GLEN ROCK HISTORICAL & PRESERVATION SOCIETY
This is the oldest image we have of our Big Rock
After it was excavated in 1912 and before the World War I memorial plaque was attached in 1921. (Marill postcard collection)
Mabel Hubschmitt and Mayor Allan Murray unveil the sign as part of New Jersey's 300th birthday celebration in 1964. Note the correct spelling of The Rock's Lenape name: pamackapuka.
This is the oldest image we have of our Big Rock
The Rock
The Rock in the glen, from which our borough gets its name, was left here approximately 15,000 years ago by the Wisconsin glacier. It is a "glacial erratic". Weighing about 590 tons, geologists believe that our granite boulder was brought here by the glacier from the Hudson River Valley in New York State.
Near the intersection with Ackerman Avenue. Note the photographer's shadow in the right corner.
Undated (before the "Glen Rock" bushes!)
The Marinus family saw mill stood along the Diamond Brook (also called Bass Brook) near today's Boulevard.
Near the intersection with Ackerman Avenue. Note the photographer's shadow in the right corner.
Street Scenes
Do you ever wonder what your neighborhood or your house looked like in the past? These photos from our collection might give you a clue.
1919 postcard. (Marill postcard collection)
Nice assortment of 1960s cars in this parking lot!
The Smith Singer Building was erected in 1912. Most of the important borough activities were held here until the Municipal Building went up in 1928.
1919 postcard. (Marill postcard collection)
Around Town
Check out how things have changed around town over the years since Glen Rock became an independent borough in 1894.
1970 Parade Theme: the Circus Comes to Glen Rock.
1970 Parade Theme: The Circus Comes to Glen Rock
1954 Parade Theme: 60 Years Around the Rock
1970 Parade Theme: the Circus Comes to Glen Rock.
Fourth of July
Glen Rock's I.D.A. (Independence Day Association) was founded in 1939. Marching bands and fancy floats have been a tradition on July 4th ever since. For videos of old parades (and the town-wide fair afterwards), please check out our video links in the Gallery.
The Rock sits along a dirt Rock Road, circa 1890. The mailboxes belonged to families living on Doremus Aveue.
The Rock sits along a dirt Rock Road, circa 1890. The mailboxes belonged to families living on Doremus Aveue.
Albertina Hill Kidd Family Album
The Kidd family lived in Glen Rock and Ridgewood around the turn of the 20th century. The photo album contains family scenes of everyday life, from about 1890 to the 1920s.
Thanks to the generosity of Albertina's great-great granddaughter, Jeannette Dan, we are able to share some of these photos with you.
The chestnut trees near the unexcavated Rock died of blight in the early 1900s.
The Marinus sawmill used water power from the Diamond Brook. It was located near today's Rock Road and The Boulevard.
There were once five gas stations along Rock Road. These were at the intersection of Rock Road and Glen Avenue.
The chestnut trees near the unexcavated Rock died of blight in the early 1900s.