Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • April 3, 2013 Area “Phantoms of the Ramapos,” a new illustrated ghost story by Allendale author Jim Wright, is now available as a free download. The tale was inspired by local landmarks and events of 75 years ago -- including the old Ho-Ho-Kus Speedway, a bank heist in Allendale, and the Darlington Schoolhouse in Mahwah. The 24-page, full-color story features a crackerjack plot, plenty of archival photographs, and some regional history lessons. Wright is offering the book on his blog www.celeryfarm.net as a free PDF, but asks those who like the book to send a donation to the Concerned Citizens of Allendale, non-profit group that saved the town’s historic Fell House. The house makes a cameo appearance or two in the book. “I thought this was a great way to share some amazing local history,” said Wright. “How many people are aware that four armed robbers held up a bank in Allendale on April 7, 1938 -- and got away with it? How many people know how Race Track ‘Phantoms of the Ramapos’ highlights local landmarks Road in Ho-Ho-Kus got its name? They will now.” “Phantoms of the Ramapos” is also available for iPads and as a hard-cover or soft-cover book. For more information, email Wright at celeryfarm@gmail.com. Wright is the author of “In the Presence of Nature” (the coffee-table book on the Celery Farm), “The Ghosts of Allendale” (set during the Revolutionary War), and several other books. He is deputy warden of the Celery Farm Natural Area. Above: A scene from the Ho-Ho-Kus Speedway in the 1930s. Left: The book jacket.