 1965. It shows its development, growth and changes after the 1907 fire that destroyed the park.

There was all sorts of artifacts from that time as well as the former Astroland that was replaced by the new Luna Park. If you know the history of Coney Island, this can fascinating to read.

The second room had the later history when the Island’s amusements fell into disrepair and the whole island seemed to fall apart. The pictures show a very run down Coney Island.

The outside pictures show Coney Island in its heyday when during the 1930’s and 40’s before and during WWII, the island being a place of relief for so many New Yorker’s especially the working class.

The inside of the gallery

The main gallery

The Steeplechase Exhibition

Coney Island in ruin in the 1970’s

The history of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park

The display outside the museum

The mechanical display that sings and dances

The Miss Coney Island robot is a throwback to old technology and campy robotics that is fun to watch. For a quarter, you can take an interesting video with this robot.

The Deno’s Map of the park

The history of the park

The History of the Museum:

(From the Coney Island Historical Coalition website)

The Coney Island History Project’s 2025 exhibition center season begins Memorial Day Weekend with a combination of free indoor and outdoor exhibits.  Visitors to the exhibition center are invited to take free souvenir photos with Coney Island’s only original Steeplechase horse, from the legendary ride that gave Steeplechase Park its name, and the iconic Cyclops head from Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park’s Spook-A-Rama, Coney Island’s oldest dark ride. 

The real Midway

I took pictures after the Mermaid Parade and showed how busy the amusement section was that day. There is so much potential to update the amusements and modernize the area with new rides and concessions. There is so much that can be done here. I already see new luxury apartment buildings being built and the revamping of the main shopping drag.

The Boardwalk at the end of the evening.

The Coney Island Boardwalk at twilight

Union Cemetery (Van Blarcom Burial Ground) 151 Franklin Avenue Wyckoff, NJ 07481

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Graveyards and Cemeteries, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Exploring Wyckoff NJ, Exploring Wyckoff, NJ, Historic Cemeteries and Graveyards in New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), The Bergen 250-250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War in Bergen County, NJ, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Union Cemetery (The Van Blarcom Burial Ground)

151 Franklin Avenue

Wyckoff, NJ 07481

https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/688580/union-cemetery

https://www.facebook.com/people/Wyckoff-Historical-Society/100064722099119/

Preserving History: Wyckoff Historical Society’s Efforts at Union Cemetery

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/R4960NKjustinw/mediabatch/13650290?m=19905

The historical sign for the Union Cemetery at 151 Franklin Avenue in Wyckoff, NJ

The marker sign put up by the Wyckoff Historical Society

The walled garden just outside the cemetery in bloom

The Union Cemetery was originally the resting place of the Van Blarcom family and the right hand side of the cemetery has the Van Blarcom family plot

One of the descendants of the family, Ethel Van Blarcom Green donated money for the preservation of this family plot.

The Biography of Ethel Van Blarcom Green:

(From the Wyckoff Historical Site)

If you at all familiar with the Wyckoff Historical Society’s recent activities at Union Cemetery, you may know that the 250 year-old site was the original Van Blarcom burial site. The name can be traced to the early 1700s when the first Van Blarcom family settled in New Jersey. The oldest legible headstone dates to 1764.

What you may not know, is that Ethel Van Blarcom, a direct descendant, bestowed a significant financial contribution to the Society beginning in 1978, with her wish that her beloved family cemetery be maintained. Although she lived in California for most of her adult life, Union Cemetery obviously held a special place in her heart, and she wanted to see it survive. The Society has Ethel’s hand-written letters that confirm her generous donation. She also continued to renew her Society membership until 1984.

However, it wasn’t until 2019 that the current trustees decided it was time to use the funds for its intended use, and honor Ethel’s wishes. Several headstones were repaired, new fencing is being installed, and yearly grounds maintenance is conducted, thanks, in part, to Ethel’s generosity.

It was at this time that Society trustees, Doris Noerr, Melanie Long, and Linda Vreeland, dove into genealogy websites and Society archives to learn more about Ethel’s life and to particularly find a photograph of her. 

“After several week of research, we obtained Ethel’s death certificate which led to contacting her niece Naomi who is now 92,” said Society president, Lynn Groel-Lynch. “To our delight, she had a photo of Ethel and her husband, Roy Green that we believe is her 1916 wedding photo.”

Ethel was born in Paterson in 1897 and lived to the age of 89. She and Roy moved to the Los Angeles, California area most likely around the time of her mother’s death in 1933. The couple had no children.

