Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • August 4, 2010
Ho-Ho-Kus
Business owners provide funds for historical markers
by Jennifer Crusco Nancy Pianfetti of the Ho-Ho-Kus Historical Association (previously known as the Ho-Ho-Kus Historic Committee) recently announced that two local business owners have donated the $2,000 needed to install three signs marking the former location of the borough’s race track. Councilman Gordon Hamm and his wife Laurie, who are part owners of the group that runs the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern, originally offered to pay for a mailing to assist the association with a fundraiser for the signs. However, when the cost of the mailing was tabulated at $1,500, the Hamms decided to donate the entire cost of the project. “We were speechless,” Pianfetti said of the donation, which was made last week. “It really was wonderful of them.” Pianfetti and her husband, Kevin, live on part of the former race track, and approached the council with the sign proposal earlier this year. Last week, Mrs. Pianfetti said she is currently working with three companies to find an appropriate vendor. The goal is to purchase three 16” by 12” signs: two would be installed on Arbor Drive, and one on Bernard Place. Pianfetti said she has been working on the verbiage for the signs with Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Historian John Hanlon and with Joe Evans, who is also well-versed in local history. A preliminary draft of the verbiage for one of the signs states: “Site of Historic Ho-Ho-Kus Race Track 1867-1938. This 23 acre site originally housed ‘one of the most famous sprint car tracks on the East Coast’ originally named the Ho-Ho-Kus Speedway. During its existence, this site was home to the Bergen County Fair, horse racing, trotters, auto and motorcycle racing, two major movies, polo events and countless New Jersey-New York Fireman Association’s events. Prior to World War I, this site became the training ground for what is now known as the New Jersey National Guard, as well as the home of the French Army’s collection of horses and mules. Horses were herded from the current train station down Franklin Turnpike to this site. Several buildings suffered fires over the years, but they were always rebuilt and ready for racing and other activities by the Memorial Day weekend’s big events. The first airmail delivery in New Jersey was made from this site in August of 1912.” Pianfetti reported that donations to the
Pictured (L-R) Gordon and Laurie Hamm present the funds for the race track signs to Nancy and Kevin Pianfetti.
Ho-Ho-Kus Historical Association could be made through a sub-account of the athletic association. She said donations may be made to HHK/SR Athletic Association--Historical Association, P.O. 114, HoHo-Kus, NJ 07423. Individuals who are interested in membership in the historical
group are invited to call Pianfetti at (201) 739-7478. Upcoming community events, she said, will include “A Day at the Races” and “Wine & Spirits” (of the ghostly variety), featuring a talk by Ho-Ho-Kus resident Craig McManus.
Ho-Ho-Kus Jottings
Newcomers host summer party The YMCA Ridgewood Newcomers will hold a Ladies’ Summer Party for all new residents to Ridgewood and Ho-HoKus on Wednesday, Aug. 4 to introduce them to the area and the club. For details, contact Karyn Schoenherr at karyn. schoenherr@gmail.com. Those interested in joining the Ridgewood Newcomers Club may contact Adrienne Schmitt at adrienneschmitt@hotmail.com. Seniors hold meetings The Ho-Ho-Kus Seniors meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month in the Education Center of the Hermitage. Dessert and beverages are served at noon with programs at 1 p.m. Residents who are age 55 and over are welcome to join the group for programs and trips. For program information, contact Joan at (201) 4444896. For trip information, call Sue at (201) 444-7235. Summer reading program available Registration for the summer reading program, “Make a Splash,” at the WorthPinkham Memorial Library will run through the month of June. Children ages two and older are welcome to participate. Parents are encouraged to visit the library at 91 Warren Avenue to register their children for this annual event. The program, which began July 1, will run through Labor Day. For details, call (201) 445-8078.
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