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
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
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
