Constance (“Connie”) Struble is seen in her eighth-grade graduation dress outside Echo Lake School where she received her elementary school education through eighth grade. During a winter in the 1940s she was sleigh-riding on Germantown Road and died when her sled collided with a delivery truck. (Photo by Ann Genader) ( Photo: Ann Genader) Looking back: Sleigh riding tragedy Life in rural West Milford during the 1940s usually followed a simple routine. The family unit was powerful with daily activities... Columns 25 Feb 2026 | 12:36
Water dowser “Charlie” Decker demonstrates how he finds a place where a well water supply could be abundant. Seen in a 1950s photo from left are: Peter Gillen Jr., Peter Gillen Sr., Charles Decker, Anna Romlein Struble, Parrick Gillen, Corky Struble, Floyd Struble Sr. ( Photo: Ann Genader) Looking back: Finding water When people purchase a home in West Milford today, there are established, approved commercial water supply companies in place... Columns 17 Feb 2026 | 10:43
There were many activities available for children when the late Dr. Arthur Zampella operated “Idylease.” ( Photo: Ann Genader) Looking back: Idylease Day Care 50 years ago When West Milford was evolving from a county community to suburbia 50 years ago, social services and any attempts at childcare... Columns 10 Feb 2026 | 11:46
The first 1920s food service business building near Macopin/Weaver Road intersection is shown in the drawing, with no known photos existing. A new business in a shuttered restaurant on the opposite side of the road that replaced “The Stand “is expected to open this year when remodeling is done. ( Photo: Ann Genader) Looking back: The Macopin/Weaver Road corner With public anticipation of a new restaurant opening near the Macopin/Weaver Road intersection later this year, some memories... Columns 04 Feb 2026 | 09:25
Lola Laverne Bevington instructs Marshall Hill School musicians in 1965. Students from left are Deborah Allen, Richard Harris, William Schaefer and Kenneth McGill. ( Photo: Ann Genader) Looking back: Lola Bevington remembered When West Milford Board of Education members hired Lola LaVerne Bevington of Hicksville, Ohio, as the district’s music teacher... Columns 27 Jan 2026 | 04:07
Originally Tattersalls Lodge in the 1930s, this restaurant was known as Whitey and Iva’s in the 1960s. The property now belongs to Battinelli Enterprises. (Photo provided) ( Photo: Ann Genader) Looking back: Country dining in the 1960s In 1965, newsman Ed Cropley and his wife Dorothy, a teacher at Eleanor G. Hewitt School in Ringwood, decided to expand their... Columns 15 Jan 2026 | 04:03
The Idylease building has a black drape over the porch in 1992 to mourn the death of Dr. Arthur Zampella, M.D. ( Photo by Ann Genader) Looking back: Hospital dream died The date of Jan. 9 marks the 34th anniversary of the death of Dr., Arthur Dante Louis Zampella, M.D., whose countless proposed... Columns 09 Jan 2026 | 03:43
St. Joseph Parochial School students (pictured) in the 1960s could ride to school on public school bus established routes. Special bus routes directly to Our Lady Queen of Peace and St. Joseph Parochial Schools were denied because of possible violation of the law separating church and state. Father Cornelius Kelly is pictured with students. Photo courtesy Irene Bishop Zak Looking back: Overpaid school chief Not much media attention is paid today to the West Milford Board of Education, but 60 years ago, meetings routinely drew... Columns 31 Dec 2025 | 04:37
The opening of Trulli Alberobello (Momento II) Restaurant, 374 Morsetown Road, is celebrated in August 1996. Alberto Dautaj, owner, is first person on the left standing. Mayor Glenn Wenzel is next in line followed by Alberto’s wife Arta. With new owners the restaurant is now called Prime 374. ( Photo by Ann Genader) Remembering restaurants of 35 years ago Some popular West Milford restaurants from 1990 may no longer be around 35 years later, but the memories they created remain... Columns 24 Dec 2025 | 03:43
Students in the Newfoundland School upper grades are seen in 1947. The oldest were just six years old when World War II began. Students are: Row 1: Marge Sisco, Clarence Crane, Eugene Sisco. Row 2: Dawn Jennings, Wayne Post, Billy McCAnn, Sally Hewitt, Doris Post, Lawrence Davenport, Linda Chardavoyne. Row 5: LeRoy Tice, Jane Myers, Carl Stickles, Shirley Jennings, Bobby VanLuvender, Walter Crane. Row 4: Jean Richards, Carl Cahill, Jean Cahill, Ada VanderStad, George Crane, Eddie Paulison. Standing left to right: Eileen Cole, Doris Boulden, Luella Crowley Kemble teacher, Eddie VanderStad, Jerry Crane. ( Photo by Ann Genader) Looking back: Christmas Day 1941 Less than three weeks after the United States entered World War II, Christmas Day 1941 arrived on schedule. People tried... Columns 16 Dec 2025 | 03:23
Looking back: The reality of war After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Americans began a very stressful, uncertain week on Monday,... Columns 08 Dec 2025 | 04:49
Echo Lake School, one of the last of about a dozen rural schoolhouses scattered around West Milford, closed in the mid-1940s. All township students were transferred to newly built Hillcrest School before 1950. ( Photo by Ann Genader) Looking back: Kid life before World War II In the early days of December 1941, children in West Milford followed the familiar custom of writing letters to Santa, listing... Columns 01 Dec 2025 | 04:58
The Greenwood Baptist Church at 520 Warwick Turnpike, Upper Greenwood Lake, is pictured in the 1930s. ( Photo by Ann Genader) Looking back: Millionaire clergyman Thanksgiving may be a time when those interested in North Jersey religious history find the life of a millionaire clergyman... Columns 24 Nov 2025 | 04:20
The Smith Mills building on Hamburg Turnpike near the intersection of Route 23 is seen when Daniel Smith operated a store there decades ago. The building is now privately owned. (Photo provided) ( Photo by Ann Genader) Looking back: Smith Mills revisited The long-ago busy community of Smith Mills, once a significant stop along the Hamburg Turnpike in the early days of the iron... Columns 19 Nov 2025 | 10:04
Girls who attended the Citizenship Institute at Douglas College, representing West Milford Women’s Club in 1968 were guests at the women’s first fall meeting that year at West Milford Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. From left are Florence Fredericks, a long-time teacher in the local school district and Education Department Chair for the Women’s Club, Rae Wagner, Lorraine Studt and Nan Manus, Chair of the Youth Conservation Department and wife of wife of West Milford Presbyterian Church Minister Rev. Albert Manus. ( Photo by Ann Genader) Looking Back: Woman’s Club serves many For more than 75 years, members of the West Milford Women’s Club have volunteered their time and talents to strengthen their... Columns 11 Nov 2025 | 03:22