“We are still in the process of contacting a few descendants, and those we’ve spoken to have been happy to share what they know about Ethel,” said Melanie Long. “We also will install a plaque in her memory near where her father, Edward is buried in Union Cemetery. There are thousands of Van Blarcom names as they were the one of the prominent families in our area’s farming community, and after all these years, the Society is thrilled to finally honor the legacy of one very important Van Blarcom, Ethel Van Blarcom Green. As they say, ‘It’s never too late’”.

The current history of the Union Cemetery:

(Wyckoff Historical Society website)

The original Grange sign from the 1960s at the Franklin Avenue entrance of Union Cemetery was weathered and fragile. The Wyckoff Historical Society recently replaced the old sign with one that is also hand-lettered, and includes the Grange logo which was barely visible on the old sign. Two new posts display the new sign.

The Ackerman and Terwilliger families are buried to the left/northern side of the cemetery

The Terwilliger family plot

The resting place of James Terwilliger’s tombstone

To the right of the pathway around the cemetery to the south is the Van Blarcom family plot where on the oldest graves is that of John Van Blarcom, a veteran of the Revolutionary War.

The resting place of Revolutionary War veteran, John Van Blarcom

https://patch.com/new-jersey/wyckoff/birth-of-a-nation-revolutionary-officer-remembered

The original section of the Van Blarcom family plot dating back to the Revolutionary War

The later burial section of the Van Blarcom family

The resting place of Daniel and Rebecca Van Blarcom

The Terwilliger family has two sections of the family plot in the northern section of the cemetery

The Ackerman family’s plot is to the middle most northern end of the cemetery

The Mallinson/Westervelt family has the further most family plot of the cemetery

The cemetery is so peaceful and relaxing to walk around. The Wyckoff Historical Society has done a wonderful job maintaining the property. Even though it is the resting place of many family plots, it’s still a very welcoming place and you can feel it as you walk the paths. There is a respect of remembering the people of the past that can be felt here

As you walk the pathways, you visit the people who have contributed to the growth and history of Bergen County and the surrounding area. They shaped their communities from before the Revolution War to today.

My video of visiting the cemetery and the families that rest here.

The History of the Cemetery:

(From the Wyckoff Historical Society website)

The Union Cemetery on Franklin Avenue dates back to the first half of the 1700s, when Johannes Van Blarcom set aside an area of his property to become a burial place. The earliest readable stone is from 1764 and thought to mark the grave of a slave girl because there is no surname given. Johannes Van Blarcom’s daughter, who died in 1725, is alleged to be buried there also. Various community groups have volunteered to maintain the cemetery, including the Wyckoff Historical Society. In 2018, dead trees, underbrush, and poison ivy were removed.

Most are early Van Blarcom family members as the cemetery was one of the original family cemeteries.  

Captain John Outwater/Outwater Family Cemetery 710 Washington Avenue Carlstadt, NJ 07072

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Carlstadt, NJ, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Graveyards and Cemeteries, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic Cemeteries and Graveyards in New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), The Bergen 250-250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War in Bergen County, NJ, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Captain John Outwater/Outwater Family Cemetery

710 Washington Avenue

Carlstadt, NJ 07072

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10735322/john-outwater

https://www.revolutionarywarnewjersey.com/new_jersey_revolutionary_war_sites/counties/bergen_county_revolutionary_war_sites.htm

Open: Sunday-Saturday 24 hours

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/R4960NKjustinw/mediabatch/13650283?m=19905

The entrance to the Outwater Family Cemetery

The stone marker sign at the entrance to the family cemetery. This cemetery is the final resting place of Captain John Outwater from the local militia who fought in the Revolutionary War and his family.

The memorial to Captain Outwater in the center of the cemetery dedicated to his contributions to Revolutionary War

Captain John Outwater during the Revolutionary War

https://www.outwatersmilitia.com/about

https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/KJ4L-N3R/john-j.-outwater-1780-1842

Captain John Outwater’s bio:

(From family search website)

When John J. Outwater was born on 9 February 1780, in Hackensack, Bergen, New Jersey, United States, his father, Captain John Outwater, was 33 and his mother, Hendrickje Dirck Lozier, was 34. He married Cathalina Van Bussum on 1 February 1813, in Old First Reformed Church, Passaic, Passaic, New Jersey, United States.

They were the parents of at least 4 sons. He died on 25 September 1842, in Wilson, Wilson, Niagara, New York, United States, at the age of 62, and was buried in Glenwood, Lewiston, Lewiston, Niagara, New York, United States.

