. -K-f, A. o ^ ^ • • /• ^^ * > - *^ ^^ -; ' . . * * A 1 a ^^ C^ -^\\l//i^.^ '^, A 0^ 0°.".'.. ■^O -.*^ .v.. -J^" t < o Ayy^~»~ New York 1872. Entered according to Act of Congress, by Geqrge L. Cati.in, in the year 1872. in the Office ot the Librarian ot CongtesF, at \\ ashingion. NEW YORK AND OSWEGO RAILWAY MIDLAND THE MOST CONVENIENT AND DESIRABLE ROUTE KROM OR TO Hackensack, Faterson, Passaic Falls, Fompton, Greenivood Lake, Franklin, Deckertoum, Unionville, Middletozvn, Elleninlle, Monticello and Liberty. PEW" The only Line from New York to Ellenville, and all points in Ulster and Sullivan Counties without change. ||^^° The only Line connecting: at Paterson with horse cars to Passaic Falls. ^^W^ The only Line to Hackensack & Middletown which avoids Bergen Tunnel. Fares and Commutaticn Bates from New York. {SUBJECT TO CHANGE). STATIONS. K.2 aS2 Y'rly com. Rate. STATIONS. New Durham Ridgefield Park.. .. Bogota Hackensack. May wood Lodi Dundee Lake Paterson Riverside Hawthorne Van Winkles Midland Park Wortendyke WyckoflF Campgaw Crystal Lake Oakland Pompton Bloomingdale West Bloomingdale Smiths Mills Charlotteburgh.. ., New Foundland ... Oak Ridge Stockholm Snufftown Ogdensburg Franklin Hamburgh Lawrence 55 55 65 65 70 70 75 80 35 90 90 95 Tl.OO 1 .10 I.I5 1.25 1-35 1-45 I-50 1.60 I 75 1.85 1-95 2.05 2.15 2.30 2.40 2.50 00 'Martins CO Deckertown 00 I Wantage 50 Quarry Ville Van Sickles Unionville West Town Johnsons Slate Hill Middletown Sands Fair Oaks Purdys Lockwocd's Winterton Bloomingburg — Wurtsboro Summitvill« Sandburgh. Centerville Fallsburgh Hurley Liberty Falls Phillipsport Homowack Ellenville Circleville Bullville Thompson Ridge. Pine Bush Y'rly com. Rate. 2^60 154-00 2.70 2-75 2-75 2-75 2.75 157.00 1 60.. 00 3-41 3-47 4-37 4.61 5.00 4.00 3-75 WM. H. WEED, General Ticket Agent- HOMES Z MIDLAND FOR NEW YOEK BUSINESS MEN. A DrSCRIPTION OF THE REGION TRAVERSED BY THE NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF THB New York Midland Railway, HEW YORK CITY KM ELLEir/ILLE. ULSTER CO., N. Y. Together with a Statement of the Inducements Offered Con- jointly BY the Railway Company and Property Owners along the Line to tho&e desirous of securing A HOME OUTSIDE OF THE CITY. " Oh, for some spot to call our own Some humble roof— however lowly — I '■ Where we can say this place is holy, ^ ' - ' Because 'tis home— ours — ours alone — From roof-tree to fouuclation stone." JERE JOHNSON. — BY — J. W. I'EATT, steam BOOK AND .JOB PRINTER, 75 FULTON STREET. 1^72. v.. vv. \v. INTRODUCTION. The recent completion of the New Jersey Division of the New York Midland Railway, bringing within easy distance of the Metropolis many thriving towns and villages, hitherto comparatively remote, and rendering eligible, as convenient places of residence for New York business men, nmnerous picturesque and healthful localities, previously accessible only by stage or wagon, has made desirable the publication of a worlc of this character, with a view to placing before the thousands of tired city toilers, a clear, plain statement of the faciHties and advantages offered to purchasers of homes in the fertile and rapidly growing region thus newly opened to direct railway communication, '.rhe careful reader will especially remark in his imaginary journey over the Hne, the tendency to a rapid yet healthful development in most of the places treated of. With the railroad has come an in- fusion of new enterprises, new projects, new life. Manufac- tories, churches, school-houses, hotels, and scores of tasteful residences are springing up; new settlements are cleared, sur- veyed, graded and put upon the market, only to find ready buyers ; travel steadily increases, and lo ! we have another great outlet from the dust, and brick and stone of the crowded city to the green fields and pure air of the suburbs. to G. L. C. Sept., 1872. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND FOR NEW YOSK BUSINESS MEN. New York is fast becoming a city of stores, factories and warehouses. People may talk as they will, may point to the long squares of brown stone residences going up every year in the up-town streets, may dilate upon the conveniences and comforts attendant upon city-life, may, in short, bring up all the trite arguments in favor of living in town, yet they can- not close their eyes to the inexorable fact that business is spreading out its hundred hands wider and wider every year, ruthlessly seizing their granite residences and converting them into retail dry goods or miUinery stores, opening hotels and theaters in the thoroughfares once deemed secure from such invasion, crowding out quiet famiHes to make way for horrid boarding houses, and every day advancing by slow but sure approaches to invest the whole of Manhattan Island with the characteristics of one vast bazaar. Why ! not over twenty years ago, Depau Row on Bleecker St., or those respectable looking residences on East Broadway were deemed select places of residence, yet they became un- inhabitable because of the surroundings ; then there was Clinton Place, and the region about Washington Square. A person wanted no choicer location for a dwelling place than in either one of these ; yet, on came trade and then Four- 4 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. teenth St., with its brown stone fronts was considered quite high enough up town for fashionable people ; but it was of no avail. Fourteenth Street, now full of stores, is given over to King Commerce, and the region of select residences hav_ ing been successively transplanted from around Union and Madison Squares, has at present come to be away up in the vicinity of Central Park, its last ditch, whence it is safe to say, in not many years it will be driven at the point of the bayonet by advancing hordes of manufacturers and trades- men. Where then, you ask, are all these people to live ? They must have homes, whither at the end of their daily dabbling in stocks or silks, or fumbling of ledgers, they may repair to eat, to rest, to sleep. It isn't agreeable to eat, sleep and work in one and the same room. None but the most poverty stricken have to do that, and even they need not, if they will go into the country. A man who works for eight or ten hours out of twenty-four, must have a change of scene when his work is over, if he would refresh his mind, and continue his labors satisfactorily the next day. So, where, you ask again, are all these city workers to go when their daily toil is ended ? Why, we answer, to the country. And, first here it may be said, there is probably no large city in the world so advantageously located as is New York for affording its citizens easy egress to the country about it ; nor is there any city which has about it more charming or healthful rural resorts. Tourists invariably view with exclamations of de- light the wooded villa-lined shores of the Hudson, and the peaceful^, prosperous landscapes of neighboring New Jersey. Whither, more enjoy ably or more conveniently can a man at the close of his days labor, turn his steps homeward than to one of the quiet hamlets over the river, within from half an hour to an hour's ride of his place of business — a ride not as HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. ^ in the city, in slow crowded horse cars or stages, but in swift spacious ferry boats, and roomy, elegant coaches, whisking him homeward past an everchanging panorama of natural beauties, and setting him down at his own door, fully as soon as if he lived at Fiftieth Street, or over in Brooklyn. That this is no over wrought picture, figures, tlie most in- controvertible argument in the world, prove. Fifteen years ago there were comparatively few people who had the hardi- hood to make a daily journey back and forth between the adjacent New Jersey villages and their business in New York. Such people were the exception then. Now, ten chances to one, if you ask a business man where he lives, his answer will be " over in New Jersey." And the tendency thither is annu- ally growing with a wondrous growth. Stand at any one of the North River down town ferry landings on any week-day morning, between the hours of seven and nine, and see the thousands of people pouring into the city to their work if you would gain any idea of the immense extent of travel of this kind. But figures will tersely show it still more plainly when w^e repeat a statement, made some time ago by the New York Herald, that over twenty seven per cent., or nearly one third of the inhabitants of Metropolitan New York, reside in New Jersey, and in the New York counties of Rockland and Orange beyond it. There are many evident reasons for this constantly in- creasing preference among business men for country homes. In the first place, they look at it on the ground of Economy. Take for instance a man with a small family and a moderate income, say two thousand dollars a year. He certainly can- not buy a house in town. There ren)ains for him the alter- native of renting a house, or going to board. In either case 6 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. he will more probably go by the board. House rents in the city are at an enormous figure. A thousand or twelve hun- dred dollars will barely suffice to pay rent for any sort of habitable abode, and our imaginary paterfamilias finds him- self with a pitiably short purse left to supply the inevitable demands of the butcher, the baker, the grocer, the tailor, the dressmaker, and — the doctor. He must drudge and drudge, month in and month out, with the moral certainty, unless he be a Wilkins Micawber, that there won't be a cent left on hand at the end of the year. Then, perhaps comes the land- lord with the pleasing intelligence that the rent will be in- creased for the coming year. Our poor fellow must needs look up another house, and so, from year to year, he worries along, his children and wife, forming no established home associations, himself feeling no more interested in his tem- porary domicil, than the belated wayfarer does in the tavern in which he has sought an over-night shelter. But now, on the other hand, see what his two thousand dollars a year might be doing for him. Somebody tells him of a httle book called*' Homes on the Midland," and he pro- cures a copy. He sees that for fifty dollars or less per annum he can buy a commutation ticket to some one of the beauti- ful New Jersey villages of which he has heard and read so often. But this is not all ; he finds that for four or five hun- dred dollars he can rent at any of those points a house fully as large as the one for which he now pays twice that sum, or, better still, if he wants to purchase a home for himself, he can do so for two or three thousand dollars, paying down a trifling sum to begin with, and letting the rent money apply in payment until the whole price is paid. " There," he ex- claims, " why should we stay in town with such an offer as that ?" and the next year finds him clear of city landlords, living in a neat cottage of his own, cultivating a garden. HOMES ON THE MIDI>AND. 7 keeping chickens, and perhaps a cow; his family happy and healthy, and himself, doing what he has never been able to do before, saving money. 'J'his has been the experience of hundreds of young men, since the facilities for steamboat and railway communication threw open as places of residence the locations mentioned, and many of our thriving well-to-do citizens date their prosperity from the time when they first exchanged a city for a country home. But economy is by no means the only inducement which the exchange offers. We may also look at it in the matter of Health. To many indeed this view of the subject would be the first consideration. The man who has to fight the wolf outside his door, and sickness and disease within, stands but a poor chance of making any headway. While it is impossible to state the precise comparative ratio of mortality in the city of New York to that in the adjacent country districts, the fact is. patent that all causes combine to render the latter locality far preferable in a sanitary point of view. There are no gutters exhaling poisonous miasmas, no streets reeking with garbage, no badly conducted markets with their decaying vegetable matter diffusing sickness and death upon the air, no watered milk, no tainted meat, no impure croton, none of the thousand and one frauds aiid adulterations which, the physicians tell us, annually carry off so many little ones in the metropolis. No, not one of these, but in their stead, a pure, Heaven-sent atmosphere^ fresh from the woods and meadows, laden with fragrant odors, and bringing new vigor and hope to all who inhale it ; clear sparkling water, fresh fruits and vegetables, rich milk, new laid eggs, rosy cheeks, a hearty appetite, and no doctors bills to pay. That's the balance sheet in the account of City with 8 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. Country on the score of health, and it rests with the reader to say to the credit of which one of the two the balance rests. Then again, let the thoughtful reader consider this matter simply as a question of Personal Comfort and Convenience. Vis i7terticE is a powerful agency not alone in inanimate mat- ter. Men too are badly afflicted with it. The tendency to go on as one has been going, just simply because one don't want to change, has kept no end of men poor uncomfortable drudges all their lives, when they might, if they could only have overcome a notion, for it was probably nothing more than that, have died millionaires. Ask any one of the thous- and weary looking clerks whom you may find riding up in a Third, or a Fourth, or an Eighth Avenue Car on a hot August afternoon, clinging on to the straps or the platform, the most complete possible pictures of discomfort, ask any one of these poor fellows (for they are in verity to be pitied) why he daily puts himself through such a series of annoyances, and he will stupidly say it can't be helped. He submits, as a sort of necessity, supposing there is nothing better, because he at least has never known it. He will tell you that he lives up at Sixtieth Street, say, and that he generally has to stand up both ways, the car is so full. 'J'he ride takes him an hour each way, too. An hour ! why bless my stars, an hour would take you to Paterson, give you a cool ride across the North River and a luxurious seat in one of the handsomest pass- enger coaches you ever saw. You don't have to stand up or have people's elbows and coat tails knocking your eyes out, as in the street cars ; nobody can crowd you up or down. No sir, here is your seat, and a comfortable one, in which you can read your paper, smoke your cigar, chat or snooze, or admire the really beautiful scenery^ and get home just as soon as you would at Sixtieth Street. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 9 Really, reader, there seems to be no need of arguing this subject any further. All the argument seems to tend to establish beyond a peradventure — ist, that New York busi-* ness men should reside out of town; 2d. that New Jersey is the place for them, and 3d — well, we shall come to that in a moment — for just here, it is only fair to hear what the other side has to advance in opposition to our advice to come out into the country. They will tell you that they don't like crossing the rivers. Pshaw, can you point to a single ferry boat disaster on the North River? Not, if we remember rightly. Then they say, we can't get along without the Cro- ton and gas. But that won't do ; you can have water and gas in your house in Hackensack, Paterson or Middletown, just as well as you can in Gotham. As for the smaller tov/ns those \v)io go there, go with the expectation of giving up a few city conveniences to gain other advantages not to be had in town. Then, says the lover of city life, " I can't go out at nights, if I live in the country." Let him tell his wife that, and see what she says — she will tell him just what we do, that his place is at home in the evenings. And, says he, how about going to the theaters ? Well that's an easy enough matter, replies the ruralist, we have a midnight train daily to Paterson from New York. So after all, the sensible man of moderate means, wlijo con- sults Economy, Health and his own Personal Comfort will find if he look the matter fully and fairly in the face, in other words takes Taurus by the horns, very few, if any valid rea- sons why he should keep on paying high rents and doctor's bills in town, when he can save money, years and com.fort by purchasing a Home on the Midland. wSo, resuming consideration of our several conclusions, the first of which was, that it is best to reside out of town, the second that New Jersey is the region in which to choose lO HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. that residence, we come finally to the third and fully equally important one, namely, the superior inducements that are -offered to commuters and settlers along its line by the Mid- land Railway Company. These may be classified thus — Cojivenient Depots. — The passenger has the advantage of either the Cortlandt or Desbrosses Street depot in leaving or arriving in the city. Thus the business man is brought at the former within a square or two of the financial and mer- cantile part of the city, while up town passengers find regu- lar communication by street cars from the latter depot, with Broadway and the upper portion of the city. The depots are admirably arranged and conducted for the comfort of the traveler. Through them daily passes the great tide which surges back and forth between the Metropolis and Phila- delphia, Baltimore and the National Capital, and the immense local travel to and from the thriving towns and cities along the line of the New Jersey Railway. To this throng the Midland now daily adds her quota