Mountain Lakes High School football captains Holden Gillespie (55), Vinny Cina (10), Roman DeConcillis (11), and Carson Fitch (45).
Photograph by Ed Leonard
TTHE SUMMER may have been hot, but this fall is bound to be even hotter, and you’ve got your hands on it right now.
Welcome to Mountain Lakes and Boonton Township magazine, your own personal town square, where you, the reader, are the story. This neighborhood magazine is about the movers, shakers, and allaround newsmakers that put our community on the map. We are open to ideas, and all cards are on the table. Is there an outstanding student or teacher that deserves a shout out? Maybe there’s a long-time project in the community coming to fruition?
A law enforcement official or fire personnel who went above and beyond? The stories are out there, and we would love to tell them.
Who am I, and what do I bring to the table in terms of Mountain Lakes and Boonton Township content?
As a long-time journalist, I cemented the majority of my career at the Daily Record, which covers Morris County. During my tenure, I scouted stories from all over, including Mountain Lakes and Boonton Township. I walk the Boulevard, hike to Tripod Rock at The Tourne, dine at Hapgood’s, and continue to get my daily coffee fix on Main Street in nearby Boonton.
I am a people person to the core and believe in human connection through story telling. So, let’s have at it.
There’s a story out there waiting for its moment and our community is just the place to tell it. Besides, there’s a reason Mountain Lakes secured a place in the top 10 places to raise a family in all of the U.S.
This is your place and your space.
Welcome.
Ellen S. Wilkowe Editor
Mountain Lakes
Sales Director
Maryam Taghipour
Editor Ellen S. Wilkowe
Writers Rich Luttenberger
Jennifer Lynch
Jenna Galletti
Photographers
Antonietta Henry
Ed Leonard
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
SVP, Group Publisher
Thomas Flannery
Regional Publisher
Jodi Bruker
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Art Director
Rosemary O’Connell
Executive Editor
Elaine Paoloni Quilici
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
Mountain Lakes + Boonton Township magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Mountain Lakes and Boonton Township, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS SHARKEY
What’s New!
September events are heating up in Mountain Lakes and Boonton.
BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE
WELCOME TO AROUND TOWN, your hometown hangout that spotlights exciting events in Mountain Lakes and buzz around Boonton. For our debut issue and just in time for the fall, we harvested happenings that may very well fill out your social calendar
BEYOND THE BOOKS
For kids not quite in the classroom yet, the Mountain Lakes library is the go-to destination for children’s programming. Little Makers provides hands-on outdoor activities such as planting and harvesting in the library garden on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Come back Fridays for story hour at 10:30 a.m.
Adults, too, can get in on the fun this fall. Come Sept. 8 for a gentle stretch on Mondays at 10 a.m. with instructor Tsomo Weber.
Register online at mountainlakeslibrary.org/calendar.
This page: Children’s programming events put on by the Mountain Lakes Public Library.
CROP SHOP
There’s always something growing on at the Boonton Farmer’s Market. From fresh produce to live music, artisans and crafters, and even all-ages lawn games, the market has something for everyone.
The market operates Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from the Upper Plane Street Parking Lot in the town of Boonton. With more than 20 vendors on site, the Boonton Farmer’s Market is the largest to date since its inception more than two decades ago.
The fall harvest is on the horizon and the reaps of its reward will be available through Nov. 22.
LEVELING UP AT THE LAKELAND HILLS YMCA
The Lakeland Hills YMCA is shaping up for the future, and renovations are underway to transform the health center into an even more all-inclusive community hub for fitness and overall wellness.
The facility upgrades will include: a member lounge, a functional and strength training area, state-of-the-art cardio fitness center featuring entertainment and motivational content, cycle studio, personal and small-group training space, TRX and Turf area, cardiac care center for screenings and assessments, an e-gym showcasing an interactive workout area that tracks movements, and a stretch and mobility space.
Stop by the market for delicious, fresh produce and tasty bites!
The 2025 to 2026 school year is in full swing, and all roads lead to homecoming. So, crank out your calendar and block out the weekend of Sept. 26 and 27 for some serious Mountain Lakes High School school spirit.
Friday brings the Alumni Golf Outing at the Rockaway River Country Club at noon, followed up by the Homecoming Game at Wilkins Field with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Get in the zen zone Saturday with Yoga on the Beach at Island Beach, at 9 a.m. For old times’ sake, stroll the high school for a tour at 11 a.m., and then join fellow former students for a luncheon in the cafeteria at noon.
Close out the weekend at the home of Jamie Rodgers, who will host a homecoming party at 7 p.m.
Be there or be square!
For more information, visit www.mountainlakesalumniorg.
SEE THE LIGHT
Get ready to set your sights on the lights for Diwali, the Hindi Festival of Lights. The holiday draws its name from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which translates to row of lights, and celebrates the triumph of darkness over light, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
The celebration will take place Saturday, Oct. 4 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Island Beach and promises to deliver a feast of food, music, dance, and art.
Sponsored by the Mountain Lakes Public Library, this event is open to the public at no cost.
Set the for Fall Mood
For relaxed, cozy meals that encourage lingering, create table settings inspired by the natural beauty and warm colors of fall.
BY JENNA GALLETTI
FALL IS THE SEASON in which we cozy up with pumpkin spice lattes, throw on our favorite scarves, and begin thinking about hosting friends and family for indoor gatherings. To set the mood for an uplifting meal at this dark and sometimes dreary time of year, focus on your table décor. Here’s how to style a fall table that’s welcoming, warm, and full of character.
START WITH THE BASICS
The beauty of fall is in the richness of its colors, so think earthy tones as your foundation. Neutral tablecloths or placemats in soft beige or off-white create a calm canvas. From there, add pops of deep orange, mustard yellow, and burgundy through napkins, place mats, or a table runner. Don’t be afraid to mix in some dark greens—they bring a chic, moody vibe that really feels like the season.
THINK BEYOND TRADITIONAL
Miniature pumpkins? Cute, sure. But let’s be honest, they’re everywhere. To add that fall feeling but with a twist of elegance, try including white miniature pumpkins in your table décor. Create a rustic centerpiece with freshly picked apples and small squash, or a playful mix of dried florals that convey ‘harvest’ without the cliché. If space allows, consider running dried branches or
leaves along the length of your table, through its center.
TEXTURE IS KEY
When it comes to fall table styling, texture is just as important as color. We’re talking rich, cozy touches like linen napkins, woven placemats, or even a faux fur throw casually draped over a chair. Mix in ceramic, wood, and copper pieces to add more texture and depth, because nothing says autumn like a table that feels as rich as a creamy hot chocolate. It’s all about creating a vibe that makes your guests want to linger a little longer, whether for another glass of wine or a second round of dessert.
CHOOSE SOFT LIGHTING
In addition to dimmable electric lighting, candles are key to creating a cozy vibe. Now is the time to dig out candlesticks that might feel too formal (or require too much maintenance) for use at other times of year. Whether made of brass, silver, metal or glass, candlesticks add texture and elegance to your table. Sprinkle in your favorite votive candleholders for additional interest. Or choose a series of short, stocky candles—those wrapped in birch bark are easy to find online and add a touch of nature to your table. Regardless of size or shape, warm, flickering light is where it’s at for fall meals.
FINISHING TOUCHES
It’s the little details that turn a table from ‘nice’ to ‘unforgettable.’ Personalized place cards? Instant points for making your guests feel special. You can keep it simple with sprigs of rosemary and handwritten names or get creative with fall favors—think mini bottles of apple cider or tiny bags of caramel popcorn. Who wouldn’t love a festive treat? Fall feasts are also the perfect time to bring out inherited dishes, cutlery or serving pieces that remind you of loved ones, or antiques that you don’t often use because they require handwashing. They’ll spark conversation and add a glow to your table.
Your fall dining décor should reflect the season: warm, inviting, and full of little details that bring people together. So go ahead, get creative with your style, because the best gatherings are those where everyone feels right at home. Here’s to a fall full of delicious food, great company, and a table that creates the perfect setting for both.
Jenna Galletti is a photographer, marketer, and creative producer who splits her time between New York and Boston. She finds endless inspiration through the energy of urban life.
Visit her at www.jennagalletti.com and follow her on Instagram @jennagalletti.
RECENT HOME SALES
The HERD is Back
Returning seniors on the Mountain Lakes High School football team have their sights set on winning this season.
