PARAMUS BOWLING ALLEYS

The Paramus Bowling Alley contained 42 lanes, a sandwich shop and cocktail lounge.  It also had a 400 seat grandstand from which spectators could see 1950’s television shows such as “Make That Spare” and “Championship Bowling”.  When the alley closed in became Sports World an entertainment complex that hosted children’s birthday parties.

Past Weeks


PARAMUS FIRE DEPARTMENT – COMPANY 2

The first fire company was organized unofficially in 1904 as a result of a rash of barn burnings,  Company 2  located on Spring Valley Road started as a bucket brigade.  Built in 1868 and used by the Protestant Church of North America, the original firehouse was purchased by the members of Company 2 for fifty dollars.

FIRST POLICE OFFICER

Barney Martin was the first Paramus police officer and first police chief.  He was “on duty” 24 hours a day.  His office was on the front porch of his house.  He served from April 1925 until April 1936 when Carl Jockish became Police Chief.

MATCHBOOK COVERS

Shown are 2 of 97 matchbooks in our collection from many Paramus restaurants and other businesses.  Matchbooks were used by cigarette and cigar smokers.  They were given away at no cost to patrons as a means of advertisement.  Eventually butane lighters replaced this form of advertising.

PARAMUS POST OFFICE

This is a program from the dedication ceremony of the current Paramus Post Office Building 55 years ago.

PARAMUS HISTORY BOOK

This book about the Borough of Paramus during the last 100 years was written by Fritz Behnke.  Fritz was Borough Historian for many years, having been born and raised here.  He owned a farm in Paramus.  The book in available for purchase at the Museum

PARAMUS BICENTENNIAL QUILT

In 1976, in honor of the country’s 200th anniversary, Paramus established a Bicentennial Commission  to plan events throughout the year. One commission member Judy Jonas, was a amateur quilter who organized this quilt.  Schools, the library, fire & police, scouting troops, and other civic organizations contributed patches to the quilt

GAS STATIONS

One of the almost 40 gas stations that existed in Paramus in the 1930’s – 40’s.  

NEW BRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER

This photo shows the very first building built 100 years ago for Bergen Pines County Hospital now known as New Bridge Medical Center.  It is said to have contained 30 beds and to have been constructed in 3 weeks. 

FABER CEMENT BLOCK COMPANY

The cement building blocks produced by this company were the standard set by many architects who specified that they be used on their projects. The company was located on Route 17 in the area where the Dick’s Sporting Goods Store and Michael’s are currently located. 

JACKET PATCH

This patch worn by members of the Paramus Roller Rink Figure Skating Club