Haledon, NJ

Haledon is a borough in Passaic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 10,898,[1] reflecting an increase of 538 (+5.9%) from the 9,711 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 1,868 (+19.4%) from the 7,636 counted in the 1990 Census.[2]

Haledon is located at 40°48′N 74°27′W (40.8019°N -74.4583°W),[3] atop a ridge that separates two watersheds of the Hackensack River: to its south and east are those of Glen Rock Creek and Saddle River; to its north and west are those of Raritan River and Haledon Creek.[4][5][6] The borough is bisected by Route 3 (the New Jersey Turnpike), with portions on either side below grade.[7][8] According to the United States Census Bureau, Haledon has a total area of 2.0 square miles (5.1 km2), all land.[9]

The town was founded as "Halden" by Dutch settlers who arrived in 1660,[10][11][12][13] taking their name from a village near Rotterdam where many were from.[14][15][16]:xxi The first recorded settler was Johannes Van Wagenen who purchased land on October 12th 1660 for 50 guilders,[17]:xxii naming his property "Halden". In 1664 he erected a mill on what would become Mill Street[18]:xxiii which served as both an economic engine for early Haledon residents as well as providing water power for sawmills and gristmills throughout Passaic County.[19]:xxxv By 1710 there were twenty-one homes within town limits,[20]:xxxvi most built along what is now Main Street between Bridge and Mill Streets with several others scattered throughout what would become known as "the Hollow".[21]:xlix The Hollow became home to mills powered by streams running through it including one operated by Johannes Van Wagenen II that produced barrel staves used in shipbuilding[22]:li In addition to milling businesses other early businesses included blacksmiths,[23]:liv hatters,[24]:lv tanneries,[25]:lvi bakeries,[26]:lix taverns/tavernkeepers/innkeepers/general stores[27], carpenters & builders (including one operated by Johannes Van Wagenen III)[28], wheelwrights & wagonmakers[29], tailors & dressmakers[30], shoemakers & shoe repairers [31], apothecaries [32], barbershops [33], daguerreotypists [34],[35],[36],[37],[38],[39],[40],[41]; farmers raising livestock including cattle, hogs and sheep; beekeepers; lime burners; potters; weavers; spinners; carders; dyers etc.; together constituting much of what would become known today as "The Village".[42]

In 1851 James Mott purchased 160 acres southeast of town which he subdivided into lots measuring 100 feet wide by 160 feet deep making it possible for people living outside of town limits to purchase property within its boundaries – this began what would become known as Mottstown or West Haledon Township – with streets laid out according to this grid pattern including Main Street which bisects it today:[43](pp87-88)

In 1892 George Cudahy acquired 320 acres southwest of town comprising most of present day Harding Park – upon acquiring it he immediately began developing it into one large estate including building roads connecting his properties – among them Ridgewood Avenue which runs through Harding Park today:[44](pp89-90)

By 1900 there were approximately 1,000 residences within town limits - mostly built along Main Street between Bridge and Mill Streets but also scattered throughout what became known as "The Hollow" - with additional housing developments being constructed outside city limits over time including West Haledon Township beginning around 1910:

Accordingly when enumerated in 1920 there were 3,487 residents residing within borough boundaries representing an increase over 1920 enumeration figures for Passaic County overall but still well below population levels reached during World War I when upwards of 10% more residents lived within borough boundaries than did so at this time:[45](p191)

As late as 1960 only about 4% percent more residents resided within borough boundaries than had done so thirty years earlier indicating that despite some modest growth over this period development outside city limits continued to play an important role in shaping demographic patterns within Haledon:[46](p193)

Today however while residential development continues beyond city limits significant reinvestment has taken place inside city limits resulting in renewed interest among both longtime residents and newcomers alike in experiencing life inside one if not America's oldest continuously inhabited townships: