More than 300 years ago, Lenni Lenape Indians inhabited the entire northern area of New Jersey. As they migrated east across the Mississippi River, the area saw an influx of Dutch immigrants, who settled near rivers and streams. Two Scotsmen, Richard Stillwell and Captain Matthew Nicoll, named the Saddle River after "Sadle Burn" in Argyllshire, Scotland. The boroughs of Saddle River and Upper Saddle River were incorporated in November 1894. Allendale was a rural farming community known for producing fruit and transporting it, first by horse-drawn wagon and later by rail. The town's name comes from Joseph Warner Allen, an engineer who surveyed an early railroad route that eventually established a station in the area. Another historic town in the same vicinity is Ho-Ho-Kus, a former center of industrial and commercial activity on the Saddle River. The town today is a quiet suburban community and many of its fine brick and Tudor homes are listed on the state and national registers of historic places.
Thanks to the pristine natural beauty of its surroundings, the Saddle River area in Bergen County is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular area parks include Rindlaub Park and Ice Pond Park in Saddle River and Lyon's Park and Hess Court in Upper Saddle River. Numerous recreational activities, from tennis, baseball, football, soccer, hiking and fishing, as well as facilities including picnic tables and children's playgrounds are available. Allendale is home to Crestwood Park and Lake as well as the Celery Farm, a marshy nature refuge. The Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus has five area parks, including Village Green and East Park. Other unique diversions available to residents and visitors include The Hermitage historic site in Ho-Ho-Kus, the Ackerman-Dewsnap House in Saddle River, and the Hopper-Goetschius House Museum and Tice Barn in Upper Saddle River. Cultural attractions such as the Joe Jefferson Players and the Saddle River Big Band are also popular. Saddle River schools serve nearly 340 elementary school students with one public school, Wandell Elementary, and one private school, Saddle River Country Day School. The Upper Saddle River School District serves more than 1,365 students in three primary schools - Reynolds, Bogert and Cavallini. Middle school students attend Eric S. Smith School in Ramsey. Award-winning Northern Highlands Regional High School in nearby Allendale serves both Saddle River and Upper Saddle River high school students. |