BY RICH LUTTENBERGER
TTHE MOUNTAIN LAKES football team returns a strong core of starters that hope to deliver The Herd to the state sectional finals for the fifth straight season. Head coach Darrell Fusco, who is entering his 16th season at the helm, is excited about the possibilities for this year’s group.
Usually a senior-laden squad, The Herd had so many new positions to fill in 2024 that several underclassmen earned the chance to step in, especially in the skill positions. All three running backs and a few linemen from last season’s state sectional runner-up team will
return, which bodes well for their run-oriented Wing-T offense.
Coach Fusco will lean on the leadership of four senior captains. Anchoring the offensive line, Holden Gillespie is a physical, tough, versatile player who is also a playmaker at the defensive end. Fusco refers to the Bucknell lacrosse commit as an “AllCounty type of player.”
At fullback, the heart of The Herd’s rushing attack, Carson Fitch, will lead the offense. “He’s a touchdown waiting to happen,” says Fusco of his reliable runner, who also doubles on defense as a linebacker.
Another two-way interior lineman is Roman DeConciliis, a big, physical player who is also the team’s kicker. According to the head coach, “He became a legend last year” when DeConciliis kicked a walk-off field goal to upend Lenape Valley in the first round of the state playoffs.
The final captain is Vinny Cina, a very athletic, versatile player who started last season as wide receiver but moved to quarterback out of necessity and performed well. Fusco says of Cina, the son of a coach, is “the type of kid who does anything you ask.”
A STRONG TEAM
Two other important returnees are senior halfbacks Massimo Corelli and Boston College commit Billy Barrett. Along with Fitch, this gives The Herd a trio of seniors that Fusco calls, “by far the most experienced backfield we’ve had in a long time.”
To reach their goal of another state sectional title, The Herd will have to navigate a challenging schedule.
The opener is at Weequahic, a Group 3 school that is much larger than Mountain Lakes, whose enrollment puts The Herd in Group I.
Two other road games are at Pequannock, which has become
somewhat of a recent rival, and Lenape Valley, which usually presents a hostile environment. The latter will be a tough venue, as the Patriots are fired up to avenge last season’s walkoff playoff loss to Mountain Lakes.
The Herd will have four Friday night home games, and Wilkins Field should be the site of four fiercely contested matches.
Long-time conference foes Hanover Park and Madison will visit Mountain Lakes, and both schools will bring a history of rivalry with them. Newton also comes to town, and the Braves will be formidable, as they usually play a hard-nosed, physical brand of
WHY IS THE MOUNTAIN LAKES FOOTBALL TEAM CALLED “THE HERD?”
The official nickname of all athletic teams at Mountain Lakes High School is the Lakers. So why is the football team called “The Herd?”
When legendary coach Doug Wilkins took over in 1966, his team struggled mightily that first year. In an effort to change the culture and create an identity, Wilkins came up with an acronym to motivate the players, and a new nickname was born.
He called his team “The Herd,” which stood for Hustle, Enthusiasm, Roughness, Dedication, and Desire, traits he believed were essential to success. He chose a buffalo as a mascot, symbolic of the pack mentality where there is strength in numbers and togetherness, and where the older bison take care of the younger animals.
The name—and the culture—stuck, as Wilkins and his Herd went on to win 22 conference titles and five state sectional championships, while Coach Fusco has won the conference five times and the sectional four times.
high school football.
And of course, no season would be complete without the annual rivalry game with Boonton High School. As kids, the current Bombers and Herd players were youth football teammates in the Grayhawks program, so this game always has an extra edge.
If Mountain Lakes can survive this schedule, The Herd can make another run in the state playoffs and maybe even get another shot at Butler, who beat them in last year’s sectional finals.
With so many returning starters and high expectations of the senior leaders, Coach Fusco is hopeful that
This season’s captains, from left to right: Holden Gillespie, Vinny Cina, Roman DeConcillis, and Carson Fitch.
the season will be successful. He is excited about working with this year’s players and coaches.
“When you have a large group that’s returning, we’re optimistic,” Fusco says. For a coach, this kind of returning experience and leadership is a luxury, and Fusco hopes to parlay it into a faster start to the season. “We feel like we should be better defensively,” he adds, “and we should be able to do things that maybe we don’t ever get to do early on in a season with our offense.”
