History of Passaic, New Jersey, USA

1873 - Destructive Conflagration In Passaic-Loss, $6,000-Two Men Burned To Death.
The most disastrous conflagration that has ever occurred in Passaic, N.J., began just before midnight Saturday. At 11:10 p.m. flames were first seen issuing from the roof of Henry Yearance’s livery stable, situated a short distance north of the Erie Railway depot, and neat the center of a block of frame buildings, bounded on the west by Jefferson St., south by Railroad Ave., and east by Washington place. Capt. Bird W. Spencer, formerly of the 9th New York Regiment, was passing this place about the time when the flames were discovered, and perceived a stranger running from the rear of the stable to the street. Presuming him to be of an incendiary and perhaps responsible for the fire, Capt. Spencer seized him. The stranger drew a knife, and after inflicting a severe wound on Capt. Spencer’s hand, obliged him to relinquish his hold. The Fire Department was immediately summoned, but the apparatus which consisted of one engine, one hose-carriage, and one hook and ladder truck, was found to ... Read MORE...

1895 - Passaic
Passaic, a city of Passaic co., N.J., pleasantly situated on a river of the same name, in Acquackanonck town ship, on the Erie Railroad, and on the Boonton Branch of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, 11 miles N.W. of Jersey City, and 5 miles S.S.E. of Paterson. It contains a city hall, 9 churches, 2 newspaper offices, 2 fine school-houses, 2 extensive print-works, a woollen-tail, a bleachery, a shoddy-mill, a whip-factory, a manufactory of blankets, and 4 hotels. Pop. in 1890, 13,028.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1897 - EXCITING FIRE IN PASSAIC. Many Persons Escape By the Roof - Two Rescues by Firemen.
PASSAIC, N. J., Sept. 21. - Eight families were caught in the upper floors of the three-story brick building at Main and Passaic Streets by a fire this morning. The flames started in the cellar and ran up through the stairs. Most of the persons escaped to the building of Assemblyman John King, which adjoins.

Mrs. William Dunham and her daughter were not able to leave their apartments, and Mrs. Dunham's dress and her daughter's face and hair were burned in an attempt to get out. The firemen finally raised a ladder upon their shoulders to the window and the women were rescued. Mrs. Fry, one of the tenants, was overcome by smoke and had to be carried out.

On the ground floor was the men's furnishing store of H. Meyers & Son. Their stock was totally destroyed. The loss on building and contents is estimated at $20,000.
The New York Times
New York, New York
September 22, 1897

1899 - MEAT AND TURKEYS BURNED. Flames Destroy the Plant of the Passaic Beef Company.
Passaic, N. J., Nov. 27. - The plant of the Passaic Beef Company on the Erie Railroad, near the station here, was destroyed by fire yesterday. The fire was one of the worst that this city has ever seen. The building was largely devoted to hold storage, and the firemen were driven back time and again by ammonia fumes which escaped from the tanks and pipes.

During the fire the big tank in which the ammonia is compressed blew up, George Mi?? and George Griffin, employes[sic] of the company, were in the building when the explosion occurred. Both were close to a door and the concussion buried them through it. They were severely bruised. Several firemen were knocked down, but not seriously hurt.

The fire started in the smoke room and burned slowly but steadily through the plant. There was a carload of chickens on a side track close to the building, and this was burned. There were about 20,000 pounds of beef in the building, and 2,000 turkeys all of which were consumed. The fire... Read MORE...

1905 - BAD WRECK ON THE LACKAWANNA
By Publishers Press Direct Wire

Passaic June 2 - A broken axle on and east-bound freight caused the wreck of ten cars on the Lackawanna railroad this morning The wreck occurred in Passaic, near the freight house and is pronounced the worst in the history of the road The tracks are torn up for two thousand feet and traffic generally is tied up The body of William Kelly, of 738 Maple street, Scranton, Pa., was found pinned under a pile of lumber.
The Trenton Times
Trenton, New Jersey
June 2, 1905

1906
Passaic, a city of Passaic co., N. J., pleasantly situated on a river of the same name and on the Eric, the Lacka wanna, and the New York, Susquehanna and Western Rs., 5 miles SSE. of Paterson. It has extensive print- and chemical-works, silk- and woollen-mills, and manufactories of soap, rubber, pantasote-leather, and matches. Pop. in 1890, 13,028 ; in 1900, 27,777.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1911 - June 1 - 1st US group insurance policy written, Passaic, NJ

June 1, 1911

1933 - Orphan Boys Prevent Wreck of Train Carrying 500 Persons.
Passaic, N. J., May 4. - Quick work of six boys from the Passic Orphan Asylum was credited today with averting a wreck of an Erie Railroad express train carrying 500 commuter passengers.

The boys, watching from the asylum windows during a heavy cloudburst last night, saw that the rush of water had carried away ballast under the tracks and left about 50 feet of tracks and ties hanging ten feet in air. They ran down the track in the rain, knowing the 7:50 express from Jersey City was due.

Engineer John McGlin, of Nutley saw the six boys frantically waving. He stopped the train within 50 feet of the washout.

The boys were Jacob Merinizek, 15, John Murdock, 11, Douglas Fleming, 15, Rudolph Borsche, 14, Frank Mazzola, 13, and his brother Michael, 11.
Edwardsville Intelligencer
Edwardsville, Illinois
May 4, 1933

1944 - March 20 - Bus falls off bridge into Passaic River NJ, killing 16

historyorb.com
March 20, 1944

Whether you're a resident looking for new experiences or a visitor exploring the area, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Passaic:
Garret Mountain Reservation:

Start your exploration with a visit to Garret Mountain Reservation. This scenic park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the New York City skyline. It's a great spot for nature lovers and hikers.

Passaic River Park:

If you enjoy outdoor activities, Passaic River Park is another excellent option. You can go for a walk, run, or bike ride along the river, or simply relax in a peaceful natural setting.

Botto House National Landmark:

History enthusiasts should check out the Botto House, which is a National Landmark. It played a significant role in the labor movement during the early 20th century. You can take a guided tour to learn about its history and importance.

Passaic County Arts Center:

If you're interested in the arts, visit the Passaic County Arts Center at the John W. Rea House. They often host exhibitions, art workshops, and cultural events, making it a hub for creative minds in the area.

Passaic County... Read MORE...