The original entrance to the cemetery must have been on Moonachie Avenue in the distant past.

The original graves of Captain John Outwater and his wife, Louise Lozier

Across from their graves is the memorial to the family

Various members of the Outwater family including parents, brothers and sisters and children are buried here.

The grave of Jacob Outwater and his family

The tombstone of Jacob Outwater

The grave of Jacob’s son who died as an infant

The graves of George Outwater and his wife, Ann Van Note

I think this is the grave of George Outwater’s first wife, Mary

Buried outside the family plot is the grave of Henry Cordes

The Outwater family cemetery sits on a small hill overlooking a Quick Check store and gasoline station. Talk about modern progress.

I took a quick tour of the cemetery:

My video of the Outwater Family Cemetery and the grave of Captain John Outwater of Revolutionary War fame.

Demarest Family Cemetery 239 Ramapo Valley Road Oakland, NJ 07436

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring Oakland, NJ, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic Cemeteries and Graveyards in New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), The Bergen 250-250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War in Bergen County, NJ, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Demarest Family Cemetery

239 Ramapo Valley Road

Oakland, NJ 07436

https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/1617471/demarest-family-cemetery

https://sites.rootsweb.com/~njbergen/cemetery.html

Open: During the hours of the Nursery that surrounds it.

My review on TripAdvisor:

The Demarest Family Cemetery sits on a small embankment surrounded by trees and a cement island. You can only access it from one side and there is no stairs. Totally forgotten burial site.

The fencing and locked door with a rusty lock surrounds the cemetery. There is no way to access it. I was able to walk up the cement embankment and was able to walk around the fence. The trees have taken over the cemetery and have knocked over the tombstones.

You can see some of the fallen tombstones from neglect at the fence

The growth surrounding the burial site

Some of the historic tombstones are still standing like this one of the burial sites of Lettya Ann Demarest who was born in 1830. She had inherited the house in 1863.

Most of the historic tombstones have fallen down

The fallen and forgotten tombstones have growth surrounding them.

The historic Demarest homestead was around the corner from the nursery. The house had been in the family for 194 years almost five generations.

The family homestead still exists up the road around the corner from the nursery.

This tiny historical and very forgotten and neglected cemetery was once part of this branch of the Demarest family. The small cemetery sits on a small hill not far from the house. Once the farm was sold off and the town grew around it, this small cemetery sits still in its original spot in the middle of nursery.

When I talked with one of the workers there, he said the owner was very careful to built around it and let it intact. He also said that no one seems to own it. It is the final resting place of James S. Demarest, who fought in the Revolutionary War.

With all the growth, I could not find it. It has been lost to time.

Hopper-Zabriskie Family Cemetery First Street Ho Ho Kus, NJ 07423

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Ho Ho Kus, NJ, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic Cemeteries and Graveyards in New Jersey, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), The Bergen 250-250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War in Bergen County, NJ, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hopper-Zabriskie Family Cemetery

First Street

Ho Ho Kus, NJ. 07423

(201) 652-4400

https://www.hhkborough.com/home/hopper-zabriskie-family-cemetery

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/hopperzabriskie-cemetery

https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2303434/zabriskie-cemetery

Zabriskie-Hopper Family Cemetery, Paramus, NJ [GSBC Index]

Open: Sunday through Saturday Dawn to Dusk

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/R4960NKjustinw/mediabatch/13643018?m=19905

The entrance to the Zabriskie-Hopper Cemetery

The History of the Cemetery:

(from the Borough of Ho Ho Kus, NJ website)

It is a family cemetery started before 1792 on land originally owned by Abraham Hopper. The Hopper family was the first to settle Ho-Ho-Kus, then known as Hoppertown. Many Dutch families also settled the area including the Zabriskie, Ackerman, Blauvelt, Bamper, Banta, and Terhune families. Most were members of the Old Paramus Reformed Church nearby.

While family members were commonly interred in the church graveyard, some chose to bury family members in small local plots closer to their residences. Such was the case with the Ackermans who had a plot on the northeast side of town near the Saddle River, and the Hopper and Zabskie families who were buried in the small plot in Hoppertown near the Ho-Ho-Kus brook.

The small cemetery

The historic sign

The original family cemetery of the Hopper family when the original name of the area was ‘Hoppertown’ for the family whose land dominated the area. While some would bury their loved ones at the family church’s graveyards, some preferred their loved ones closer and would be buried on the family farm. Some families picked the highest point, usually a small hill that would over look the land. This particular cemetery is located in a small cove at the bend of the road.

