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Mary's Reflections: Reflections
on the Passaic River When It Was a Scenic Waterway by Mary ZanfinoUnfortunately there were scenes of accidents, suicides and daring climbers trapped at the base bringing anxious moments. Rescuers risked their lives to aid distressed people and even animals in the swirling whirlpools at the base of the falls. Shutterbugs with the then popular Brownie cameras feasted on the view long before advanced cameras and videos made the scene. It was fun to stand at the iron-railed fence and have someone take your picture with the falls highlighted in the background. In more recent years the Great Falls was the attraction for festivities featuring the high wire acts of the famous Willendas, picnicking, food stands, games and fireworks. Labor Day celebrations at this site continue to this day. Paterson had many plans to revitalize the Falls area and convert the mills. A lookout was built to view the falls, some mills were converted attracting artist studios, but very little headway was made. They still haggle over plans and with delays many mills were either razzed or burned Over the bridge and in back of the Falls, stood Hinchcliff Stadium, the hub of many a sporting event. The rival football teams of Central and Eastside High attracted thousands of fans at their annual Thanksgiving game. From my house I could hear the whirring of racecars as they speeded their courses over the grounds. Golden Globe boxing matches was another popular event. Sometimes concerts were give and my friends and I would go up on the high hill beyond the stadium and sit and listen without having to pay admission. Later on when the auditoriums were not large enough for graduation ceremonies, the high schools would conduct them at the stadium. I have not been inside it for years now, but from what I read it is in dire need of repair. Talk is that it may be better to take it down completely and rebuild it. The stadium was symbolic of Paterson's grandeur days and suburbanites shopped in the famous stores such as Meyer Brothers, Quackenbushes, Connors and others before the Malls took over. There is a legend surrounding the "Totowa Bridge" during revolutionary times. The bridge referred to was near the present foot of Broadway in Paterson. When Benedict Arnold's plot to betray West Point failed, the British Cavalry sent a force of raiders to kill or kidnap General Washington. At the Dey Mansion it is said that troops guarding Washington's headquarters successfully turned back the British Cavalry that tried to cross the American lines. They were defeated at what was known as the Battle of the Totowa Bridge. If the British attempt to capture Washington had been successful it could have resulted in a decisive change in the events that followed. The almost unknown "Battle of the Totowa Bridge" may have had a great impact on the war and our nation's destiny. Historians are in disagreement as the validity of this tale. Getting back to the river and going upstream from Bower's Boathouse the river continues along McBride Avenue. At the Rockland Ave. intersection there is an interesting arched footbridge over the river and into Westside Park. Right at the bridge, facing McBride, is a restaurant, The Casa Rosa. At one time the Longo family lived there and rented out rowboats and canoes. We were delighted when they started renting bicycles for 25 cents an hour. You could ride over the footbridge and enjoy riding in the lovely park. At one time the park had a walled off area reserved for swimming. There was no admission and many from the Stoney Road section of Paterson took advantage of the opportunity. For the little children there was a round cement pool showering fountain. There was one tennis court and in winter it was flooded for ice-skating. The grounds were meticulously maintained and a flower garden of intricate colors and designs graced the area. It was the focal point for wedding party photos, Easter dress-up photos and other events. Next Email us to add your memories |
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