Long before industry took over the riverbanks, the Hackensack River was alive with boats, swimmers, and fishermen. Well into the 1950's, the residents of Rockland, Bergen and Hudson Counties took their holidays on and near the water. Today, access to the River is limited, but a growing number of people are asking why. Hopefully, a renewed interest in this great local resource will provide a spark for local pride, better access, and maybe a canoe livery or two.

Lazy, Hazy Days. A picture postcard promoting River Edge gives us a glimpse of Gibson girls and their escorts spending a quiet afternoon picnicking and canoeing on the banks of the Hackensack River.
(postcard from the collection of the Bergen County Historical Society)

Waterfront Promenade. A turn of the century boat house on the River in the city of Hackensack was the site of regattas, socials, and strolls along the banks.
(postcard from the collection of the Bergen County Historical Society)

North Hackensack Camping Grounds. Before highways wound to the shore, before discount airfares whisked us off to Florida, before discos, drive-ins, and cable TV, there was family camping. In tents and lean-tos, vacationers spent their leisure time fishing, boating, and cooking over the campfire, right here in our backyard.
(postcard from the collection of the Bergen County Historical Society)

The Riverview Pavilion. Kieswetter's Pavilion (later known as the Riverview Pavilion) was located on Paterson Plank Road on the River's east bank in Secaucus. It was a popular recreation and amusement center during the early 1900's, holding "fight nights" for boxing contenders.
(postcard from the collection of the Secaucus Historical Society)

Snipes Boat Club. Snipes Park in Secaucus was a thriving boat yard just a few short years ago. Fishing and boating trips started and ended here for many Hudson County residents. This photo was taken in 1954.
(photo from the collection of the Secaucus Historical Society)