This small historical cemetery is another example of history lost in time. The generations of distant family members no longer care for this historical spots and they were left for the elements. This cemetery was cared for by Veterans of the Wars and the Boy Scouts who put a lot of care in it. Now it is under the Borough of Ho Ho Kus, NJ.

The history of the cemetery

The history of the Zabriskie family

The family plot map of the tombstones.

The small family burial plot common to farms in Bergen County at that time.

Who is buried here:

(From the Borough of Ho Ho Kus, NJ website)

There were a number of descendants from the Hopper and Zabriskie families who were interred in the small cemetery between 1792 and 1867. In 1910, an archivist named John Neafie from New York City cataloged the names on the headstones and provided a copy to the Bergen County Historical Society. Some of those appearing in this catalog included:

  • Garret Hopper, died Feb.17, 1792, age 69 years
  • Elsey Hopper, wife of Garret Hopper, died March 8, 1816, age 89 years
  • Mary Zabriskie, wife of Henry Zabriskie, died June 3, 1821, age 69 years
  • Francis W. Perry, wife of James H. Perry Esq. and daughter of H. and Sally Zabriskie, born June 25, 1814, died Nov. 27, 1834
  • Henry Zabriskie, died Feb.23, 1839, 22 years
  • Henry H. Zabriskie, died Feb. 27,1832, age 46 years
  • Sally Zabriskie, wife of H.H. Zabriskie, died May 11, 1829, age 41 years
  • Garret H. Zabriskie, died Aug. 6, 1867, age 79 years
  • Caty Van Voorhase, wife of Garret H. Zabriskie, died Nov. 6, 1833, age 41 years
  • Garret Zabriskie, son of Henry and Lavinia Banta, died Oct. 16, 1832, age 4 years
  • Ann Bamper, wife of Jacob Bamper, died Feb. 26, 1844, age 90 years
  • C.I.Z. (probably refers to Casparis, son of Mary Zabriskie)

The grave of Henry Zabriskie

The graves Henry and Garrett Zabriske

The graves Garrett Zabriske and Francis Perry

The grave of Caty Van Voorhase

The grave of Sally Zabriskie

The grave of Francis Perry

The cemetery is a testament to the family and their love of the land they owned.

The History of the Hopper and Zabriskie families in the area:

(From the Borough of Ho Ho Kus, NJ website)

The Hopper’s owned homesteads in the center of town on both sides of the brook and operated a grist mill. During the American Revolution, they were committed to the patriot cause and served with the Bergen County Militia. The British made several raids into Hoppertown during the war while foraging for military stores, farm animals, and other goods. One notable siege took place at Hoppertown on April 16, 1780. John J. Hopper was seriously wounded. His home and those of his brothers were burned down. The grist mill on the brook was also destroyed. The Zabriskie family would later acquire and occupy the original Hopper residence which was placed under siege. The building is now known as the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern. Materials from John Hopper’s original house razed during the raid are believed to be incorporated into the foundation of the inn.

Around 1830, John J. Zabriskie took up residence in the former Hopper home, which became known as the Mansion House. The Zabriskie’s owned several farms and buildings nearby and built a dam and mill on the brook. The Zabriskie family also acquired the Hopper family cemetery on the hillside adjacent to the mill. When the first Zabriskie mill dam breached in 1862, John Jacob would build a much grander dam out of brownstone blocks to create Sylvan Lake while at the same time expanding cotton mill operations.

Hopper Farm Family Cemetery Lexington Lane Oakland, NJ 07436

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Graveyards and Cemeteries, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring Oakland, NJ, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic Cemeteries and Graveyards in New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Hopper Family Farm Cemetery

Lexington Lane

Oakland, NJ 07436

https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2247921/hopper-farm-family-cemetery

https://ldsgenealogy.com/NJ/Bergen-County-Cemetery-Records.htm

Open: Dawn to Dusk

My review on TripAdvisor:

The Hopper Farm Family Cemetery is a reminder of what happens when time passes you by and the world changes around you. I went in search for the grave of Andrew Hopper, a veteran of the Revolutionary War. I could not find it.

This historic cemetery is hidden from the road behind two large homes on a tiny hill in the back woods. The only way to access the cemetery is to walk down the utility road off the main road, walk through the woods and walk up through the bush to back of two families back yards.