of commuters, eager to reach the city in the morning, and oh, "so glad" to leave it again at night. Frequent and Rapid Conununication. — The swift fleet ferry boats which connect the two New York Depots with that at Jersey City, run every three minutes in both directions, and are roomy, neat and well managed in all their appointments. From the Jersey City Depot, eight trains are now run daily over the Midland, departing at hours best suited to the con- venience of men doing business in the city, and residing along the line. These trains are run through on time, with systematic precision to their respective destination. Pass- engers seem especially gratified by the consciousness that there is No Bergen Tunnel to be passed — No delay of five or ten minutes until the preceding train shall have emerged, no HOMES ON THE ^^DLAND. II bother of slamming down windows, and sweltering (if it be summer time) in the dark noisome air for five minutes more; none of the anxiety and uneasiness which unavoidably ac- company every timid person during a ride of a mile or so, so far in the bowels of the earth. The Midland Cars avoid this by passing out through Bergen cut, and thence by a gentle descent along the western slope of the hill, regaining the level of the meadows beyond. Luxurious Coaches. — The passenger coaches of the Mid- land combine every modern inprovement in upholstery and car-building, and are models of comfort and elegance. Cheap Commutation Rates. — Mo Railway Company offers to its patrons commutation tickets for a year, or even a less period, at such reasonable rates (unless it be the Erie Co.) as does the Midland. This fact alone will in a year or two tell wonderfully upon the travel, and local improvements along the line. The short sighted policy of charging resi- dents high railroad fares, and ultimately driving them avv^ay to settle where they can find cheaper, finds no favor among the Midland people. Their plan is to identify the interests of purchasers and settlers with their own, and to so co-operate with them as to mutually benefit both. With such a spirit as this to guide, it is not difficult to forsee the time when the whole of the beautiful region adjacent to the Eastern end of the line will be dotted with smiling villas, and bloom and blossom like the rose. But probably the reader can obtain no more practical or satisfactory exemplification of the real attractiveness of the region traversed by the Midland, than by taking an imagin- ary trip over the line. The attentive traveler will find it rich in natural beauties, overflowing with rescources, teeming with industries, and inhabited by an intelligent, thrifty and hospi- 12 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. table people and finding all this will rejoice, and with reason, that railroad enterprise has brought such a garden spot to the very doorstep of the Metropolis. But not to anticipate the narration let us start at once. We can cross over from either Cortlandt or Desbrosses Street, and take the cars at the Jersey City Depot. " All aboard," cries the conductor, the bell rings, the engine " toot toots," and the train whizzes away, past stores, past tenements, past glimpses of long shaded streets, past factories and warehouses and vacant lots, to Bergen Cut. There is no tedious stop here — no dark dingy tunnel to be passed through. On the one hand ap- proaching the cut, one obtains a glorious view of the Bay, Staten Island and the distant Atlantic, on the other, the long stretch of Bergen Heights, fringed with villas, and close by the great stone quarry, whence are obtained annually thousands of tons of square block pavement. Scarcely has the vision of these scenes died out upon the retina before, emerg- ing from the cut, the train dashes past, and in view of the United States AVatch Company's works at Marion, a beehive of human industry, a visit to which will not only afford the intelligent observer a rare insight into all the beauties of delicate mechanism and ingenuity, but will, if he be an American, flatter his sense of National pride by the evidences of system and enterprise and inventive skill which it displays. Probably nowhere could an hour or two be more delightfully passed by one possessing cultivated tastes and an appreciation of the scientific arts, than in following step by step the process by which crude pieces of steel and copper and brass are by busy hands transformed into time-pieces, whose accuracy and beauty of finish have won for them re- peated premiums, and made them justly popular and famous the world over. (See advertisement.) It is impossible here to explain the numerous interesting and varied processes of the HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 15 o 14 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. UNITED STATES WATCH CO, TESTIMONIALS. Watch No. 1124, Stem Winder— bearicG: Trade Mark " Frederic Atherton & Co.. Marion. N. J." — mannfactnred by the United States Watch Co., lias been carried by me seven months; its total variation from mean time being only six seconds. A. L. DENNIS. Prest. N. J. K. li. & T. Co. WatcJi No. 1037, Stem Winder— bearing Trade Mark "Frederic Atherton & Co., Marion, N. J.' — manufactured by United States Watch Co., has been carried by me since June, 18G7; its total variation from mean time being only five seconds per month. HENRY SMITH, Treas. Panama R. E. Co.. 88 Wall St., N.Y. Utica, N. Y., Feb. 14, 1870. WatrJi No. 2r;i 7— bearing Trade Mark " Fayette Stratton. Marion, N. J." — manufactured by United States Watch Co., has been carried by me twelve months ; its total variation from mean time being fifteen seconds. I. VROOMAN, Engineer N. Y. C, & II. K. R. Utioa, N. Y., February 15, 1870. TFafc/iNo. 1058, Stem Winder- -bearin 12: Trade Mark "Frederic Atherton & Co., IMariou, N. J.' — manufactured by United Slates Watch Co., has been carried by me twenty months; its total vari- ation from mean time being five seconds per montli. Z. C. PRIEST, Asst Supt N. Y. C. & H. R. R. WntcJi'No. 1148, Stem Winder — bearing Trade Mark "Frederic Atherton & Co., Marion, N. J." — manufactured by United States Watch Co.. has been carried by me eight months; its total varia- tion from mean time being five seconds per month. JAMES B. RYER, Of Keltt & Co., 417 Broadway, N. Y. City. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 15 :B ST. JAMES' HOTEL, MARION, N. J. wmmi siis mil it immi puis. CITY AND COUNTRY COMBINED. Jijrc conven'etit and accessible to lower part of the City than 14th St., and Conveyances much more Comfortable. 1^^ Only EIGHT minutes from JKRSEY CITY FERRY (Cortlandt or Des- brcsses Sts.); 29 Trains daily N. J. R. R. ; also Three Lines Horse Cars. HOTEL AND FURNITURE NEW. SPLENDID LOCATION, Fronting on DE MOTT PARK. FIRST-CLASS TABLE. t^^Eleganfly Furnished Rooms, en suite or singly ; all Modern Improvements, Gas, Baths, Hot and Cold Water, &c. Permanent Board, $9.00 to $20.00 per week, according to Rooms : Transient Guests, $3.50 per day. 1 6 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. punching room ; the forwarding room, where the plates and pinions are prepared and the miscroscopic screws made ; the train room, where the chronometer balances, and the wheels and pinions are finished, the inside of the watch made, and the rough garnets cut into jewels ; the escapement room, where all the finished parts are finally put together into one symmetrical whole ; the m.otion, jeweHng and dial room ; the gilding room, and the hair spring room ; for in each there is muchtobeseen that would justify pages of description. Suffice it to say that, in all the departments, the order and precision and nidety, themselves so essential to a perfect watch, are everywhere visible. The grounds about the works are taste- fully laid out as a garden, and beyond them, a tract of one hundred acres, stretching away to the banks of the Hacken- sack River, has, under the fortunate ownership of the Com- pany, been converted into one of the most charming of parks, facing which, and at a point commanding a delightful view of the surrounding country, stands the stately St. James* Hotel, (see cut and advertisement) also erected by the Company, and annually a favorite resort of a refined and select circle of guests. But, as in passing we catch a glimpse of this attractive spot, the train suddenly switches oft to the northward, skirts the western slope of the Bergen Hill, passing gardens and villas, and half opened streets, crosses successively the tracks of the Morris and Essex and the Erie Railways, (at which latter point immense abut- ments have been constructed in order to so raise the grade as to obviate the necessity of coming to a stop before cross- ing), and then with a shriek, and a roar, and a whistle, rushes along up the Jersey meadow land, like a loosened charger eager for the goal. Here the track lies side by side, parallel for a distance of about four miles (to New Durham) with that of the Northern Railroad of New Jersey. Upon the HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 17 right hand side, the passenger looks out upon the western slope of the palisades, most of it under cultivation, and en- livened at short intervals by thriving settlements; upon the left on the Jersey meadows, a vast sea of green, made beautiful, if it be summer, by innumerable clusters of brilliant wild flowers, dotted here and there by the snowy sails of vessels, themselves rendered invisible by the dense growth of grass, relieved here and there by ridges of uncultivated land sur- mounted by cosy homesteads, and bounded in the distance by the blue hills of Bergen County. This is the first scene in the panorama, and he must be stolid indeed who can view it for the first time without an exclamation of delight. In a few moments, (for four miles are quickly passed on the level meadows) the whistle blows and the train stops at NEW DURHAM, ■ (6)4 miles ; 26 min. 6 trains each way daily.) A village situated on the hill side and possessing importance as a place in which market gardening is carried on to a con- siderable extent. Land here is very fertile and commands from two to four hundred dollars per lot. The residents find in their increased railroad facilities, consequent upon the advent of the Midland, and in the more convenient com- munication with Cortlandt Street and Fulton market, thereby aftbrded abundant reason for prophesying a steady local growth and an increase of travel over the new line from this point. Thus far we have been running almost due north, but beyond New Durham, the line trends off to the westward, still keeping the level of the meadows, and affording on the right hand side, a view of English Neighborhood (or Fair View) and Englewood in the distance, making up a bit of landscape scenery, in which groves, a church spire or two, numerous villas and a long stretch of cultivated upland com- 1 8 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. bine to attract and charm the observer's attention. Now, with a clear straight track stretching far ahead into the dis- tance, the train rushes onward at a rapid ]:)ace, stops a moment at the drawbridge at English Creek, a navigable stream by which Englewood enjoys communication by v/ater with the city, then hurries on again, reaches and skirts the shores of the Hackensack, lined with ice houses and brick yards, and mills and factories, and in a few moments more comes to a stop under some grand old trees at the newly erected depot at RIDGEFIELD PARK. (ii miles ; 33 minutes. 6 trains each way daily.) One cannot but be forcibly impressed with the natural beauties of this locality. In front, the silent, placid river winds its way through the meadows, its shores hned at fre- quent intervals with shops, and factories, and brick yards, and numberless other evidences of industry, with here and there a decaying, worm-eaten wharf, telling that this is no newly settled vicinage. Sloops and schooners, some at anchor, some dismantled, some even crumbling to pieces are to be seen here and there upon the stream, or half hidden in the sedgy creeks or bayous about it. At intervals, a bridge crosses the river, and beyond the distant sea of green, an occasional tuft of trees or a knoll rises against the sky, to give variety to a scene which in its natural characteristics is strangely like the lowlands of Louisiana, or in its artificial ones like the Netherlands. Seen at sunset from the high ground overlook- ing the depot, the view is so peaceful and comforting that the thoughtful observer finds himself for the moment permit- ted to forget the toil and care of daily life, Nor is the view riverward from Ridgefield Park its only claim for attention. To the rear the country stretches away HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 1 9 in fertile undulating farm lands, interspersed with fine groves, and traversed by occasional streams, making up a landscape intrinsically valuable as the site for a future town. Before the completion of the Midland, residents of this vicinity were obliged to drive three miles to Hackensack, or four to Engle- wood, in order to get the cars for the city, and then ride for three-quarters of an hour, or an hour at that. Now, the iron horse brings its coaches to their very doors, and takes them to Cortlandt street in thirty-five minutes. But, aside from its own attractiveness, Ridgefield Park ac- quires an additional importance as giving a name to the Ridgefield Park Railway, which, diverging northward, a few hundred yards beyond the depot, traverses Bergen County, parallel to and at an average distance of a mile and a half from the Northern Railroad of New Jersey, and passes through the thickly populated region hitherto tributary to that line only, including Cedar Lake, Schraalenburg, Tappan, Clarksville and Rockland Lake. At Tappan, on the New York State line, twelve miles distant, the line becomes the Rockland Central, passing through Haverstraw, with Fort IMontgomery on the Hudson, twenty miles distant, as its ob- jective point, whence it will ultimately be prolongated to connect at Newburgh with what is known as Ramsay's Rail- road, to connect that city with Albany. The total length of the projected hne will be about forty- three miles, eleven of which will be used in common with the Midland between Jersey City and Ridgefield Park. Thence to Tappan, stations are to be established at intervals of about one mile. One German settlement, christened Frankfort-on- the-Hackensack, has even now attained a promising growth. The roadway has already been graded, and is ready for the rails, and the projectors expect to have trains running to Haverstraw during the present year (1872). As affording a 20 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. direct access to Rockland La\e and the many desirable sum- mer resorts in that county, as also redoubling and increasing the railroad faciUties of adjacent residents, the Ridgefield Park Railway promises to prove a popular and convenient thoroughfare. BOGOTA. (13 miles ; 43 minutes. 4 trains each way daily.) Is situated two miles further up the Hackensack River, at the eastern end of the railway bridge on which we cross. Whether its name is intended as a souvenir of the Colombian capita V or as a delicate compHment to the good old Bogart family, who have dwelt hereabout since time immemorial, the reader is left to imagine. Certain it is, however, that as New York has its Brooklyn, Philadelphia its Camden, Cin- cinnati its Covington, and New Orleans its Algiers, so Hack- ensack has its transfluvial Bogota, which, if not yet blessed with the doubtful advantages of Mayor, Aldermen, and a Ring, has yet a bran new neat station house, or depot rather, and a pretty little grove for pic-nic parties, and promises, with the annual advent of new settlers, to claim its full share of growth and popularity as a desirable point for a Home on THE Midland. Now, crossing the substantial bridge spanning the river, we find ourselves at the depot in the very centre of the thrifty and growing burgh known since time immemorial as HACKENSACK. (13% miles ; 45 minutes. 8 trains each way daily.) Hackensack had a name and a place in American history long before its odd eccentric sounding title figured as to-day on the list of New York suburban railway stations. * It is actually claimed by residents of Hackensack that the South American City referred to derives its name from a Bog:art, a skilled mechanic, who in early j3ays emigrated thither, and won a leading position in public affairs. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 21 Cottage to Cost $1,20C?. Furnished by Geo. E. Woodward, Architect, 191 Broadway, N. Y. This ground over which we are to-day so rapidly hurried by the power of steam, was in revolutionary days trodden and retrodden by the weary feet of patriots and the invading foe. The whole of this region of Northern New Jersey teems with historic reminiscences which would require, and in fact have occupied, volumes in their reproduction. While such consequently would be impracticable here, it will yet afford the reader a very fair idea of the scenes enacted about Hack-' ensack during " the days that tried men's souls," if we intro- duce the following account of the military operations in that place, as related by an eye witness, to the author of Barber's ^' New Jersey Historical Collections." ''After the evacuation of Fort Lee. in Nov., 1776, and the surrender of Fort Washington to the British, Washington, at the head of his army, consisting only of about 3000 men, having sent on his baggage to Acquackanonck (now Passaic) crossed the New Bridge into the town. It was about dusk when the head of the troops entered Hackensack. The night 2 2 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. was cold, dark and rainy, but I had a fair view of them from the Hght of the windows, as they passed on our side of the street. They marched two abreast, looked ragged, some without a shoe to their feet, and most of them wrapped in their blankets. Washington then, and for some time previous, had his head-quarters at the residence of Mr. Peter Zabriskie, a private house, the supplies for the General's table being furnished by Mr. Archibald Campbell, the tavern keeper. The next evening after the Americans had passed through, the British were encamped on the opposite side of the river. We could see their fires about loo yards apart, gleaming brilliantly in the gloom of the night, extending some distance below the town, and more than a mile up toward the New Bridge. Washington was still at his quarters, and had with him his suite, life-guards, a company of foot, a regiment of cavalry and some soldiers from the rear of the army. In the morning, before the General left, he rode down to the dock where the biidge now is, viewed the enemy's encampment about ten or fifteen minutes, and then returned to Mr. Camp- bell's door, and called for some wine and water. After he had drunk, and when Mr. Campbell was taking the glass from him, the latter, with tears streaming down his face, said ' General,' what shall I do ; I have a family of small children and a little property here ; shall I leave it ? " Washington kindly took his hand and replied, ' Mr. Campbell, stay by your property, and keep ncuh'al,' then, bidding him 'good bye,' rode off. About noon the next day the British took possession of the town, and in the afternoon the green was covered with Hes- sians, a horrid, frightful sight to the inhabitants. There were between 3000 and 4000, with their whiskers, brass caps and kettles or brass drums. A part of these same troops were two months after taken prisoners at Trenton." " In the latter part of March, 1780, a party of about 400 British, Hessians, and refugees passed through Hackensack on their way to attack some Pennsylvania troops at Paramus. It was about three o'clock in the night when they entered the lower part of the town. All was quiet. A small company of 20 or 30 militia, under Capt. John Outwater, had retired for the night to the barracks, barns and outhouses, where HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 23 those friendly to the American cause generally resorted to rest. One-half of the enemy marched quietly through. When the rear, consisting mostly of Hessians, arrived, they broke open the doors and windows, robbed and plundered, and took prisoners a few peaceable inhabitants, among whom was Mr. Archibald Campbell. This gentleman, who had been for several weeks confined to his bed with the rheuma- tism, they forced into the street, and compelled to follow them. Often in their rear, they threatened to shoot him if he did not hasten his pace. In the subsequent confusion he escaped and hid in the cellar of a house opposite the New Bridge. He lived until 1798, and never experienced a retur?i of the rheu- matism. " The Hessians burnt two dwellings and the Court House. The latter stood on the west side of the green, eight or ten rods from Campbell's tavern. Fortunately the wind was from the v/est, and drove the flames and sparks over the green, and the tavern was saved by the family throwing water over the roof. At this time those in the outhouses were aroused, and the miHtia hastened across the fields, mounted horses, and alarmed the troops at Paramus. By the time the enemy had arrived at what is now Red Mills, four miles from Hackensack, they ascertained the Americans were on their way to meet them. Disappointed, they retraced their steps, and, when near Hackensack, turned off to the north on the road leading to the New Bridge, to the left of which there is a range about half a mile distant, the intervening ground being level. There the continentals and militia were hurry- ing over, kept, however, at a distance by large flanking parties of the enemy, who, on arriving at the bridge, were detained about two hours in replacing the plank torn off by the Ameri- cans. In the mean time their parties were skirmishing with our people. Having crossed over, they marched down the east side of the Hackensack, through the English Neighbor- hood, being pursued twelve miles to a considerable distance within their lines down to Bergen woods. They lost many killed and wounded. There were none kiUed on our side. A young man of the town was wounded by a spent ball, which cut his upper Hp, knocked out four front teeth, and was 24 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. caught in his mouth. Capt. Outwater received a ball below the knee, which was never extracted. He carried it for many years, and it was buried with him." The foregoing narrative derives additional interest for the modern reader from the fact that the Zabriskie residence, used by General Washington as his head-quarters, is still pointed out, standing on Main street ; and near it also still are the tavern and the village green and Court House.* Hackensack was originally settled by six or eight Dutch families, whose descendants are to-day its principal inhabi- tants. It was included in a patent granted by the proprietor of East Jersey to Capt. John Berry, and, at the commence- ment of the Revolutionary war, contained only about thirty houses, including a Reformed Dutch Church, facing the pub- lic green, which was first built in 1696 and a second time in 1 791. In the old church yard adjoining it repose the remains, among others, of Brig.-Gen'l Poor, of New Hampshire, who died in 1780, and of Col. Richard Varick, ex-Mayor of New York, who died in 1831. Prior to the advent of the railroads the growth of Hacken- sack was slow. In 1844 it had a population of only about fifteen hundred, and had communication by a Une of six sailing vessels with New York. But to-day it has two rail- roads, and a population of ten thousand and upward. Its shaded and well graded streets are lined with pavements and lighted by gas. It boasts eight churches, two public and several private schools, one academy, three newspapers, three hotels, a National bank, a State bank, a jewelry factory, several carriage factories, a planing mill, and many minor industries. In neatness and beauty its streets, gardens and dwellings justly * Up to within a few years ago the old tavern sign bearing the words" Hobo- ken, Hackensack and Albany Stage Route" was visible to passers by at the hotel referred to. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 2$ claim admiration, evincing a care and taste alike creditable to the inhabitants, and inviting to the stranger. Indeed, some of the villa residences in and about Hackensack are, with reason, referred to with a sort of local pride by its people. On Teaneck Ridge, a mile and a half above, and soon, by the enterprise of its proprietor, to be connected by a horse railroad with the town, stands the picturesque mansion of Wm. Walter Phelps, Esq., the New York railroad prince, who daily finds in this charming and healthful home a grate- ful retreat from the oppressive cares of business. And, on the left-hand side of the Midland track, a square or two be- yond the depot, the passenger will find it well worth his while, in passing, to look out upon the model garden and farm of J. N. Gamev.^ell, Esq., another prominent New York business man, who, six years ago, purchased a tract of about four acres, extending through from State street to the Erie track, and has gradually converted it into one of the most thoroughly cultivated spots to be found in America. A spacious, hand- some residence, surrounded by generous verandahs, a wealth of rare flowers, and fruit trees and shrubbery, a broad, well- stocked vegetable garden, and new and extensive brick hot houses (directly facing the railroad) for the propagation of rare fruits and flowers ; in short every imaginable appliance for beautifying and cultivating a villa residence, combine to off"er the passing traveler at this point a view of a model home. For Hackensack, the Midland, entering as it does at a central point, and landing passengers on the principal thoroughfare, Main Street, has been a public blessing, and if nothing else attested the fact, the large and increasing travel by it to and from the Metropolis would sufiice to do so. Avoiding intermediate detention and the tunnel, and landing passengers at Cortlandt Street in forty-five minutes, it is daily 26 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. HACKENSACK Real Estate LOTS AND BuilcLing Sites, (Near the Midhmd Railway Depot) — FOR — l\SEW YORK BUSINESS MEN AND In Quantities to Suit Purchasers. Address, J. F. GAMEWELL, 104 Centre St., JYeiv lorlc. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 2 7 growing in popularity with commuters, and is already one of the busiest, if not the most busy station upon the line. Those desirous of investing in property, will find eligible lots and plots for sale, (see advertisemetit) at reasonable and easy terms. Beyond Hackensack, the first great engineering difficulty in the construction of the Midland was successfully met and mastered, for, overlooking the town from the west, are the Red Hills, a formidable obstacle apparently to our further pro- gress as we leave the depot. But, without eftbrt, the locomo- tive hurries us on by an easy and gradual ascent over a high embankment and trestle work, from which we gain a birds eye view of the town behind us, the pasture lands below dotted with grazing cattle, the Erie track passing beneath our own at right angles, then are whirled through a heavy cutting in the summit of the ridge, and in a moment more the hill which seemed insurmountable is behind us. Thence the track lies straight as a die to MAYWOOD. FORMERLY WEST HACKENSACK. {i^% miles ; 47 minutes. 6 trains each way daily ) On both sides of the newly erected station building, the visitor sees a wide expanse of broad fertile meadow land, stretching away to the distant woods, with here and there a substantial farm house with its numerous out buildings and orchards to vary the scene. There are many eligible building sites within five minutes walk of Maywood depot. Three quarters of a mile further on is our next stopping place, 28 HOMES ON rilE MIDLAND. Design for a. Residence to cost $ttOOO. Furnished by Geo. E. Woodward, Architect, 191 Broadway, N. Y. LODI. , {15^ miles ; 49 n.inutes. 6 trains each way daily.) Previous to the opening of the Midland, Lodi's only com- munication by rail with New York was afforded by a small branch road, connecting with the Erie at I.odi Junction on Hackensack Branch. At Lodi are located the celebrated Lodi Chemical and Lodi Print Works, and other manufac- turing industries. The village has a population of about 500, four churches, good schools, and a circulating library, and contains many elegant residences, including " Elmwood," the country seat of R. Rennie, Esq. As yet, the Railway Com- pany have not erected a depot at this point — the track cross- ing the mainroad, which runs through the village, at a distance of about a mile from the latter. The general characteristics HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 29 3© HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. Sixty Acres OF HIGH AID BESMBLEvESs OVERLOOKING DUNDEE LAKE, Only Two Minutes' Walk from Dundee De- pot on the Midland Railway. Only Fire Minutes' Walk from Horse Cars to all parts of Paterson, and Only Fifty Minutes' Kicle from Cortlandt or Desbrosses Street Ferries. Pure Water^ Fine Scenery^ CJi arming Drives^ and agreeable surroundings. i^@" Terms Reasonable to bona fide Purchasers. Address JOHN C. HOPKINS, Jr., 40 Montgomery Street, jersey City, Or CORNELIUS VAN RIPER, on the Premises. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND, 3 I of the adjacent land vary little if any from those mentioned in the description of the last station. The price is about $500 per acre. This may be added, however, that along the six or seven miles of road lying between Hackensack and Paterson there are, in addition to Lodi and Maywood, half a dozen choice and desirable locations for the establishment of depots and settlements. Property only awaits the advent of enterprising capitalists with courage to invest their money, and brains to forsee and plan the inevitable success which will follow their outlay. Crossing Saddle River, an inconsiderable stream scarcely worthy its name, we pass through a partially cleared and sparsely settled region for two miles or more, until emerging from the woods we approach the open country of the Passaic Valley, obtain a glorious view of Garrett Mountain in the distance, lifting its rugged face against the sky, see already glimpses of wide-spread Paterson, and nearer still the winding Passaic, and come to a stop at DUNDEE LAKE. (18 miles ; 57 minutes. 6 trains each way daily,) Here, as at most other stopping places, a handsomely finished depot has been erected in anticipa-tion of the wants of future residents, and from its platform one views a scene of genuine interest and beauty. Almost at his feet flows the beautiful Passaic, its shores dotted on both sides with lawns and villas and boat houses. Straight ahead, the railroad bridge crosses it, a short distance below, the " Weasel Bridge," for foot pass- engers and vehicles, and on a neighboring hill the eye rests upon the smooth shaven slopes, ^vinding paths and white marble monuments of Cedar Lawn Cemetery. Looking closer, one sees perhaps on the road along the opposite bank, a horse car passing up or down, betokening a proximity to 32 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. city conveniences, or, upon the placid bosom of the river, boating parties may on any fair day, be seen enjoying them- selves. This is the favorite annual resort of aquatic sports- men. Here every year is held the regatta which brings to- gether thousands of visitors from Paterson, Passaic, Newark, Hackensack and New York. The various boat clubs of the first mentioned city have indeed no reason to be ashamed of their record as oarsmen. Dundee Lake, as it is called, is in reality the Passaic River, which, checked at this point by the Dundee Dam, a mile or so below, widens out into a beautiful sheet of water which furnishes rare opportunities for boating or skatmg according to the season. In the immediate vicinity of so lovely a spot as this, the establishment of a railway depot, and direct communication with New York, cannot fail to bring many desirable settlers, glad to exchange homes in the city for others amid surround- ings so eminently peaceful and pleasing. The advertisement of Mr. J. C. Hopkins, Jr., on a pre- ceding page, calls attention to some desirable property for sale at this point. And now crossing the Passaic, we are within the Paterson city limits, and in a moment or two stop at MARKET STREET, PATERSON. (i9>^ miles ;* 59 minutes. 4 trains each way daily.) Though yet a mile distant from the city's center, one sees on alighting, unmistakeable indications of his presence in a great and growing city. The hne of the Willis Street horse cars intersects the track at the end of the depot, affording frequent and easy communication with the Lake and Cedar ♦This distanc2 wil! ultimately be reduced to 13 miles b}?^ the completion of the projecleJ Weehawken cut. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. ^^ DTODEE LAZE Cloice Biiliiiii Lots ait Tilla Sites, 60 Lots on Market Street. 32 E. 37th " 48 " 38th " 23 " 39th " 36 " 21st Avenue. 20 15 " Lake View Ave. (Late Tisw Ave. & 21st Ave. are eacli 120 !i. wide.) " Alabama " 50 150 Kentucky *' THE BOULEVARD. m, m Miiii!icTiii5 mmii so ms. Forming block bounded by Market, East Soth and East 3Gth Sts., and 21st Avenue, (Midland Railway.; All this property is at or within three minutes walk of the MARKET STREET STATION, Of the New York midland Railway. The MOST EASTERL Y STA TION in PA TERSON. S. S. SHERV700D, Market St., cor. of the Lake Eoad. 34 HOiMES ON THE MIDLAND. MARKET ST. LAND CO. PATERSON, N. J. Desirable Building Sites Adjoining Marlla]vi> Should be warmed by either STOVES, RANGES or a FURNACE, From the Mammoth Establishment of CURRAN, ROGERS &, CO., Nos. 75, 77 & 79 BROADWAY, New Chnrch Block. PATERSON, N. J. Mr. P. Curkan's experience of twenty-five years in the Stove business, and more recently as the head of the Cusban Bowebing Manufacturing Co., gives him a thorough knowledge of the wants of the community at large in this particular, and consequently an advantage possessed by few men in the business. Plumbing, Gas Pitting, Eoofing and Galvanized Cornices. AND ALL WORK IN THAT LINE OF BUSINESS. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 39 water plunges down a depth of seventy five feet into a nar- row gorge or chasm, walled in by a perpendicular face of rock, thence darts off at right angles, foaming and bubbling out into a sort of basin, surrounded by high precipitous sides, and thence turns again at a sharp angle resuming, on the lower level, its original direction. The gorge into which the river plunges is spanned by a symm.etrical bridge of iron, on which you may stand and obtain a complete view of the torrent, as with a deafening roar it leaps into the dark cavernous jaws of rock, emerging again covered with feathery foam. In one of the crevices of rock near this point are scratched in rude letters, various initials and dates, some of the latter extending back into the last century. The initials " G. W.," with the figures " 1778," are still pointed out as having been inscribed there by the father of his country, the revolutionary troops having at one time been encamped on the adjacent hills. From the brow of the solid rock opposite, Sam Patch took one of his famous leaps, and at the same spot sixty years ago, a distressing accident happened, resulting in the death of an estimable woman and wife, (see appendix A.) The grounds about the Falls have been thrown oi)en as a public park by their public spirited owner John Ryle, Esq., and are a favorite resort as well for the towns])eople as for visitors. Upon the heights overlooking the Falls is an obser- vatory, from which may be obtained a comprehensive view of the entire city and the country on all sides of it. Here too is a reservoir for supplying the city, and upon the high ground opposite, stand the obehsk, surmounted by a marble statue, erected to the memory of the '"Soldiers and Sailors of Passaic County," who fell in the late war. A visit to Passaic Falls will well repay any one undertaking it. Horse cars run directly thither from the Midland Rail- way Depot, 40 IIOAIKS ON THE MIDLAND. VIEW OF PASSAIC FALLS. