|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Mary's Reflections: Reflections
on the Passaic River When It Was a Scenic Waterway by Mary ZanfinoReflections on the Passaic River When It Was a Scenic Waterway Page 2 Around the corner from where I lived, where McBride Avenue ends and Spruce Street begins, the Passaic Falls is on the left, beyond a grassy slope. The old S, U.M. (Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures) still stands. Alexander Hamilton, an officer with General George Washington of the Continental Army, while camped at the Dey Mansion during the Revolutionary War, once dined at the foot of the Falls. He was so impressed with the thundering cascading waters plunging 77'into a rocky gorge that 11 years later, while seeking a manufacturing site, he remembered the Falls, then known as the Totowa Falls. He envisioned a city at its base utilizing its waterpower. In 179l N.J. Governor William Paterson signed a charter for the S.U.M. The committee accepted the proposal and named the city in honor of the governor. That important step triggered the Industrial Revolution in the U.S. and eventually worldwide. After budgetary problems¸the S.U.M. leased property to John Clark who started Paterson's first machine shop. Peter Colt dug a raceway for the powerful river to the society's cotton mills, operating with oxen while awaiting waterpower. John Parke built a small cotton mill. Christopher Colt then established the first silk mill. John Ryle replaced Colt as the silk city's industrial leader and became known as the Father of the Paterson Silk Industry. The flourishing silk business led to Paterson being called "The Silk City", in about 1846. As the river ran downhill from the falls, numerous mills bordered its banks and nearby streets. Today, Haines Overlook Park is a site where you can view The Falls that plunges down a ravine estimated to be 200 million years old. Here stands a statue of Alexander Hamilton, a tribute to the man of vision. You can also view the Hydroelectric Station developed by the S.U.M. in 1910 and houses 4 giant-scaled turbines. Floodwaters in 1968 damaged the station and it was closed until restoration began in 1984. It was back in line in December 1986. The station currently supplies 33 million kilowatts annually, free of pollution. The Great Passaic Falls, now a national landmark, dedicated in 1976, was and still is a majestic sight. I walked to Central High School passing it daily and had the opportunity to view its splendor in all seasons. I remember the voluminous crashing waters after a heavy storm, the rainbows arching over it during sunny days and in winter huge frozen columns sculpting its cliffs. Next Email us to add your memories |
|||||||||
|
|
|