You can tell by the rotting fallen fence that this cemetery was once enclosed but the fence has since fallen and the cemetery in disarray. Still there is a quiet elegance to it.

The cemetery is in desperate need of clean up and repair as tombstones are broken, fallen and discolored.

Some of the family tombstones have fallen. Still you can see members of the Hopper and Demarest families buried here.

Members of the Vanderbryck family Maryann and Rachel

The grave of David Hopper

The grave of Susan Storms, wife of one of the family members buried here.

The grave of Peter Bogart, a member of the extended family

One of the broken tombstones that I could not read

Another tombstone in loving memory of a name I could not read

The broken stone of Fredrick Storms grave

The family cemetery sits quiet and neglected in the woods. Most of the tombstones broken and discolored and hard to read.

I took one last look as I walked down the hill and said a prayer to these forgotten people. One what must have once been the family farm sits a development of extremely large and well maintained McMansions. This is the irony of this once prominent family.

The family buried at this cemetery:

(Bergen County Genealogical Society website)

Copied July 4, 1913, By John Neafie New York City.

    1.  Abraham Verbryck, d. Jan. 8, 1843 ae. 63-11-8.
    2.  John P. Ackerman, d. Feb. 24-1829 ae. 34-1-4.
    3.  Rachel, wife of John P. Ackerman, d. Oct. 4,1844
        ae. 49-11-22.
    4.  Martha Ann, d. Apr. 6, 1835 ae. 1 yr. 8 da.
    5.  Martha Ann, d. Feb. 5, 1837 ae. 2 mos. 7 da.
    6.  Rachel Ann, d. July 12,1838 ae. 6 mos.
    Children of
    Abraham and
    Susan Hopper.
    7.  Peter G. Bogert d. 5 Dec. 1859 ae. 76-6-16.
    8.  Mary his wife d. 5 April 1866 ae. 72-6-21.
    9.  David Berthoif d. 8 Jan. 1851 ae. 85-2-29.
    10. Catharine Storms his wife d. 19 June 1864 ae. 87-2-5.
    11. Peter, son of Stephen D. and Eliza Berthoif, d. 19 Nov.1843
        ae. 1-7-2.
    12. Elizer L. Ramsey (My Mother), wife of Stephen D. Bertholf
        d. 18 Dec. 1876 ae. 56-7-5.
    13. Stephen S. Berthoif (Brother), d. 28 Oct. 1875
        ae. 21-11-17.(same stone as above.)
    14. Frederick Storms d. 20 Feb. 1826 in 54th yr.
    15. Alice, widow of above, d. 6 Jan. 1859, ae. 81-6-25.
    16. John, son of Frederick and Alice Storms d. 29 Apr. 1852
        ae. 37-7-10.
    17. Susan B. Storms, wf. of Stites Miller d. at San Francisco,
        Cal. 16 Dec. 1863 ae. 60 y.
    18. Eliza, wf. of Philip Vantassel d. 10 Sept. 1830
        ae. 29 y.21 d.
    19. Samuel V. Codington b. 19 Jan. 1824 d. 30 Oct. 1834.
    20. Mary Ann Verbryck, wf. of William Codington b. 9 Sept.1802
        d. 17 Feb. 1835.
    21. Samuel Verbryck b. 15 Nov. 1780 d. 16 June 1847.
    22. Rachel his wife b. 5 Aug. 1778 d. 13 Dec. 1864.
    23. Conrod Lines d. 20 Dec. 1839 ae. 66-2-8 (footstone C. L.)
    24. Garret G., son of Philip and Jane Hopper, d. 17 Apr. 1833
        ae. 15 mos.
    25. Rachel Bogert d. 22 Oct. 1793 ae. 70 y. 22 d.
        widow of Lucas Bogert.
    26. Rachel dau. of Lucas Bogert d. 21 Feb. 1791 ae. 30-10-4.
    27. Lucas Bogert d. 2 Sept. 1777 ae. 57 y. 4 m.
    28. Maria Mandevil, wf. of Steven Bartolf, b. 26 May 1736
        d.22 Feb. 1813 ae. 76-8-27.
    29. Aaron G. son of Patrick and Sarah M. Cronk d. 25 Nov.1861
       ae. 6 m. 29 d.