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 4 1 As a place of residence for New York business men, Pater- son offers peculiar attractions, as affording all the conven- iences but none of the discomforts of city life. Hundreds of commuters travel back and forth between it and New York daily. The fares are low, the time only one hour, and the place itself is healthful, suppHed with good stores and markets, well policed and governed, and does not labor under im moderate taxation. Some of the streets of Paterson, such as Broadway, Van Houten, Ellison, Ward or Church Streets, are charmingly attractive, many of the private residences are elegant and costly, the public buildings and markets are of a size and importance such as one seldom sees outside of the largest cities, the hotels, including that well known old time J. A. MORRISSE & CO. Real Estate and Insttrance Agents jCor. Market and Main Sts., Paterson, X. J. OFFicEfe, ^^^^ 202 Broadway, New York. Desirable Lots, Plots and Villa Sites, from $200 upward. hostelrie, the FrankHn House, are numerous and well kept ; and its churches, (comprising all denominations), schools and public charities are a credit to its people. Banks, Insurance Companies, daily newspapers, a well conducted fire depart- ment, a complete system of sewerage, gas and pure water, and six Hnes of horse cars from the center to the suburbs, all com- bine to render Paterson a city unsurpassed as a convenient and agreeable place of residence for New York business men. And it may also be here mentioned that those contempla- ting the erection and fitting up of Homes on the Midland, can make their purchases of material as advantageously in Paterson as in the Metropolis, or, perhaps, even more so. The spacious lumber yards of Mr. Thomas Beveridge. rank- 42 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. ing among the largest in the State, and the extensive stove, range and furnace works of Messrs. Curran, Rogers & Co., (see advertisements,) are well worthy the inspection of in- tending builders. The coming of the Midland to Paterson, opens a new era in the prosperity of the city, first as exciting competition and affording a second great avenue of direct communication, not only with New York but with the west ; secondly, as opening to a more intimate and convenient business relationship with it the neighboring towns of Hackensack, Pompton, Franklin, and all the many villages in upper Bergen, Passaic and Morris Counties; and thirdly, and more important than all, in developing and throwing open as eligible city property whole tracts of land hitherto remote from any railroad, and consequently of inconsiderable value. The Midland has done for Paterson exactly what many an aspiring son has done with the quaint old homestead of his father, that is, built a new addition to it, modernized it, spread it out and beautified until it is difficult to recognize the once plain and humble dwelling. So too, any one unaccustomed to enter Paterson by the Midland would certainly imagine himself, on alighting, anywhere but in the old fashioned town which Alexander Hamilton founded so long ago. He sees horse cars, street lamps, hydrants, and broad straight streets and avenues, quite thickly built up already with elegant modern residences, and can just discern over the tree tops, the spires and chimneys of the older portion of the city, lying in the lower ground or valley below. For the Midland enters Paterson on a high level, and the atmosphere in the section through which it passes is especially cool, healthful and salubrious. The so- ciety of the east side, as this part of the city is called, is for the most part;" refined and select; the daily wants of house- keepers are suppHed by wagons, which call at the doors, the HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 45 principal thoroughfare, Main street, is within ten minutes ride, the view, moreover, inckiding Totowa, Garret Rock, the Preakness Mountains, and a glimpse ol the Ramapo range, is refreshing, and the adjacent drives and strolls embrace some charming spots, overlooking the Passaic River. In short, if one would buy in Paterson a " Home on the Midland," let him buy it on the east side by all means.* If he prefer it in the other or older portion of the city, the horse cars will take him thither in ten minutes from the depot, and free of charge. Land varies in price from $200 to $1500 per lot, (see J. A. Morrisse & Co.'s advertisement published on a preceding page). Leaving the Broadway depot, the passenger finds himself traversing a quite thickly settled portion of the suburbs, and can obtain from the left-hand side of the cars an interesting view of the northerly portion of the city proper, lying in the valley below. This lasts but for a moment however, for the train enters suddenly a long and deep earth cutting, and emerges at the depot at RIVERSIDE.— (Paterson.) (2X miles ; i hour and 2 minutes, 5 trains each way daily.) While much of the charm possessed by this lovely spot consists in its location, (so aptly indicated by its name,) on the banks of the Passaic, yet one can really derive but a poor idea of its convenience, beauty and attractiveness as a place for a home, without alighting and devoting an hour or two to its inspection. A handsome ;depot is erected at the spot where the track intersects the horse railroad, running from the centre of Paterson to some distance beyond this point, thus affording the arriving or departing passenger ready and * See advertisements of Geo. Brown, Charles A. May, F. C. Van Dyck, and Allen & Dunning, published elsewhere. .. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. easy access to or from the depot. The horse cars, it may be stated, are admirably run, and make frequent trips between Riverside and Main street, the principal business thoroughfare. If one loves the bold and picturesque in nature, Riverside will gratify his fondness to any reasonable extent. The beautiful Passaic, romantic wherever seen, seems here strik- ingly so, flowing in a black, sluggish current, between high, steep banks, densely covered with cedars, from which peer out here and there a chimney, or cupola or verandah, to tell that there have been plenty to appreciate and seize upon such an alluring spot as this for their home. To the right of River street, through which the horse cars pass, lies, now partially overgrown with weeds, and fallen evidently into dis- use, the old Paterson race track, where, in good old days gone by, the many wealthy and jolly patrons of the turf living hereabout were wont to wager no inconsiderable stakes on their favorite racers. On the left, and opposite, stands, its back piazza overlooking the river, and commanding a glori- ous view of the country beyond, the spacious private resi- kence (containing no less than forty-eight rooms) of Cornelius Van Winkle, Esq., whose family were among the earlier landed proprietors hereabout, and who, himself, narrates many an interesting incident or tradition peculiar to the locality. A station further up the road bears this gentleman's honored name, and we may have occasion in speaking of it to mention one or two of these as narrated by himself. But, to return to Riverside, it possesses not only the at- traction of high ground, horse cars, excellent water and good scenery. More than this, its property-owners are live, go- ahead people, and have laid out and graded streets and avenues, given, during the past year, four lots for the erection of an Episcopal Church, and closed a contract for the con- struction of ten handsome dwellings, to be completed by the HOMES ON THE MIDLAND, 45 RIVERSIDE Bniii Lite k la Sites CONVENIENT TO THE MIDLAND AND ERIE DEPOTS. Horse Cars direct to tlie centre of Paterson FIFTEEN MINUTES' RIDE to CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, MARKETS, etc. Terms remarkably easy to Actual Settlers, ALSO BROADV/AY LOTS, IMMEDIATELY EAST OF THE MIDLAND DEPOT, AND POSSESSING THE ADVANTAGES OF High Land, City Water, Horse Cars AND MAaUIFIOEITT NEIGHBOEING EESIDENCES ALREADY ERECTED. Address A. WAEHEN, Owner, or | 237 Market Street, MWA -.-.-.----- A i ( C>r Bhanch Office GEO. BEOWN, Agent, ) Midland Depot, Broadwaj. ^5 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. first of May, 1873. With the Midland running to their very doors, those who have already settled and bought property, find themselves at least twenty minutes nearer New York than they were a year ago, and find an increase of at least twenty per cent, in the value of their places. Lots can be purchased at Riverside for from three to five hundred dollars each. A valuable tract, owned by A. Warren, Esq., and comprising many convenient and beautiful sites for homes, will be found advertised on the opposite page, as will also some desirable city lots near the Broadway Depot. Now, we cross the Passaic River, which is here spanned by a substantial and symmetrical bridge of iron ; a few hun- dred miles above, or to the left, is the Erie crossing, though on a much lower level, and below, to the right, a turnpike bridge can be seen stretching across. The Midland over- looks them both, and reaching the opposite bank, passes along on a high trestle work, under which the Erie, passing, crosses it, to the junction, or intersection point of the two roads at HAWTHORNE. (211^ miles ; i hour 8 minutes. 7 trains each way daily.) Here we have the singular spectacle of two depots, one directly over the other, the Erie below, the Midland above. The passenger alighting, descends a long stairway before reaching terra firma. It was at this point that, prior to the completion of the Midland between Paterson and Jersey City, passengers from or for New York, Pompton, Blooming- dale, and other points up the road, changed cars. Now, no longer subjected to this inconvenience, they are whizzed past the station direct to their destination, enjoying, it may be remarked, in passing, a fair view of the Erie track, stretching westward far below them in a long tangent, until the glisten- ing lines of steel seem as one in the distance. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 47 Hawthorne, like Riverside, is charmingly situated on the bank of the Passaic, and is a rapidly developing locality, possessing as it does, the privilege of double railway com- munication with the Metropolis and the West. Its name was formerly Norwood, until changed two years ago to its present, perhaps more romantic one. Many public improve- ments have been inaugurated by public spirited citizens and property owners, including the opening of several avenues and boulevards, and planting of shade trees. Purchasers can secure good building sites on streets already opened at prices varying from $i 50 to $400 per plot, or in some places as low as $500 per acre. And now gradually descending from our elevated traclcway at Hawthorne, we reach the level of terra firma once more, pass the turn table and coaling depot which the Company have found it convenient to estabHsh at this point, and are off at lightning speed up the valley with the whole cit)- of Paterson, its spires, its foundries, its chimneys in full view in the rear, the Preakness Hills half a mile to the left, and an open undulating farm land stretching away on the right. Along the base of these Preakness Hills ran the old Mini- sink path or trail, the Indian thoroughfare from or to the seaboard, and along this same route extends the turnj^ke road of to-day, connecting Paterson with Pompton and the intermediate villages. This region is full of old legends and traditions, so interwoven with the different localities through which our route passes, as to cause justifiable hesitation on the part of the careful chronicler before describing precisely at what point their narration would prove most appropiate. For instance, here we are at 48 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. VAN WINKLE'S, (2314' miles; i hour and 12 minutes. 5 trains each way daily.) situated in the center of a beautiful stretch of well watered farm land, and named, as before stated, in honor of Corne- lius Van Winkle, Esq, of Riverside, who owns much of the adjacent property. Now the original name of this section extending hence up to a point ten or twelve miles above, appears to have been " the Waugarau," a name which would at first sight be pronounced as of indubitable Indian origin. Not so, however. It is a corruption of the old Dutch words signifying " a wagon ride," because the first vehicle or wagon ever put in use at the Ponds, a point a few miles above, (and owned by the way by Francis Van Winkle, a great grand uncle of the gentlemen previously mentioned) caused a lively commotion among the Indians, who seem to have lived in friendly intercourse here with the Dutch settlers, and made them come in from four miles around to enjoy the luxury of. their first wagon ride. Hence the name, once borne by the entire neighborhood, but now confined to the lively water- course which winds here and there through its meadows. This particular spot, however, has long been known as " The Goffie." Almost any one in Paterson can tell a stranger the road to " Der Goffle," but probably but few can say exactly where it is or what it means. It is a quiet little hamlet, composed of a mill and a house or two, half a mile back from the depot. Its name means " The Fork," refer- ring to the fork at this point in the stream above mentioned. How simple and unromantic these quaint old names seem, when deciphered into our hard practical modern nomencla- ture. But Van Winkle's is a charming place for a New York busi- ness man, in search of a Home on the Midland, to visit and inspect. Near enough to Paterson to be within easy access HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 49 of its Stores, schools and churches, and yet possessing all the pure air, rural loveliness and fertile soil of the country, it offers many genuine features to render it attractive and de- sirable, and may, before many years, be counted a thrifty and growing suburb of the neighboring city. Land sells now at anywhere from $400 to $1,000 per acre. After leaving this point, the scenery bears a striking resem- blance to that on the Erie Railway at Hohokus — the track- way walled in by a solid wall of stone on the left, and overlooking a densely-wooded gorge, through which plunges a rapid water-course (the Waugarau) on the right. Then one catches a glimpse — only a moment — of the blue palisades m the distance, and the train stops at MIDLAND PARK. (formerly godwinsville.) (24% miles ; i hour, i6 minutes. 7 trains each way daily.) A village of some note, as the scene, in days gone by, of extensive manufacturing industries. It has several handsome private dwellings, a good public school and a neat church (Methodist), and possesses a location which, in point of beauty or healthfulness, cannot be surpassed. Nor has pri- vate enterprise been slothful in availing itself of these advan- tages : a number of citizens have organized a stock company (see advertisement on next page), purchased a valuable tract of one hundred and fifty acres of land, adjoining both sides of the road at this point, and intend to lay it out under the title of Midland Park, in the most improved style of modern park and landscape gardening, with serpentine drives, bridle paths, ponds, rambles and groves, constructing also within its Umits a reasonable number of handsome residences, which will be put on the market at easy terms. In these im- provements the projectors will be aided by many natural ro HRMES ON THE MIDLAND. MIDLAND LAND CO, Midland Park, Bergen Co., N. J. AT WOJiTJENDYKE, NEW JERSEY, and R oms 34, 25 NASSAU STREET, NEW FORK, This Company will soon be prepared to offer to the Public the most desira- ble Villa bites and Building Lots to bt: found along the Line of the Great Midland Railroad. The Land is at present a beautiful, natural Park, with the never-failing Wagara flowing through the entire propartv, falling over 60 feet in passing. The location of Midland Park lies in tha flouristiiug village of Wortendyke, (late Godwinsville). This Village must grow rapidly, as it is the end of the short trains on the New Jersey Midland, and ail Trains stop. Large machine shops are already erected for the railroad purposes, and the largest v^andle and Lamp wick Factory in the world is here located, ensuring a growing population. The slopes and hill sides surrounding the Business Basin are unsurpassed in beauty in the State. The attention of parties desiring healthy and lovely Stiburban Homes is called to this valuable property soon to be laid out. Midland Park is but 20 miles distant from t.e main terminus of the Midland Rail Road, and is only 23 miles Irom the Jersey C.ty Depot. HENRY SEIBERT & BROTHERS, Tie well-Known and entemrisina '^^^1^1% ^liMgraphefs & ^'rinter-s RAILWAY COUPONS, BONDS, and ©ecnritles of ID very l>esorii>tlori. Invite the attention of Bankers and Railway Companies to their recent im- provements in this line of work, Samples in large quantities and variety, executed by them for leading Rail- ^ays in the United States and Canada, may be seen at any time at their OFFICE, 1S2 n^ILLI^Jfl ST„ Ledger Building, ^ New York -d// JCinds 0/ Mercantile Blanks Lithographed and Printed to Order. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 51 advantages, such as fine \aews, several running streams, an abundant growth of shade trees and a rich, fertile soil The opportunity of securing a " Home on the Midland" in such a spot, is well worthy of the prospective purchaser's atten- tive consideration. Beyond the Park the Railway enters a heavy cutfing of red sandstone, then skirts the border of the creek before re- ferred to, passes the crumbHng ruins of an old mill half hidden 'neath the shadows of overhanging trees, then again brings into full view the cluster of buildings which form the centre called WORTENDYKE. (26 miles ; i hour, 20 miautes. 8 trains each way daily.) At this point are located the engine and repair shops of the Company. Here, too, about a quarter of a mile from the depot, are the elegant residence and the extensive cotton mill of C. A. Wortendyke, Esq., one of the originators and the president of the New Jersey Midland Railway, and from whom, as may be inferred, the station derives its name. Upon this spot Mr. Wortendyke v\'as born, has reared his industries about him, and finally seen his well-earned reward in the shape of the railroad, bringing increased prosperity and life to his very doors. Until within a few years past, Mr. Wortendyke was the proprietor of no less than four cotton mills within this immediate vicinity. His attention is now, however, confined to this one alone, in which he employs about fifty hands in the manufacture, principally, of candle and lamp wick. Some idea of the amount of labor done here during the year 187 1, may be formed when it is stated that 250,943 pounds of cotton were used, and 50,000 pounds of candle wick, and 250,000 gross of lamp wick manufac- tured and shipped during that period. The mill is run both 52 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. RESIDENCE OF C. A. WORTENDYKE, ESQ. HOMES ON THK MIDI-AND. COTTON MILL OF C. A. WORTENDYKE, ESQ. by Steam and water, with an aggregate of about 40 horse power, has 2,000 bobbins, is lit by gas throughout, and con- tains, in addition to the busii^ess offices of the accountants, a telegraph and post office. In short, its system and arrange- ments appear complete throughout, and the intelligent visitor who may be accorded that privilege, will find no little pleas- ure in following the fleecy product of the Southern soil through the various processes, from the time it leaves the bale until that in which it is put up in packages in the ship- ping room, ready for the market. From the grove upon the eminence overlooking Worten- dyke may be obtained a fine view of the surrounding coun- try, which, really a part of what is known as Godwinsville, went formerly with it under the general name of Newtown. There are many desirable building sites within ten minutes ride of the depot, to be had at an average price of 700 dol- 54 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. lars per acre, while lots sell at from $200 to $600. A hand- some new depot has been erected, and near it a well-stocked store. Mr. Wortendyke has also put up two tasty cottages within ten minutes' walk of the station, and is engaged in opening a wide avenue, running parallel to, and about three hundred yards from the track, both for the purpose of open- ing new building sites, and of affording direct communication between the depot and Jardine's Grove, or " The Green- wood," a lovely spot, about half a mile beyond, known as a favorite resort for pic-nic and excursion parties, and fronting upon a lake 15 acres in area, where boating and fishing may be enjoyably indulged in. WYCKOFF, (tj}i miles ; t hour, 23 minutes, 5 trains each way daily-) Is our next stopping place. Considerable activity is already noticeable at this point, in the erection of dwellings, and laying out of streets and lots. Some extensive and profitable ti'ansfers in real estate have been made, and nearly all of the available building lots in the immediate vicinity of the station are said to be already disposed of to intending settlers. The main road, running west from the depot, passes through a beautiful farming land, built up as a scattered village. Here we see the old stone church (see Appendix H), with its moss- covered tombstones gathered about it, each witli its quaint inscription^ of affection and regret ; here, too, a public school house, in which. the ideas of the Wyckoff youth are taught how to shoot; here, too, the well-known Ramsey Hotel, famed for its substantial good cheer the country round. Beyond, on a commanding site, is the commodious dweUing of Mr. Bergman, a wealthy New York tobacconist, who is also erecting a brick tobacco factory close at hand ; and in the middle of the wide sweep of valley, up which we can HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 55 glance as the train leaves the station, stands, all solitary and alone, a sort of a wierd, gaunt spectre of the olden time — a large antiquated dwelling, three stories high, with gable roof and oval windows, known as " Old Aunt Jinny's Tavern,** where, before the days of railroads and stages, many a be- lated horseman was wont to find food and shelter. Farm lands sell hereabouts at from $200 to $350 per aca-e. At CAMPGAW (2gJ^ miles ; i hour and 29 minutes. 5 trains each way daily,) it can be bought at even lower rates, the price per acre ranging from $150 to $250 per acre, and per lot at propor- tionally low figures. A Methodist Church, a school and a good country store are among the conveniences alread/ estabhshed here. CRYSTAL LAKE, (soX miles ; i hour and 32 minutes. 5 trains each way daily.) is the pleasing and rather romantic name bestowed upon the next station at which the traveler stops. The depot has been constructed in the very heart of the greenwood at a road crossing, and a fine large hotel, the only other building in sight, has been put up directly in the rear of it by the far seeing energy of Mr. M. Van Iderstine of Paterson. But let not the reader suppose that this is all of Crystal Lake. Far from it. We are now in the region known as " The Ponds," so called from the fact that in the original division or laying out of farms in the surrounding country, every one of them was found to touch upon or include at least one of the many beautiful bodies of water which abound here. Crystal Lake (or Franklin Lake as it was called until changed, in order to avoid its confusion with Franklin 56 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. Station further up the Hne) is a picturesque sheet of water, nestling among the hills on the Pompton turnpike, about a mile and a half to the westward ; and an enterprising capi- talist may find upon one or two of the knolls overlooking it, very desirable sites for a summer hotel. Many old and wealthy families including the Boyds, Voorhis and Dema- rests own large tracts, and themselves reside in the imme- diate vicinity of the lake. Mr. Hughes, a prominent Pater- sonian, has also recently purchased a fine estate in this neighbourhood. Land can be bought at the same prices as those quoted for the previous station. And now nearing OAKLAND, (formerly yawpaugh.) (2x}4 miles •, i hour and 35 minutes. 5 trains each way daily.) we see stretching away to the right before us, the rounded tops and wooded rocky slopes of the Ramapo Mountains. Three quarters of a mile to the westward stands the old " Ponds Church," (see appendix H.) and, as at Wyckoff, the intermediate road is built up with scattered dwellings in- cluding a stone post office and school house. The land here is level and peculiarly eligible for partition and sale in build- ing lots. It can now be purchased at from $100 to $250 per acre, although there is very Httle chance of such mod- erate rates remaining permanent. The traveler should not leave this point without glancing upward to the rocks and thickets of the neighboring mountain on the right, and in front of his course, for there on a cold and stormy night in the winter of 1869-70 was enacted a silent tragedy, which has brought tears of mingled fear and pity to the eyes of countless little ones listening to its recital, when gathered around the warm cosy HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 57 hearth stone at home. Three little boys, aged eight, six and four, sons of poor parents, who lived in a wretched cabin in yonder mountains, and gained a livelihood by burning char- coal, strayed off from home late one winter afternoon during their father's absence. Their mother missed them when dark came on, and when her husband returned, a search was at once begun. 'But the night was dark and cold, snow was falling, the mountain paths were steep and icy, and nothing but a father's love and the thought of these Httle helpless ones exposed to the pitiless element on such a night as that was, could have prompted him to venture forth. A night of search was fruitless — then others assisted, and yet in vain — then the whole male population of the neighborhood turned out, and joined in the search ; some asserted the children had been drowned in endeavoring to cross the Ramapo, which, in winter fierce and swollen, flows at the mountain's base ; others thought they might be safe under shelter at some distant house ; a few, to the discredit of human nature, vaguely hinted that they were not lost, but had been foully dealt with as burdens and cares too heavy to be longer supported ; alas ! the third days search told the whole sad story — when three little bodies frozen stiff, the smaller covered with the ragged coat which his elder brother had taken off to wrap around him, were found lying stark and cold under the shadow of a rock, where their poor weary feet had at last in the storm and darkness found rest and the " sleep which knows no breaking." And now, crossing the Ramapo, we are whirled along un- der the shadow of the hills, a distance of three miles, to 5^ HOMES ON THE MIDLAND POMPTON, {24H miles ; I hour and 43 minutes. 6 trains each way daily.) One of the oldest settled, as it is one of the most beautiful and attractive places in all New Jersey. To really appreciate and enjoy these beauties, as well as to gain in a single com- prehensive glance the wonderful natural advantages which are here offered for the establishment and rapid growth of an inland city, let the visitor, after alighting at the depot, ride up to the Norton House, (it is proposed to establish a line of horse cars thither before long,) a distance of one mile, and thence by an easy ascent to the summit of Colfax Mountain. In ascending he catches glimpses of the dark valley and sombre wild hillsides to the eastward, and, admiring these, is little prepared for the magnificent panorama which suddenly breaks upon his vision on arriving at the summit. There may be grander or more awe-inspiring scenery, but certainly in all this world's expanse none more smiling, peaceful and prosperous than this wide-spread landscape, which, walled in by wooded hills as far as the eye can reach, hes mapped out beneath him. Yonder, t(» the right, is the grand old Ram- apo Mountain, in front and opposite the Pequannock hills. From one valley flows the Wynockie, from another the Pe- quannock, each to wander awhile through verdant meadows, between banks fringed with willows, and then, uniting, flow on as one ; here, too, at the mountain's base, flows the placid Ramapo, its waters forming a convenient channel for the transportation of coal in canal boats to the Pompton Steel Works hard by. Just below where we stand, can be seen, nestling among the trees, the old Colfax mansion, where re- sided the ancestors of the distinguished statesman who bears that name to-day. Here, in revolutionary days, dwelt his grand-uncle, Captain Colfax, commander of Washington's body-guard, and breveted a Major-General for meritorious HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 59 services, and in the little square enclosure just adjoining we can discern the simple white marble shaft which marks the patriot-soldier's final resting place. Far away to the south- ward, dotted with hamlets and farm houses, and a church spire or two, half hidden among the foliage, stretch the fertile Pompton Plains, every foot of soil under tillage, and tra- versed not only in all directions by turnpike roads which look like threads in the distance, but also by the Montclair Rail- way, the whistle of whose engines, hurrying like human crea- tures across the distant landscape, comes mingling with those of the Midland in a not unmusical cadence to the ear, telling of the new life and vigor they have brought to this quiet, se- cluded spot. And now, turning to the right and glancing northward, we see where the two railways intersect, near the old Pompton church. Close by, and almost at our feet, are the Pompton Steel Works, with their compact little settle- ment of workmen's dwellings about them ; there, too, the Episcopal Church, the stores, the post office, the Norton House ; there, too, an ornamental iron bridge, costing $ 1 5,000, with a twenty-foot roadway and five-foot sidewalks, just erect- ed by the county over the Ramapo River, and connecting the townships of Wayne and Pompton. But, to understand the marvelous detail of this widespread picture, one must see it ; no description, however vivid, can portray it upon paper ; it would require the brush of a Crop- sey or a Church to do it justice upon canvas. But, lovers of the beautiful in nature will be gratified to learn that a com- pany of gentlemen have purchased this mountain, which is a natural park, and propose to erect a $300,000 hotel upon its summit, laying out the grounds about it, and throwing open to summer visitors a new place of resort, unequaleji, take it all in all, in the vicinity of the metropolis. One especially pretty feature of Pompton is Arrareek Lake, 6o HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. or '* Ryerson's Pond," as it is more familiarly called, which, winding among the hills for a distance of about three miles, finds an outlet at its western end, where it falls picturesquely over an immense rock, and loses itself in the Ramapo. From the Indian name of this rock, " the Pong-tong," is derived the present name of the locaUty. Upon this overhanging cedar-clad knoll the sachems were wont to meet in council, and here among the evergreens their trails are not yet ex- tinct. On the opposite side of the falls may be seen the ruins of Peter M. Ryerson's blast furnaces, now dubbed " Fort Sumter." Further up on this beautiful lake, where a shaded grassy point may be seen projecting, stands " Sunny- bank," the beautiful residence of Rev. -Dr. Terhune, whose gifted wife, better known to the outside world as " Marion Harland," has doubtless been enabled to draw from the peaceful scenes surrounding her home many of the gems of thought and description which adorn her works. The grounds adjoining Dr, Terhune's mansion possess an additional in- terest too as having been the scene of revolutionary encamp- ments. The saplings bent by the troops to form a sort of fence or boundary line have grown up in uncouth fantastic shapes to attract the observation of the modern visitor, while the plough-share has torn from its hiding-place in the garden a cavalry sabre, bearing the mark of the crown on the blade and the letters '' V. BEN, (supposed to designate Fifth British Engineers,) 647," and the initials " E. L." (probably those of its possessor) on the hilt. Upon a neighboring mountain may also still be seen the fire places used by the troops, and the graves of the mutineers who were executed by order of General Howe. (See Appendix B.) An inter- esting and readable narration of a visit to this spot has been pubhshed by " Marion Harland," under the title of " A Straw Ride," in one of the " Sunnybank" papers. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 6 1 A short distance beyond Sunnybank, the lake is crossed by a bridge, and one sees on an opposite knoll the old Schuyler Mansion, originally the property of one of the two oldest settlers of this region. (See Appendix C.) Could those two brave and adventurous men come forth to-day and see the Pompton, to which they came as strangers so long ago, now brought within an hour and a half of New York ; could they see the growing population of 1500, the churches and schools, and scores of summer visitors, and better still, the prospects of a rapid development, would it not reconcile them to the recollection of the perils and privations they endured ? The educational and social facilities of Pompton are of a superior order, there being a fine seminary for young ladies under the conduct of an estimable lady, Mrs. Logan, the re- lict of a gentleman once high in the British Consular service, and its population embracing some of the most cultivated and aristocratic famihes, such as the Ryersons, Blauvelts and Terhunes, to be found in the State. In short, whether viewing the natural claims of Pompton as an eligible spot for a " Home on the Midland," or consi- dering its artificial attractions, it must be conceded that no more charming or desirable spot for that purpose can be found along the entire line. About half a mile beyond Pompton Depot we pass the crossing of the Montclair Railway, (already in operation from Newark to Ringwood, a village in the Wyriockie Valley) and still another mile and a quarter further on reach 63 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. BLOOMINGDALE, (36;.^ miles ; I hour and 48 minutes. 