Photo of the Day: Quackenbush Barn, Mahwah NJ

I came upon this barn in early October, in Winter’s Park, Mahwah, NJ. Dating back to around 1850, it was originally located on Sparrowbush Road in the Masonicus section of the town. 

Once belonging to the Wey family, it was sold to Cornelius A. Quackenbush in 1868 and continued in that family’s hands for nearly 75 years. During this period, the barn looked and functioned in a different manner than now, in a two-level structure with animals below and produce and equipment kept above.

The barn was moved to its present site on East Ramapo Avenue in Winter’s Park in 1998 by the Mahwah Historic Preservation Commission.

Photo of the Day: Old Station Museum and Caboose, Mahwah NJ

I took this photo a month ago while passing through Mahwah, at the northern edge of Bergen County, NJ. Because it was a Sunday, these structures were closed. But, because I have been interested in the significance of railroads in developing America, I paid attention to the sign on the property and read about how the site has been maintained for posterity.

Constructed in 1871, this building served as the original station on the Erie Railroad in Mahwah until the early 1900s, when the Erie expanded to four tracks and raised the roadbed from the ground level.. After being used for different purposes, it was saved from the wrecking ball by the Winters family of Mahwah and later by the Mahwah Historical Society.

Railroad memorabilia collectors have contributed numerous artifacts to this museum, including a 1929 Erie cupola caboose (which features displays about the men who worked the line, and their role in the railroad, and their living conditions), a scale model of the Erie system, and photos of the origins of railroading in Mahwah.

Photo of the Day: Rain Garden, Mahwah NJ

I took this photo at the start of this month while in Mahwah, at the northern edge of Bergen County, NJ. This rain garden, next to Winter’s Pond, filters rain water coming off hard surfaces such as roadways, driveways, parking lots and rooftops. The wildflower meadow here, seeded a year ago, filters and absorbs stormwater runoff and its pollutants before they enter groundwater and waterways. 

Photo of the Day: Covered Bridge, Mahwah NJ

This covered bridge is adjacent to Winter’s Pond in Mahwah, a town I visited nearly two weeks ago. I took this photograph at that time.

Photo of the Day: Lisa DiGiulio Tranquility Park, Mahwah NJ

On Sunday, while near the northern border of Bergen County, NJ, in Mahwah, I photographed this small park across the street from the larger Winter’s Pond. This park, in front of the township’s Department of Public Works building, is named for Lisa DiGiulio, whose 28 years as service as a councilwoman included considerable volunteer work, such as holding an annual remembrance for the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

These days, every town can use a spot where residents can pause and collect themselves. I’m glad Mahwah thought it a good idea to dedicate such an area there two years ago.

Photo of the Day: Reflections and Wires, Winter’s Pond, Mahwah NJ

On a trip up to Mahwah in northern Bergen County yesterday to dine outside with a friend, I spotted this lovely site on the right side of the road. I could only make out one sign as I drove back: “Duck Crossing.” The site turned out to be Winter’s Pond, part of the township’s Winter Park, named after a family long associated with the town.

The first recorded mention of this pond was back in 1799, when John Winter used it to power his sawmill. The mill ceased to operate in 1894, but since then the site has been used for other purposes, including running ice houses and serving as a popular ice skating spot.

More recently, from 1992 to early in this past decade, cleanup of the pond and park was conducted, including dredging the pond and adding a covered bridge and gazebo, both of which added to its picturesque flavor. Even after so much time and different uses, you can still see evidence of the industry that has formed a part of this area's life in the wires and towers visible in this photo I took yesterday.

Quote of the Day (The Gospel of John, on “My Father’s House”)

“In my Father's house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you.”—John 13:2

If you ever find yourself in the northeast corner of New Jersey and feel like visiting a nice little church, you might want to stop at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, which serves the town of Mahwah as well as nearby Ramapo College.

Turning the corner from Route 202 in Mahwah to Darlington Avenue last weekend, I just had to stop and take the picture accompanying this post. Your eye will be caught, just as mine was, by this picturesque corner—a historic town schoolhouse now being restored is just across the street, and Ramapo Mountain Reservation is just down Rt. 202. Once inside the church itself, which dates back to 1928, you’ll find a place of peace, the kind of “place for you” mentioned by John the evangelist.