Hopper Family Burial Ground Spottswood Road Glen Rock, NJ 07452

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Exploring Glen Rock NJ, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Historic Cemeteries and Graveyards in New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, Interesting Parks and Zoos in New Jersey, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan at the Halloween Holidays, The Bergen 250-250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War in Bergen County, NJ, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hopper Family Burial Ground

Spottswood Road

Glen Rock, NJ 07452

https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/1593990/hopper-family-burying-ground

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=36966

Hopper Family Burial Ground, Glen Rock, NJ [GSBC Index]

Open: Dawn to Dusk

My review on TripAdvisor:

The Hopper Family Burial Ground

The Hopper Family Burial Ground sign

The Hopper family burial ground once sat between two branches of the Hopper family farms and was the resting place for members of both extended families.

The graves date back to before the Revolutionary War to the late 1800’s. It now sits between the suburban neighborhood in Glen Rock, NJ and one of the town’s elementary schools.

The grave of Elizabeth Alyea, the last person to be buried here in 1867

The grave of John Van Embury, whose wife was a member of the Demarest family.

The grave of Jess Demarest mostly is covered

These graves of the Hopper family were covered by grass.

The grave of John Hopper

Raham Hopper and his wife, Maria Goetschius graves

The Hopper family graves

The grave of Henry Hopper

The John Hopper family grave

https://www.glenrockhistory.org/post/2017/06/17/john-a-hopper-and-the-civil-war

Except for the last person to be buried here in 1876, all the tombstones were laid flat. Most have been overgrown by weeds and grass.

No one has been maintaining this cemetery or edging the tombstones so the cemetery is hard to study. Most of the graves were grown over or in bad shape.

The cemetery needs some work and a little TLC but still a reminder of the important part of our Country’s history.

Those buried in the Hopper Cemetery:

(Genealogical Society of Bergen County website)

NameDate of DeathAge at DeathNotes
Anne HopperFeb 2, 183988y, 3m, 27d
Jacob DemarestDec 22, 183211y, 3mSon of James & Ann Demarest
Peter HopperAug 28, 181873y, 6m, 26d
John VanEmburghJuly 13, 185228ySon of James J. and Anna Demarest
Maria HopperMar 30, 18514y, 6m, 13dDaughter of Garret H and Eliza Hopper
Theunis HopperJuly 29, 18544yChild of Garret H. And Eliza Hopper
Eliza SpearMar 5, 1897born Feb 7, 1814Wife of Garret H. Hopper
James J. DemarestAug 6, 184956y, 7m, 2d
Henry J. HopperFeb 5, 184942y, 1m, 22d
Sophia CourterMar 4, 186084y, 6m, 16dwife of Aaron Courter
Aaron CourterFeb 28, 186285y, 2m, 5d
Caroline HopperOct 25, 189778y, 1m, 28d
Maria GoetschiusJune 15, 188979y, 2m, 12dwife of Abraham H. Hopper
Garret H. HopperJan 10, 187060y, 1m, 8d
Peter HopperMar 3, 187973y, 4m
Ann HopperDec 27, 188874y, 7m, 17d
Henry G. HopperJune 22, 185924y, 3m, 13d
Dorcas AckermanAug 11, 186692y, 11mwife of Garret P. Hopper
John A. HopperMay 25, 186322y, 6m, 14dCivil War casualty
Henry P. HopperMar 28, 187085y, 11m
Abraham HopperMar 20, 185648y, 6m
Elizabeth Ann HopperMar 10, 186819y, 7m, 17d
Garret J. HopperSep 12, 187655y, 1m, 23d
Eliza WesterveltOct 22, 189468y, 8m, 22dwife of Garret J. Hopper
Garret P. HopperMay 12, 185282y, 3m, 13d
Albert J. HopperNov 5, 181838y, 11m, 28d
Elizabeth AckermanJan 17, 186487y, 1m, 8dwife of Henry P. Hopper
Jacob DemarestApr 23, 182965y, 8m, 27d
John J. LydeckerAug 14, 184652y, 10m, 4d
Sarah M. HopperJune 2, 181930y, 12m, 12dWife of James Williams
John H. HopperAug 7, 185971y, 2m, 7d
Mary VoorhisApr 7, 187084y, 1m, 20dwife of John H. Hopper
Clarence WilliamsJuly 19, 18732 monthsSon of James and Sarah Williams
BabyMay 4. 18282 monthsSon of Garrett and Jemime VanWagoner
Catherine HopperAug 9, 183840y, 11m, 12dwife of John J. Lydecker
Kacia DemarestAug 4, 184976y, 3m, 27d
Ann VanEmburghApr 19, 183335y, 10m, 14dwife of James Demarest