Ridgewood

Ridgewood
Author: M. Earl Smith with the Ridgewood Historical Society
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Total Pages: 128
Release: 2017
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1467127140

Given that Ridgewood lies within 20 miles of Lower Manhattan, it would be easy to dismiss this little town as another New York suburb. Settled by Johannes Van Emburgh in 1700, this slice of New Jersey was a pivotal safe haven for the founding fathers, such as George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr. In 1894, the State of New Jersey incorporated the area as a village, and what followed were 100 years of business and leisure with places like Woolworth's, the Erie Railroad Company, and First National Bank dominating the landscape. Today, Ridgewood serves as a home for those who wish to evade the city life of the boroughs. With its distinct mix of history and comfort, Ridgewood is unique in comparison to other towns in New Jersey and a fine place to call home.

Ridgewood

Ridgewood
Author: Vincent Parrillo
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Total Pages: 132
Release: 1999
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780738501895

Ridgewood, New Jersey, might still be known as Godwinville had it not been for the efforts of Cornelia Dayton, the wife of a real estate developer, who continually lobbied for the name change until the post office recognized it in 1865. By 1876, the community received township status. Street scenes portray Ridgewood's evolution from dirt to cobblestone to asphalt-paved roads, and the change from a railroad grade crossing at Ridgewood Avenue to an underpass at Franklin Avenue. Sections on the historic buildings and homes are arranged so one can take a tour from one to the next, aided by in-text maps. Other sections depict the nineteenth-century mansions, community life of bygone eras, and the "lost" buildings due to fire or "progress."