Mountain Lakes football has a proud history of winning. This championship tradition is born from the culture of The Herd. Team chemistry is vital, and for Fusco, he believes that the leadership of the returning seniors should be instrumental in the success of the season to come.
“When kids buy in, it makes it easy to coach,” he says.
Rich Luttenberger is a life-long Morris County resident. He is a teacher at Morris Knolls High School, writer, and occasional podcast co-host for the “Sons of Saturday,” a multi-media platform focused on Virginia Tech sports.
Left: Mountain Lakes senior Carson Fitch is one of four the captains this season. He also doubles on defense as a linebacker. Fusco describes him as a "touchdown waiting to happen."
Comfort Creatures
Brookhollow’s Barnyard, a family-run petting zoo, offers a sanctuary for animals and people looking for fun and peace.
BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE
TTHERE WERE NEIGHS, brays, bleats, and tweets.
These were just average ordinary greetings from the friendly two and four-legged residents at Brookhollow’s Barnyard in Boonton Township. Some, like the horses, alpacas, and sheep, even came up close as if expecting a selfie.
The 100-acre multi-generational owned and operated “barnyard,” is situated on Rockaway Valley Road,
at the intersection of Kinnelon, Powerville, and Denville Roads, which is affectionately referred to by locals as the Four Corners. 60 of the acres are dedicated to the more than 200 animals who call it home. About 80% of the furry and feathered friends living here were rescued and are living out their best lives, being tended to by family and visitors eager to indulge them with cups of carrots.
Left: Tina Krawczyk is one of the owners of Brookhollow’s Barnyard, a family-run petting farm in Boonton Township.
BEGINNINGS
The property lends its history to John and Edna Johanson, who purchased it in the 1970s for the sole purpose of land preservation. “There was no product involved or envisioned for the land other than hay,” says Annelise Wisniewski who handles the administrative side of things. In a case of putting the hay before the horse, the farm became home to Dutch Warmbloods, which were bred and shown successfully. In 1999, the farm changed species and dedicated itself to alpacas. It was the 90s, and alpacas were having a moment, Wisniewski says.
“The farm became well known in the alpaca community,” she says. “The alpaca shows and auctions brought enthusiastic visitors and buyers from across the country.”
The alpaca auctions were one of Wisniewski’s first and fondest memories of her family farm. She is the granddaughter of the original owners, and now the farm is in the hands of Tina Krawczyk and Nancy Johanson. When it comes to barnyard operations and animal care, it’s all hands-on deck. In addition to Wisniewski, her three older brothers, Connor, Reid, and Chad Silverstein, help out alongside five outside employees.
A HOME FOR ALL
Then along came Krawczyk, who opened the farm to all creatures, including but not limited to sheep, goats, cows, ducks, pigs—even a peacock. The farm has become a destination for goat yoga, as in practicing yoga in the company of
Horses, alpacas and ducks, oh my! These are just several of the more than 200 animals that call Brookhollow’s Barnyard home. The family-owned and operated farm provides the public an opportunity to interact with and feed furry and feathered friends.
the four-legged companions, at least the ones that don’t have horns.
Besides, what’s a little downward dog between goats and humans? The goats are also available for 30-minute goat cuddling sessions.
Goats aside, the farm has been the go-to destination for school trips and serves as a safe haven for city children to explore the outdoors. Brookhollow’s also operates a summer camp for children aged 4 to 10.
With fall rounding the bed, the barnyard will be hopping. It’s all aboard the cow train or a tractor ride to tour the farm or fetch fresh
pumpkins in their harvest.
So, what’s in the future? Maybe expanding to include apple picking, but for now, maintaining a thriving multigenerational farm will do just fine, Wisniewski says.
Brookhollow’s Farm is located at 301 Rockaway Valley Road in Boonton Township. The farm is open from May 1 to Oct. 31.
Ellen S. Wilkowe is a writer, former journalist, and an all-around outdoor enthusiast.
Business is Brewing
Boonton Coffee Co. livens up the daily grind.
BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE
THERE’S A ROOM for every mood and a true brew to meet the moment at hand: Comfy couches lighten the load, intimate cafe tables are conducive for brewing romance, and communal seating for meet and greets decorate the room. The whimsical, retro-leaning decor includes a bicycle and coffee cart complete the vibe.
The ever-present waft of freshroasted beans and a solid indies playlist
further serve as a warm embrace.
This is Boonton Coffee Co., where coffee, creativity, and community intersect right in the heart of Main Street. A staple for almost 10 years, the popular stomping ground is the brainchild of husband and wife team Frank and Nicola McDonald Frank is often onsite greeting customers as if they were close friends or family, which is exactly what he had
in mind when exiting stage left from the rat race of the corporate world.
The couple made their way to Boonton by way of their native Scotland in 2002, settling first in Morristown and then in Lake Hopatcong. Always the hobby homeroaster, Frank has definitely been there and done that regarding all things coffee.
“I’ve always been a coffee enthusiast,”
Opposite page: Frank McDonald, co-owner of Boonton Coffee Co., welcomes you! Above: A happy staff at Boonton Coffee Co. From left: Valeria Echavarria-Ramirez, Nina Perez, Corrine Drew, Mazzy Cirinelli, Frank McDonald, and Basil Lyons.
he says. “I began roasting at home and started selling to family and friends.”
The McDonald family doubled down on Boonton for its community-minded feel and set up shop initially where Ombra now stands. After several years, they outgrew the space and relocated to what was the former home of Bob’s Men’s Department Store. The site was completely gutted right down to a lack
of indoor plumbing.
“There was nothing here,” Frank says. “It was just an open space.”
FROM THE GROUND UP
But McDonald had a vision, and in six months’ time he was able to rebuild from the ground up—coffee pun intended. This included securing all the furnishings and artwork, many
of which pays homage to dogs and regional entertainment.
The coffee is just as robust as the environment, and there is no bean left unturned.
Frank sources from around the globe—the latest places being El Salvador and Guatemala—and he roasts on site, fine-tuning flavor profiles through small batch production.
“What people don’t realize is that coffee is a crop and has an actual season,” Frank says.
A giant cement wall emblazoned with the company logo adds an industrial aura, which is further validated by the presence of a commercial-sized roaster and accompanying sacks of beans, their country of origins front and center— proof of freshness. More often than not, the roaster is being manned by an employee who is trained in all things beans. There’s even a trial period, which involves roasting multiple batches to test flavor profiles and strength.
Patrons can customize their own purchases from the rotating selection of whole beans up for sale, and there’s plenty of merch to go around.
The coffee company is the unofficial
Top: Delicious treats Above: A work of heart.
Right: Basil Lyons packs coffee beans.
destination for business meetings, mom group gatherings, and even a study hall of sorts for high school and college students. The shop even brewed up its own running club—the Boonton Coffee Road Roasters.
Four-legged friends are equally as welcome and are often found wagging their tails at passersby or stretched out comfortably next to their coffee-sipping, avocado-toastmunching humans. Canines are further celebrated as per the wall decor and yes, McDonald is just as crazed about canines as he is about coffee.
TAKE A SIP
A self-declared coffee purist, Frank leaves the blended concoctions to his seasoned employees who take ownership of their drinks, which are displayed on a colorful chalkboard.
For the caffeine-free, a.k.a. “non coffee” there’s always a decaf on tap, as well as hot cocoa, and refreshers such as coco melon, which is part of their new and limited Alchemy Menu. Stop
here for a cereal and milk latte or a Korean banana milk shaken espresso. To complement the pours, a munchies menu offers up cheese boards, toasts, yogurt bowls, and pastries to satisfy the best of sweet tooths in the house.
A small but mighty stage complete with a piano comes to life on the weekends, which at Boonton Coffee Co. kicks off Thursday evenings, courtesy of themed open-mic nights. The coffee shop is also home to its homegrown
regional artist series, Boonton Coffee Presents, which will feature Jonathan Van Halen, who hails from “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon on Sept. 20 and singer songwriter Dean Johnon on Sept. 26.
For the solitude-seekers, a doorway near the stage gives way to a library-like setting complete with more couches, a bookshelf, and even a working turn table complete with records to spin.
There’s also an old-school cork board that serves as a promotional stomping ground for businesses, social groups, fundraising events, and even dog yoga, to name a few.