5 trains each way daily.) Nestling lovingly at the base of the hills which we have already seen in the distance from the summit of Colfax Mountain. Here the rapid Pequannock finds at last an out- let from its long descent, and flows forth into the meadow land, eager to join its waters with its sister stream, the Wy- nockie. The early history of Bloomingdale is cotemporane- ous with that of Pompton, with which it may in fact be class- ed as a part of the original Pequannock tract purchased in 1695, (see Appendix C,) and here to-day dwells an honored citizen and true hearted gentleman, Martin John Ryerson, Esq,, a lineal descendant of George Ryerson, one of the eight original purchasers, and whose family has been since that time to a great extent identified with the political, indus- trial and social progress of the community. Bloomingdale, which Hes upon the river bank, has a popu- lation of about five hundred, two churches, an academy, two hotels, a post office, and several stores, and, with the coming of the railroad, gives promise of increased business growth. Land varies in value from two hundred to seven hundred dollars per acre. WEST BLOOMINGDALE, {2jX miles ; i hour and 50 minutes. 3 trains each way daily.) Is in reaUty but another connecting point for the village last previously mentioned, and is the point also at which two of the daily trains from the city find their terminus, the com- pany having estabUshed switches and a turn-table here. The Newbrough Hard Rubber Works, engaged principally in the manufacture of dental rubber, form the prominent business feature of West Bloomingdale. It may be stated that at this HOMES ON THE MH)LAND. 65 RECLUSE FALLS, PEQUANNOCK^RIVER. 64 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. point the Pequannock, with a fall of eighty feet, furnishes an immense water power, and invites the attention of enter- prising manufacturers or capitalists. SMITH'S MILLS, (39 miles ; i hour and 58 minutes. 3 trains each way daily.) Is as yet a mere station, with three or four houses, a store and a grist mill about it. There is a post office here, how- ever, a fact which indicates a considerable population scat- tered through the adjacent hilly region. Land is rated at not over one hundred and as low as fifty dollars per acre. CHARLOTTEBURGH. (43 miles, I h. 54 min. 4 trains each way daily.) A glance from the station at the surrounding country con- veys to the traveler arriving at Charlotteburgh very little idea as to where or what that goodly place is. But a ride or walk of about three-eighths or half a mile to the south- ward along a good road commanding several fine views, in which the Pequannock, faUing over a rocky bed, forms a prominent feature, brings one to the centre of a village charmingly located among the hills, boasting a good store, school, and post office, and giving many indications of future rapid growth and development. This is Charlotteburgh, or Schlottenburg, as it is customarily called by the folk of the adjacent region ; and it has a respectable little history of its own, dating back prior to the revolutionary days. It appears that over a century ago a company occupied these parts and established iron works under a patent from King George, naming the place in honor of his wife Queen Charlotte. During the revolution a detachment of the British troops were quartered here, and under their protec- tion the furnace was in operation making horse-shoes and HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 65 cannon balls for the invading army. Out of regard for the Hessians, who, it may thence be inferred, were quartered hereabout, the name of the village appears to have been modified to Schlottenburg, which title, as before stated, has been retained in use by many to the present time But by and-by the Americans came and the British left, and then the works fell into dis-use, until revived in 1839 by Messrs. Wetmore & Co., who in turn in 1840 sold them to one De C'amp, by whom they were operated until 1866. In 187 1 the present enterprising owners erected a building for the manufacture of specialties in hardware. Notwithstand- ing the destruction of the works a short time after their com- pletion, the company at once set to work and erected a much larger and finer building than the first had been, and are now employing a large force, with the intention of soon largely increasing it by the removal hither of their two other factories, now located in New York and Brooklyn respectively. The works are warmed by steam, and lit by gas throughout, and in their internal arrangement and con- duct show everywhere a gratifying system and foresight. The water power, furnished by the Pequannock, is almost unlimited in capacity, though the company have only about seventy-five horse-power of it in use. Upon the grounds adjoining the works the visitor may still see the ruins of the old fashioned machinery used by the former possessors, and in the store attached to the establishment is exhibited a bar of pig iron made at Charlotteburgh, its inscription tells us^ some time during the last century. A busy little hive of industry is this which we find among these wild New Jersey hills. The employes of the works inhabit neat cottages along the principal street, and the Company will shortly build more for their accommodation. Upon a commanding site near the depot the Company are 66 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. BIDDLE MANFG CO Manufacturers of iiiwift raiitfliltits PLUMBERS' TRAPS, &FFi€m m^D W^MMM€^yQM&p 78 Chainbers Street, NEW YORK. WORKS at CHARLOTTEBURGH, NEW JERSEY. Blacksmithing & Forging in all its Branches. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 67 putting up a • new residence for their superintendent, and there are several other buildings in progress of erection. The impression received by a stranger visiting Charlotteburgh at the present time is that of a village waking as from a dream, and putting forth evidences of renewed life and vigor. The natural attractions of the locality as a place of residence are unexcelled, there being several beautiful sites for private re- sidences, and a picturesque lake, where boating and fishing can be agreeably indulged in. The Charlotteburgh Iron Mines, which also form a feature of interest and importance here, are exceedingly productive, and are worked by a force of about fifty men under a con- tract with the Bethlehem (Pa.) Iron Works. (See Appendix D.) The present population of the village is probably not over three or four hundred, but its prosperous and growing indus- tries indicate unmistakably its rapid growth to a place of five times that number. Capital and labor, working harmonious- ly, can accomplish wonders, and they mean to transform Charlotteburgh before many years into a miniature Ameri- can Birmingham. Still following the line of the tortuous Pequannock, w© reach, a mile and a half further on, NEWFOUNDLAND, {44)4 miles, 2 hours. 4 trains each way daily.) A point famous among tourists and summer travelers, not only on account of its excellent hotel, kept by that prince of landlords, J. P. Brown, Esq., but also as being the nearest connecting point by stage for that charming mountain resort, Greenwood Lake. The village itself, snugly ensconced among the hills, has a population of about three hundred, a church, two stores, and regular mail facilities. The hotel 68 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. BROWN'S HOTEL, NEWFOUNDLAND, N. J. This favorite and well known house having been enlarged and refitted, now offeis FIRST CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS FOR EIGHTY GUESTS. SUPERIOR ACCOMMOD ATIONS FOR SUMMER BOARDERS. An Escellent Livery btatJe is attached to the Hotel, For information as to terms, etc., address the Proprietor, JOHN P. BROWN, Newfoundland, N. J. before spoken of is, however, its main attraction, accommo- dating eighty guests, and being visited annually by a select circle of patrons, including some of the best people of New York, Trenton, Paterson, and other neighboring cities. The railway company also intend to erect here a large building for use as a meal station for the accommodation of passen- gers. Land is sold here at from $200 to $500 per acre. A ride of nine miles by stage, which leaves the depot on the arrival of the morning mail train from New York, brings the traveler to GREENWOOD LAKE, a picturesque sheet of water seven or eight miles long and about half a mile wide, lying partly in New York State and partly in New Jersey. The Montclair Railway, when com- pleted, will carry passengers directly to the Lake ; for the present the journey thither is, at all events, an agreeable one, there being some glorious mountain scenery along the stage road, with a pleasant surprise on arrival at the lakes in the discovery of a little steamboat, the '* Pioneer," waiting with steam up, ready to start for the hotel landing and places further up. This brave little craft, which was constructed in New York and brought up overland, seems strangely out of HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 69 Desisn for a Cottage. To Cost $4,000. Fuiiiisliecl by Geo. E. Woodward, Archi- tect, 191 Broatlway, New York. place here among the woods and sohtude, and yet gives a grateful re-assurance of proximity to the comforts and con- veniences of civihzation. There are three hotels at Green- wood Lake, each of them doing a large summer business. GREEN POND. Lying three miles south of Newfoundland, very near the top of the mountain which bears its name, is another beautiful sheet of pure, clear water, about three miles long, and 1,044 feet above the level of the sea. As at Greenwood Lake an abundance of bass, pickerel, and perch generally reward the angler in its waters, and in proper season plenty of game can be found on the mountains around it. There is a hotel near the lake, accommodating about thirty people. Close at hand, at the east foot of Copperas Mountain, is a vein of iron ore very largely mixed with iron pyrites, which is known as the Copperas Mine, and which, during the war of i8i2-i4» 70 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. was worked for the purpose of making copperas and red paint. Among the same range of hills, about three miles north- west of Newfoundland, lies Macopin Pond, well known to many for its beauty of location and surroundings, and now that it is comparatively easy of access, destined to become a favorite resort for sportsmen and pleasure seekers. OAK HILL, (46;^ miles, 2 h. 5 min. 2 trains each way daily.) Is as yet a small settlement, with a population of about two hundred, and one church. It is delightfully situated at the intersection of the Longwood and Pequannock valleys, and offers to the intending settler some very attractive building sites a.t from $150 to $300 per acre. Beyond the station the track, leaves Morris county, again and finally crosses the. Pequannock, and enters Sussex county, in which STOCKHOLM is the first stopping place, or would be but for the fact that the company have decided upon the establishment of a station midway between it and the next one to the westward, bestowing upon the new one the title of the latter. Snuff- town, and abolishing altogether the humble namesake of the Scandinavian capital. By this time it is to be presumed that the careful reader has, so far as Midland Railway travel is concerned, got to be, to use a pardonable bit of slang, " up to snuff ;" if not, he is, at all events, up to SNUFFTOWN, Ug% miles, 2 h. 10 min. 4 trains each way daily.) Which he will find to be a considerable village, with two churches, as many hotels, four stores, a post office, and a HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 7'! tannery (no political significance intended), and a population of about three hundred. Land sells for $200 per acre. There are some rich veins of iron ore in the vicinity, and along the Pequannock River at this point there are fine water privileges to be had, with a fall of fifty feet in every three hundred yards And now by a gradual ascent, having left the wild valley of the Pequannock, we gain the summit of the Hamburgh range, and commence to descend again toward the fertile valley of the Walkill. At first there is little or nothing in the view to attract the observer's atten- tion, but it may be that this fact the better prepares him to enjoy by contrast the scene of wondrous beauty which he is soon to contemplate. For, as the train emerges suddenly from the gap in the monntain top (the only opening, by the way, for sixty miles through which the passage of a railway is practicable), and turning skirts the mountain side at a height- ened speed as if eager to reach the fairer lands at its base, a vision of rare beauty breaks upon the eye. Nearly four hun- dred feet below lies, mapped out into fields and orchards and groves and homesteads, and stretching away north and south as far as the eye can reach, the valley through which the Walkill River finds its way to an outlet to the mighty Hudson. Looking over the intervening wilderness of tree tops, the eye first rests upon the village of Franklin directly across the valley, with its silvery mill pond, its cluster of dwellings, its huge furnace ; then, following up the line of the valley to the right, loses itself in the blue hills which skirt the northern horizon ; then, glancing to the left, can trace the circuitous route by which the railway accomplishes the passage of the valley, and returning skirts the opposite side. Franklin, when first seen on emerging from the gap, is not more than two miles distant in a direct line. But it is on a level three hundred and fifty feet lower than the train, 72 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. and between the two there appears a great gulf fixed. But here engineering skill comes to the rescue, and in less than ten minutes time the traveler, surprised and delighted, finds himself, after a circuit of five miles, down one hillside, across the intervening space, and then back again in a direction parallel to but exactly opposite that by which he descended, safely transported to the spot which a few moments before he had seemed to look down upon from mid air. And tlien combining with this the wild grandeur of the mountain scenery, the grim solitude at Snake's Den, the long cuttings through solid granite which occur at intervals along the eastern slope, and, sweeter than all, the smiling, peaceful landscape below, with its soft carpeting of variegated green, dotted here and there with snow-white cottages and red barns — one involuntarily exclaims with delight at a panorama so extended and beautiful. At the foot of the long descent the train stops at OGDENSBURGH, (563^ miles, 2 h. 45 min. 3 trains each way daily.) A sprightly and growing village, with a population of about five hundred, a large well conducted school, four stores, and two organized religious societies, one of which proposes to erect a church edifice during the coming spring. While the adjacent county is considered a fine farming and dairy region, it is more especially to its mineral wealth that Ogdensburgh must, and in fact does, look for its future growth, 'i'he locality calls to mind the scriptural words, " a land whose stones are iron, and from whose hills thou may'st dig brass." A hundred years ago. Lord Sterling discovered here and opened the famous zinc mines, which have proved practiv:ally inexhaustible (see Appendix E). Two miles southward are also the Ogden Iron Mines, now HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 73 worked by three companies, employing in all one hundred and fifty men, and shipping away an hundred tons of ore daily (see Appendix F). This ore, prior to the opening of the Midland, had to be shipped by rail to Lake Hopatcong, and thence via canal to New York. From Ogdensburgh, a branch of the New Jersey Midland Railway is now in process of construction, by way of Sparta and Newton to the Delaware Gap, there to connect with a direct line via Harrisburg to the southwest. The judgment evinced in the construction of this branch, not solely as a direct route for travel, but more especially as tapping the Cumberland, Lehigh Valley and Pottsville coal regions, and affording thence an easy outlet not only to New York, but via Pine Bush and the projected Hudson River Bridge at Poughkeepsie to Boston and New England, cannot be too highly commended. And now, we cross the valley by an embankment, which, strange to say. Nature, as if anticipating the need, has thrown up with all the skill and precision of an accomplished Engineer. The value of this singular formation at this point can be best estimated when it is stated that otherwise an additional circuit of five miles to get across the valley, or an expenditure of half a milHon dollars would have been the engineer's alternative. Not over three hundred and fifty feet of fining were required to render it a vast earthen bridge extending from mountain to mountain. Two large culverts, supported by admirable masonry work, afford a passage be- neath it for the turnpike and the river respectively, while from its summit, as we are hurried across, can be had charming views up and down the valley, the latter including the dis- tant village of Sparta, with its white church tower peeping from among the trees. Now, with a shriek and roar, back we go up the valley again, and two minutes more bring us to 74 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND, FRANKLIN, ij^X miles ; 2 hours and 40 minutes. 4 trains each way daily.) knovYn perhaps more generally as Franklin Furnace, In its location and surroundings the village itself is decidedly pic- turesque, and the passenger looking from the car window is treated to a view which the hand of nature and that of man have combined to render striking. Looking upward and directly across the valley, he can trace here and there among the dense foliage, the line of embankment over which he has just passed ; below, his eye rests upon the placid bosom of a lake ; nearer still a well traveled roadway, crossing the Wal- kill by an old fashioned bridge, and the village tavern beyond; up to the left, Mine Hill, with its gaping cavities opened by the zinc miners, and on its crest the neat row of brick cottages occupied by them. But, a grand centerpiece to the picture, and directly in the foreground, stands the Furnace, an im- mense structure sixty seven feet high, hned inside with layers severally of fire-brick, red brick, clay and sheet iron, and ranking in dimensions and completeness with the largest of its kind in the country. Adjoining it are the stock house, where ore, coal, etc. are kept, and the tower eighty feet high by which the proper elevation for dropping the ore into the furnace is obtained. The machinery used in connection with the Furnace includes 2 blast engines, a working beam, weighing 48,000 pounds, 4 fly wheels, each 28 feet in diame- ter, a steam cylinder with 9 foot stroke, a blast cyHnder 7 feet in diameter, 4 blast ovens, and as many boilers, each 70 feet long, and 40 inches in diameter. The Company are working iron mines both here (see appendix G) and at Pochuck Mountain, and employ an hundred men. The Mine Hill zinc mines (see appendix E) also employ a considerable force here. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND, 75 At this point connection is made with the Sussex R. R.^. for Newton, Branchville and Waterloo. The population of Franklin, which is growing quite rapidly, numbers about one thousand. There are a church, a hotel and two stores, and land sells at from $500 to $1000 per acre. Beyond Franklin, we pass through a heavy limestone cut- ting, and then following the line of the Walkill, (which indeed runs generally parallel to the road as far as Unionville) ob- tain another glorious view of the valley, and of the Pochuck and Hamburgh ranges on either side. Admiring the en- trancing spectacle, we are suddenly aroused by the whistle and bell to a consciousness of approach to the next station, HAMBURGH. (6i;<^ miles ; 2 hours and 59 minutes. 3 trains each way daily .7 A quite important village, with seven hundred inhabitants, four churches, as many stores, three hotels and a post office^ and situated in a fine rolling country, offering many desirable building sites. Land is quoted here from one to five hun- dred dollars per acre. A large amount of lime was formerly made in this vicinity from the crystalline limestone quarried on the Edsall farm. It went to Paterson, Newark, and other towns, and brought a high price, being esteemed for its whiteness and for its adaptation to the finer kinds of work. Four and a half miles rapid journeying through a cultivated section, embracing numerous farms and pasture grounds brings us to DECKERTOWN, (66 miles ; 3 hours. 4 trains each way daily.) claimed by its residents to be the richest and most flourish- ing town in Sussex County, and the most ifhportant station 7^ HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. on the Midland between Paterson and Middletown. Origin- ally settled by Hollanders, who in search of minerals left the Hudson at Esopus, now Kingston, and followed up the line of the Walkill, the adjacent country soon became famous on account of its fertiUty and comparative facility of access, and the infant colony gradually grew and prospered. Peter Decker, a man of enterprise and energy, and for many years a magistrate, built the first house in Deckertown in 1734. He was followed shortly after by two others named Winfield and Cortracht, who also built, and thereafter immi- gration into the valley continued. The settlers suffered terribly from the Indians, the relations between the two races being vastly different here from those friendly ones which appear to have existed between the Dutch and the aborig- ines in the Passaic and Bergen Counties region. But not- withstanding this drawback, Deckertown has always held its place as a prominent center in Sussex, and now after a cen- tury of feeble progress, has suddenly awakened to the dis- covery that in the coming of the Midland, comes a certainty of exchanging the gait of the tortoise for that of the hare. The population to-day numbers about a thousand. There are three churches, as many hotels, a bank, (The Farmer's National) a weekly paper (the Sussex Co., Independent) a good school, and many flourishing organizations, including Lodges of the Masonic, Odd Fellows, Good Templars and United American Mechanics orders. The village is especially picturesque in its location, and contains several charming residences, including those of John Loomis, Esq., Vice-Presi- dent of the New Jersey Midland R. R., and of Gen'l Judson Kilpatrick, who, moreover claims this as his birthplace. Stock breeding is followed here to a considerable extent, Goldsmith Maid and Mystic being among the representatives of Deckertown on the American turf, and the milk trade is HOMES ON THK MIDLAND. 77 also considerable, one hundred cans being shipped to' New York daily. QUARRYVILLE, (70 miles ; 3 hours and 9 minutes. 3 trains each way daily.) The last station at which we stop before crossing the State Line, is a small hamlet, which, however, promises to become an important point, on account of the valuable Blue Stone formation found here. A quarry is in active operation under the auspices of the Midland Blue Stone Company (see advertisement), of which John F. Kilgour, Esq., the largest dealer in Blue Stone in America, is the Manager, and heavy shipments are daily made hence to supply the active and in- creasing demand in the growing cities of Paterson, Hacken- sack and Middletown, and in the neighboring Metropolis. Desisn for a €ottas:e. To Cost $^,500. Furnislietl by Geo. K. IVoodward, Archi- e.^ign. for a Cottage* To cost $8,000. Furiiislied by Gteo. E. WooclAvard, ArtUi- tect, 191 Broad *vay, Ne^v York. tlie size of your purse or your inclination. Pay for it partly in cash, and give a mortgage for the remainder. This done, you will find it easy to negotiate on similar terms for the construction of a residence. Be it ever so humble, you will find, when you come to occupy it as your own, that there is no place like it. Then see that your garden is in order, raise your own vegetables, keep poultry (they more than pay for themselves), by and by a cow and perhaps a horse and buggy, rise and retire early, regulate your outlay by your income, do all you can to oblige your neighbors, and then. Providence giving you continued health and strength to labor, it won't be many years before you will be a rich and happy man, and bless the day you concluded to buy yourself a " Home on the Midland." HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 97 APPENDIX A. "Mrs. Sarah Ciimming, consort of the Rev. Hooper Cummiug of Newark, was a daughter of the late Mr. John Emmons, of Portland in the district of Maine. She was a lady of an amiable disposition, a well cultivated mind, distinguished intelligence and most exem- plary piety ; and she was much endeared to a large circle of re- spectable friends and connections. She had been married about two months, and was blessed with a flattering prospect of no com- mon share of temporal felicity and usefulness in the sphere which Providence had assigned her ; but oh, how uncertain is the con- tinuance of every earthly joy. " On Saturday, the 20th of June, 1812, Mr. Cummiug rode with his wife to Paterson in order to supply, by presbyterial appoint- ment, a destitute congregation in that place ou the following day. On Monday morning he went with his beloved companion to show her the Falls of Passaic and the surrounding beautiful wild scenery, little expecting the solemn event which was to ensue. "Having ascended the flight of stairs, Mr. and Mrs. Gumming walked over the solid ledge to the vicinity of the cataract, charmed with the wonderful prospects, and making various remarks upon the stupendous works of nature around them. At length they took their station on the brow of the solid rock which overhang^s the basin six or eight rods from the falling water, where thousands have stood before, and where there is a fine view of most of the sublime curiosities of the place. When they had enjoyed the luxury of the scene for a considerable time Mr. Cummiug said : ' My dear, I believe it is time for us to set our face homeward, ' and at the same moment turned around in order to lead the way. He instantly heard the voice of distress, looked back and his wife was gone. "Mrs. Cumming had complained of a dizziness early in the morn- ing, and as her eyes had been for sometime fixed upon the uncom- mon objects before her, when she moved with the view to retrace hei stef s it is probable she was seized with the same malady, tot- tered, and in a moment fell a distance of seventy-four feet into the frightful gulf. Mr. Cumming's sensations on the distressing occasion may in some measure be conceived, but they cannot be described. He was on the borders of distraction, and scarcely knowing what he did would have plunged into the abyss, had it not been kindly ordered in Providence that a young man should be near, who instantly flew to him like a guardian angel and held him from a step which his reason at the time could not have prevented. This young man led him from the precipice and conducted him to the ground below the stairs, Mr. Cumming forced himself out of the hands of his protector and ran with violence in order to leap into 98 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. the fatal flood. His young friend however caught him once more and held him till reason had resumed her throne. He then left him to call the neighbouring people to the place. Immediate search was made and diligently continued through the day for the body of Mrs. Gumming ; but to no purpose. On the following morning her mortal part was found in a depth of forty-two feet and the same day was conveyed to Newark." — Alden's Collections. APPENDIX B. In the winter of 1780-81 some of the Jersey troops were station- ed part of the time at Pompton. After the successful mutiny of the Pennsylvania line at Morristown, a part of the Jersey brigade, composed chiefly of foreigners, revolted on the night of the 20th of January, and demanded the same indulgence as that given to the Pennsyl7anialine. On receiving the information, Washington dispatched a body of troops under General Howe to bring them to unconditional submission. Thatcher, who accompanied the detach- ment, thus relates the circumstances : " Marched on the 27th at one o'clock a. m., eight miles, which brought us in view of the huts of the insurgent soldiers by dawn of day. Here we halted for an hour to make necessary prepara- tions. Some of our oflBcers suffered much anxiety lest the soldiers would not prove faithful on this trying occasion. Orders were given to load their arms — it was obeyed with alacrity, and indica- tions were given that they were to be relied on. Being paraded in a line,General Howe harangued them, representing the heinousness of the crime of mutiny, and the absolute necessity of military subordination, adding that the mutineers must be brought to an un- conditional submission, no temporizing, no listening to terms of compromise while in a state of resistance. Two field pieces were ordered to be placed in view of the insurgents, and the troops were directed to suri'ound the huts on all sides. General Howe next ordered his aid-de-camp to command the mutineers to appear on dress parade in front of their huts unarmed in five minutes ; ob- serving them to hesitate, a second message was sent, and they in- stantly obeyed the command, and paraded in a line without arms, being in number between two and three hundred. Finding them- selves closely encircled and unable to resist they quietly submitted to the fate which awaited them. General Howe ordered that three of the ringleaders should be selected as victims for condign pun- ishment. These unfortunate culprits were tried on the spot. Col- onel Sprout being president of the court martial, standing on the snow, and Ihey were sentenced to be immediately shot. Twelve of the most guilty mutineers were next selected to be their execu- tioneers. Ttiis was a most painful task ; being themselves guilty they were greatly distresssd with the duty imposed on them, and HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. 99 when ordered to load some of them shed tears. The wretched victims overwhelmed by the terrors of death had neither time nor power to implore the mercy and forgiveness of their God, and such was their agonizing condition that no heart could refrain from emotions of sympathy and compassion. The first that suffered was a vsergeaut and an old offender ; he was led a few yards distant and placed upon his knees ; six of the executioners at the signal given by an officer, fired, three aiming at the head, and three at the breast, the other six reserving their fire in order to dispatch the victim should the first fire fail ; it so happened in this instance, the remaining six then fired, and life was mstantly extinguished. The second criminal was by the fire sent into eternity in an instant. The third, being less criminal, by the recommendation of his ofii- cers, to his unspeakable joy, received a pardon. This tragical scene produced a dreadful shock, and a salutary effect on the minds of the guilty soldiers. !Never were men more completely humbled and penitent ; tears of sorrow and of joy rushed from their eyes; each one appeared to congratulate himself that his for- feited life had been spared. The execution being finished, General Howe ordered the former ofiicers to take their stations, and resume their respective commands ; he then, in a very pathetic and affect- ing manner, addressed the whole line by platoons, endeavoring to impress their minds with a sense of the enormity of their crime, and the dreadful consequences that might have resulted. He then commanded them to ask pardon of their ofiicers, and promise to devote themselves to the faithful discharge of their duty as sol- diers in future." — Barlefs Neio Jersey Hist. Collections. APPENDIX C. The following interesting historical data have been obtained from an article in manuscript, written by a reverend gentleman re- siding in this vicinity, and entitled " The Early History of Pomp- ton and its descendants. " But few traditions are left respecting the Indians formerly oc- cupying this valley ; they belonged to the great and powerful tribe of the Minsi, who held their council seat at Minisink on the Delaware, The particular branch of the tribe residing here were doubtless what were called the Pomptons, so named from the river, and which is said to mean, 'crooked mouthed,' — (in respect to these Indian names we would notice in passing, that Pequannock signifies ' Dark river and Ramapo 'Round pond.') The Indians here, were, it is said in the early days of the settlement, numerous ; so that some of the white inhabitants learned their language, and occasionally, when they met, would use it in conversation with each other. Tradition says they had a few acres of planting land near the Schuyler basin , and also that there was an Indian lOO HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. orchard at Peqiianuock, near the residence of Squire Ryerson, and some of the large trees still standing there may be of their planting. " This ralley was on one of their traveling routes from the sea shore to the West, as there was a path called the Minisink path, running probably through what is called the Notch, crossing the Passaic in the vicinity of the Little Falls, and running along by the foot of the hills on the eastern side of this valley to Pompton, and from there probably following up the Pequannock toward the Delaware. The first purchases of land, of which any record has been found, were made in 1095. In that year Major Anthony .Brockholst, Captain Arent Schuyler, Samuel Bayard, George Reyersa (Ryerson), John Meit (Mead), Samuel JBerrie, David Manderville and Hendrick Manderville mutually agreed with one another to purchase of the proprietors of East Jersey 5,500 acres of land at Pequannock in what was then in the county of Essex, and on the east side of the Pequannock river, what is now impro- perly called the Pompton river (the Indians claimed the whole valley,) and in order to make good the r title from the proprietors it was necessary to purchase first the Indian right. This was effected oa the ()th of June, 1605, by Arent Schuyler in behalf of his associ- ates for ii50 pounds, or a certain quantity of wampum and other goods and merchandise of that value. The Indians were unwilling to sell the limited quantity of 5,500 acres, but sold all the tract lying between the Passaic on the south, Pompton on the north, and between the foot of the hills on the east and on the west, the deed from them described by the following bounds: beginning at the mouth of a small creek in the Indian language called Siukack, which said creek is a branch that falls into Pequannock Creek, (meaning in all probability at that point, the Passaic,) and lies opposite to the great hill, called by the Indians Meetonagkas. ex- tending from the said mouth of Sinkack Creek noi'thward along the said small creek as far, until it meets with the Indian path that goes toward Pompton, called the Minisink path, and so along said path towards Pompton Creek (now called Ramapo river, i and thence running again northward along the East side of said creek, taking in a stroke (or strip) of land on said east side till it meets with the falls in the Indian language called "Anaugh," and from said falls westward, comprehending all the lowland to the hills, called by the Indians '' Hackacckonk, " and then southward along the foot of said hills to the great hill by the Indians called ' ' Sim- peeck," and from said hill Simpeeck (probably the highest moun- tain on the west border of the plain commonly called the mine mountain) eastward to Pequannock Creek, till it comes to the first station called the mouth of Sinkack Creek before mentioned, as more plainly appear by a Map or Card made by the description of the said natives, annexed to said deed. " Such is the description of the large tract conveyed by the Red to the White man. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. lOI " It may not be uninteresting to notice the names of these children of the forest (where names have been recorded) on th(! formal parchment, and be assured you will recognize in them no familiar sounds, or ones easy with correctness to be uttered. Tapgan, Ovagnap, Manmin, Wickwam, Rookham, Pauken, Sickaak,Waw- ciagin, Onageponck, Neskeglawitt, all of Pequanock and Pomp- ton, and Jarapagh, Sachim. of Minisink, for themselves, and as being empowered by Payweem, the wife of Great Claes and Keshogkamak, some of them doubtless great names in their day, and among their compeers, but whose deeds, of which these plains may have been the scene in a former age, are unrecorded and un- sung, and whose memorial is the simple record of their name and title. But we pass on to notice further, the acquisition of land in this valley, by the white man, the Indian title having been fairly extinguished. "Anthony Brockholst and Arent Schuyler on behalf of them selves and associates obtained a patent froni the proprietors on the 11th of November, 1095, for 5,r>(J0 acres on the east side of the Pe- quannock river ; this o,.")00 on the east side of the river was divided into three patents. The party of five concerned in the first and third patents possessed 2,000 acres, which thus came to them in the division, and for this they paid to the proprietors of East Jersey 200 pounds. After this general division, it is probable the respect- tive parties divided in an equitable manner the tracts between them personally for farms, some of which it is evident have remained in their familes through succeeding generations down to the present time. It is evident that about this time, probably in the Spring of ]()';h; or '!»7, (as in March, 1698, they are said to have been residents of East Jersey), Anthony Brockholst and Aient Schuyler settled in (his valley on the east side of the river, just below the iron works, near to each other; Brockholst on the spot where Mayor Wm. W. Colfax now resides, and Schuyler, as near as can be ascertained, on the site of the residence of Doctor Wm. Colfax. Col. Nicholas Bayard was a merchant of New York, and was the father of Samuel Bayard, who is first spoken of as haviug some in- terest in the purchase of lands in this valley, hut none of the family, that we have heard of, ever resided in this region of country. Brockholst and Schuyler were in all probability the pioneers in the settlement of this region, and the first to open what was then a wil- derness, unless it may have been Jost Beam, the progenitor of the family of that name in this region, who had previous to this tinie settled at Wynockie. He must have been one of the first settlers in the vaUey, as his desendants relate that be came from Germany, and settled among the Indians when there was not another white family for miles around. "Who first explored the country is not now certainly known, but probably Arent Schuyler, as it was by him personally that the bai'o-ain for the lands was made Avith the Indians. I02 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. "Acquackanock was settled about the year 1G80, Fairfield (as it was then called " Horseneck,") probably a few years after, and next Pompton. The settlers might approach in that direction, and by the Indian path before spoken of. " The settlement on the east side of the river was made some years before any on the west side, as there is no indication of any one living on the west side, or on the Plains until some years sub- sequent. " APPENDIX D. Charlottrnburg Mines, in Rockaway Township, Morris County, on the south side of Pequannock River, and opposite Cbarlotten- burg Forge. The old mine is on the low poiut of land between Timber Brook and the forge pond. It was opened slightly in a number of places many years ago. The attraction is very exten- sive, being about one hundred feet wide, and, in the direction of the strike, several hundred feet long. The ore on the surface of the old workings is rusted, and has the appearance of an ore con- taining sulphur. The mine has been worked to some extent since it was visited in 1867. Near the same place, on the side hill at the left of the road to Split Rock, openings have been made for ore, and a considerable quantity has been taken out. The attraction, however, is not very strong, (p. 596, Cook's Geology of N. J"., 1868.) APPENDIX E. Ores of zinc in workable quantities have been found at two locali- ties in New Jersey, and at both these extensive mining operations are carried on. One is at Stirling Hill, near Ogdensburgh, in Spar- ta Township, Sussex County, and the other on Mine Hill, at Franklin Furnace, Hardiston Township, Sussex County. * « >j< )|t * He The Stirling Hill Mine has its outcrop on Stirling Hill, at a height of one hundred feet above the valley of the Walkill. It is uncovered and explored from its north-east extremity in a direction south-south-east, for eleven hundred feet ; thence west north-west about three hundred feet, and then curves and runs north north- east four hundred and seventy-five feet, when it pitches beneath the surface. The breadth of the vein is from four or five feet in the narrowest part to fifteen or twenty in the widest part. It is owned by three different companies. ****** The largest portion of mineral matter in the vein is a variety of calcite, in which the carbonate of lime is replaced by carbonate of HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. IO3 manganese. The amount of the latter mineral in the gangue rock or vein stone is variable. ♦ * * ♦ * * Disseminated through this rock are the minerals which contain the zinc. The most important of these minerals are franklinite, red oxide of zinc and willemite. ****** The Mine Hill zinc vein has its outcrop on the north-western brow, and extends in a south south-west direction from the Ham- burgh road to the south-western end of the hill, near the Walkill, Here it turns off at an acute angle, and runs in an east north-east direction for nearly six hundred feet. ****** The ore consists mainly of the same materials as that of Stirling Hill. In color it is usually much darker and duller ; the limestone is not so white and pure in appearance ; the franklinite is not usu- ally so perfect in crystalline form ; it is more magnetic, softer, more reddish in its powder, and dissolves easier in acid. ****** The zinc mines of Sussex County are supplying, perhaps, twenty- five thousand tons of ore a year, which is manufactured into white oxide and spelter, yielding seven thousand ton« of the oxide, and five hundred tons of metallic zinc. The whole product of the United States is of white oxide ten thousand tons, and of spelter two thousand three hundred tons. This whole business has grown up within a few years, and already we produce more white oxide than is equal to the consumption of the country, (pp. 669-74. — Idem. ) APPENDIX F. Ogden Mines, in Sparta Township, Sussex County, about two miles south-east of Ogdensburg. The first of these mines was opened in 1772, and it has been worked at intervals ever since ; though, on account of the fluctuations in the iron trade, and its remoteness from market, not with the vigor that its magnitude would have warranted. The ore formed the chief supply of Hope- well Forge. The vein of ore, judged by openings on it, and by examination with the miner's compass, extends from the swamp a half mile northeast of the old Ogden mine, south-easterly for at least two miles ; and veiy strong attraction was observed, and dig- gings were being made for ore on the land of J. L. Riker, which is fully two miles further in the same range. ****** Dr. Kitchell said that the ore in the Ogden Mine " is of variable quality, some being entirely free from foreign substances, while with a large proportion of it may be found the constituent minerals of the gneiss, and in some cases iron pyrites in small quantities." (pp. 6Bl-2.—Idem.) I04 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. APPENDIX G. Franklin Mines, in Hardyston Township, Sussex County, near Franklin Furnace. There are two distinct veins of iron ore here — one in gneiss, which can be traced across the hill south-west of the furnace, and one very near the furnace, and across the Walkill, and then along the side of Mine Hill, parallel to the zinc vein, and only forty or fifty feet from it, quite to the Hamburg Boad. The north-west end of it has been found too narrow to be worth mm- ing. On the hill south of the furnace there are several places where ore has been raised in quantities. The ore is hard, firm and quite rich. * * * * ♦ ♦ The other vein is in the white limestone. Its principal explora- tion has been in an old mine on the northeast bank of the Walkill, opposite Franklin Furnace ; but it has been opened during the past summer (1868) directly under the furnace, and also in two or more places on the hill, further south-west. From the mine on the bank of the Walkill it runs south-west, nearly parallel with the ore in the Tjneiss, and but a few feet from it. * * * * ♦ ♦ The vein in the old mine was from three to eight feet thick, and in the opening under the furnace, was thicker still, though the walls were not uncovered at the time the mine was visited, (pp. Q08-9.— Idem.) APPENDIX H. On the 17th of August, 1720, John and William Van Voor Haze, yoemen, of the County of Bergen, bought of John Barberie, Peter Fanconieve and Andrew Tresnear, merchants of N. Y. City, 550 acres lying at Wikehoff, in the precinct of Saddle River (Wikehoff, as spelt on this deed, is an Indian name). On this tract the church of Wyckoff stands. ****** A few extracts from his (William Van Yoor Haze's) will, may not be devoid of interest, as one of the oldest wills preserved : "I give and bequeath unto my eldest son, Jacobus Van Voorhees, the big bybel, for his first birthright, as being my heir at law, and I will that my youngest date , which I have by myn dear beloving wife, which is named Myrtle Van Voor Haze, dat she shale have for her poorshon the sum of £19." ****** The date of the Ponds Church has been placed at 1710 ; but no ecord now exists to substantiate it. Tradition says that such records were in existence, but have been lost. The first church was a log structure, and stood a little north of the present burying ground. Whether there was any regular organization or not we HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. Io5 are uot prepared to prove. Placing the date at 1710, this church is the oldest in the northern part of the state, above JPassaic, where the church was organized in 1G94, and older than any in Orange or Rockland Counties of New York, except Tappan. The founder and first pastor was the Rev. Guilliam Bertholf. ****** His successor was the Rev. Johannes Van Driessen, who came Sept. 10, 173."). * * When he came the old log church was almost gone to decay. The country was settling up, and the peo- ple were now able to erect a better temple. This was done — a small church was built near the steel works, at the junction of the Pequannock and Pompton, on lands now owned by John M. Ryer- son, near a ford, to accommodate the people from the Ponds. * * This movement did not give satisfaction to the peo- ple living around the Ponds, and on the side towards Wyckoff. Steps were soon taken to erect a new church, near the present residence of Adam Boyd, Esq., on land now occupied as a graveyard. * « I* * « « During the summer of 1780, part of the American army lay at the Ramapo Valley. Defences were constructed on the moun- tain, in case of a surprise, and between these and the point of the mountain, along the sides of the road, the trees were cut partially off, so, if threatened with an attack, they could be felled in a mo- ment, to block up the way. Washington at this time had his head- quarters at the house now known as the Bockee property, then owned by a Bogert. Wanney, a slave of Bogert's, who lived for sixty years after, said that he had often seen the General at prayer in the wood —he secretly followed him to note the cause of his retirement. During the war perhaps no part of the country suf- fered so little as the quiet Valley of the Ponds. — Extracts from "J. Historical Discourse of the Churches of Ponds anu Wyckoff,'' deliv- ered December 2a, 1868, hy W. B. Van Beiischoien, Pastor of the Church of Wyckoff, JV. Y. I06 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. CHARLES A. MAY, 169 Main Street, Paterson, N. J. Has for Sale, or ExcMnge, BffELLfflGS & BEDIG LOTS Eligibly located in the City of Paterson, on the line of the horse railroads, and within FIVE MINUTES WALK OF THE DEPOTS OF THE MIDLAND RAILWA V. Also a Miter of Honses and Lots in otlier Dortions of tlie City, ALSO, AGENT FOR THE REPUBLIC LIFE INS. CO. OF oia:ic-A.QO, Horse Cars direct to Main St. from Midland Depot. Information Relative to Property Willingly Afforded. REMEMBER THE NUMBER, 169. CHARLES A. MAY, Agent. THOMA^S T3EVERII3GE, P^TEHSOIV, IV. J. YARDS— Ellison Street, and at the Junction of Willis anJ Market Sts. V:3 3 S VND LET AIL, DEAI.ee IN Lumber, Lath, Lime, Cement, Nails, &c. IDOOiRS, EHLIlsriDS, SASIHIES, ETO. F-. O. VAlSr IDYK. Main Street, I'ater.son, N. J. PARLOR & CHAMBER I urniiur^ /« Great Variety ! ! We have the finest show rooms, with plenty of light, and an assortment of fur- niture, carpets, etc., not to be surpassed. Carpets & Oil Clotlis by far the largest and best assortment to be found in the city. Bought for prompt cash, and sold at closest pos- sible prices. oo. Upholstering In all Us Branches. WINDOW SHADES, Hollands for Shades Fixtures of all kinds. Carpets made and laid at short nc- tice. WIPOW SHADES MADE AND HUNG We propose to make this a COmrLKTK House Furnishing ESTABLISHMENT. io8 HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. ALLEF & DUNNING, 8U0CESSOES TO ALLEN, REYNOLDS & CO. Mdnufaci.ure'i s of TOBACCO, SNUFF & CIGARS. ALSO, THE CELEBRATED lYX il, Ix JM U Jjt X ilw TOB Acao- IMFORTED SEGARS. RUBBING SNUFF. PIPES OF ALL KINDS. PLUG TOBACCO, &c, 239 Main, and 115 to 127 Market Sts. FRANKLIN HOUSE A ITACHED TO THIS HOT JL IS HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. ' IO9 GEORGE BROWN, Real Estate Ageut MIDLAND DEPOT, ^ ^ m^r^c^r^i^r AT T OFFICES, -- PATERSON, N. J. ' 237 MARKET ST. Attends especially to sales of property adjacent to line of Midland Railway. Has for Sale some of thi FIHEST BUILDING SITES CITY OF PATBESON. Refers to JOHN J. BROWN, Esq., - President First National Bank, Paterson. C. A. WORTENDYKE, Esq., - Prest. New Jersey Midland RaiiwayCo. E. THEO. BELL, Esq., - - Cashier First National Bank, Paterson. C. A. HOBART, Esq., Paterson, N. J. no HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. %^ ^^w. >- i-^ X .T?.ouxj So-vL£f See Index on opposite page. HOMES ON THE MIDLAND. Ill I isr D E X PAGE. Blootningburg 86 Bloomingdale , 62 Bogota 20 Campgaw 55 Centerville 92 Charlotteburg 64 Crystal Lake 55 DeckertowD 75 Dundee Lake 31 " {view 0/) 29 Ellenville 93 Fair Oaks 85 Fallsburgh 92 Franklin 74 Godwinsville 49 Greenwood Lake . 68 Green Pond 69 Hackensack 20 Hamburgh 75 Hawthorne 46 Homowack 93 H urley 92 Johnsons 79 Liberty Falls 92 Lockwoods 86 Lodi 28 Market Street (Paterson) 32 May wood 27 Middletown 80 Midland Park 49 New Durham 17 Newfoundland 67 Oak Hill 70 Oakland 56 PACE* Ogdensburgh 72 Passaic Falls {view of) 40 Paterson (Broadway) 36 (Market St.) 32 " (Riverside) 43 Phillipsport 92 Pine Bush 84 Pompton 58 Purdy's 85 Quarry ville 77 Recluse Falls {view of) 63 Ridgetield Park 18 Riverside (Paterson) : 43 Sandburgh 92 Shawangunk Tunnel (z^/Vw <»/"). . 89 Slate Hill 80 Smith's Mills 64 St James' Hotel, Marion, view of 15 SnuflFtown 70 Stockholm 70 Summittville 92 U.S. Watch Co.'s Works, view 0/ 13 Unionville 78 Van Winkles 48 West Bloomingdale 62 West Town 79 Wintertons 86 Wortendyke 51 " C. A„ residence of 52 " " cotton mill of 53 Wurtsboro 9° " {view of) 91 Wyckoff 54 Yawpaugh 56 [J^^ Persons contemplating the PURCHASE, CONSTRUCTION AND FITTING UP OF A "HOME ON THE MIDLAND," can obtain any further desired information on the subject by addressing GEORGE L CATLIN, Publisher ^^Honies o?i the Midland'' PATERSON, N. J. Orange Sporting Powder, ORANGE LIGHTNING POWDER. Best Powder made. Sizes, Nos. 1 to 7. Packed only in sealed one pound canisters. I^Care must be taken to use no finer size than No, a in metal shells or fine breech-loading guns, as it is too quick for the strength of either. ORANGE DVCKING POWDER. Expressly prepared for shooting water fowl. Very strong and clean. Sizes,^ 1 to 5. In metal ("gold band") kegs of 6^ lbs., and canisters of 5 lbs. and 1 lb. A Tin UBON POWDER. Very quick, ^or woodcock and other shooting. Sizes, Nos. 1 to 4. In metal kegs of 12^ and G| lbs., and canisters of lib. ORANGE RIFLE POWDER. Best for rifles, and good for alhprdinary pifTposes. FG, FFG, and FFFG. In woqd and m'etal kegs of 25, 12^ and G^ lbs., and canisters Vf 1 lb. and ''^* lb. LAFLIN & RAND POWDER CO., 21 PARK ROW, Opposite Astor House, ][VKW ^^OKMi:. Mining Sc Blasting* IPo-wder. Safety Fuse. Steam Rock Drills. Dualin. Electric Blasting Apparatus, Etc. t/ '^^^ \^/ .*^': %/ v-' p- *°-n^^ 0' 1^» y^. H°«. ■^-o .^^ AT ^iU'^^^, ^'-4 "^^ ^'^ -t.-!^ ^^ >. A^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 01 4 220 533 6