As Frank continues to caffeinate and entertain the community at large, he pours equal amounts of his success into paying it forward through partnerships. Boonton Coffee provides a boost to Boonton High School students through their work-based learning program, has brewed up many a signature blend for the four-legged residents at the North Star Pet Rescue, and even adopted an orangutan through The Orangutan Project.
So, what’s next on the menu? Maybe, and just maybe, a second location, but it has to be just right and in a community as terrific as ours.
Find Boonton Coffee Co. at 602 Main St., Boonton. For more information, visit www.boontoncoffee.com
Right: The cozy and inviting setting at Boonton Coffee Co. Bottom: The performance stage
Head Over Heels With History
Mountain Lakes resident brings the past to the present.
BY ELLEN S. WILKOWE
INTERVIEW WITH RANJAN O. BOSE
RANJAN O. BOSE is not only making history, he’s been preserving it for generations to come. “History isn’t just static, it’s an ongoing, growing thing,” he says. A longtime Mountain Lakes resident, Bose grew up here and then returned in the 1990s to raise a family and plant deep roots in the community. Bose credits his passion for the past to his Mountain Lakes-based upbringing, and he continues to kindle it as the cochair of the historical preservation committee, one of many hats he wears on behalf of the beloved borough. For the debut issue of Mountain Lakes and Boonton Township magazine, and with the assistance of Bose, we took a deep dive into the history of Mountain Lakes, a National Historic Register landmark, as well as the personal history of the man on a mission to bring the past into the present and beyond.
How long have you lived in Mountain Lakes?
I moved to Mountain Lakes when I was in second grade and graduated from Mountain Lakes High School in 1976, the borough’s bicentennial. My dad was a professor at Stevens Institute of Technology and moved here in 1966. I was one of five children, three boys and three girls, and between 1968 and 1985, there were 17 consecutive years of us being in the school district. I’m the second oldest.
I grew up on Morris Avenue, on the property across from Midvale Avenue. In its original form at 3.5 acres, it was one of the largest private lots in town. Mountain Lakes is a wonderful place to grow up in, and at an early age, I was determined to raise a family here. My wife, Pia, is from Finland and moved here to do her doctorate. Like all Laker traditions, we got married at St. Peter’s Church and had our reception at the Mountain Lakes Club, which is closed. But back then it was a private club that was open for events like weddings. The club is still trying to find a new buyer and there have been talks about making it into a community center.
I have a son Olin, 19, who is a member of MLHS class of 2024, and a daughter, Anya, 17, who will be a senior at the high school, class of 2026.
What came after your Mountain Lakes education?
I went to the University of Richmond and attained a degree in English Literature and an MA in Asian Studies (South and Southeast Asia.) from the University of Michigan. I also attained a Master’s of International Affairs (International Finance and Banking) from Columbia University. I lived in Savannah and Los Angeles but came back to Mountain Lakes in
the 1990s and have remained here. It’s always been home.
With all these degrees, what line of work did you pursue?
I’m currently a consultant in the Maritime industry, focusing on port development, global trade, and corporate communications.
Was there a certain event or person that sparked your interest in history?
It’s always been a personal interest of mine, especially New Jersey and Mountain Lakes history. When I was in high school in 1975, it was the bicentennial of Mountain Lakes.
FUN FACT
Unlike history that you study and doesn’t involve you, I felt like I was already a part of living history; history was much more local and personal for me. Last year, the borough celebrated its centennial.
The borough was originally a part of Hanover Township and became incorporated as a separate entity in 1924. There is a Mountain Lakes Historical Walking Tour, created by the historical preservation committee.
Are there any Mountain Lakes claims to fame?
Mountain Lakes is a community of highachieving people, and people move here either because
of their success or maybe they grew up here and became successful. What many people wouldn’t know is that the inventor of Play-Doh, Kay Zufall, was a long-time Mountain Lakes resident, along with her husband Dr. Robert Zufall, who founded what is now the Zufall Health center in Dover. The inventor of the Dixie cup, Lawrence W. Luellen, was the first resident of Mountain Lakes and settled here in 1911 in one of the first Hapgood Houses at 46 Dartmouth Rd. The great grandson of Steinway & Sons—as in the piano company—Charles Steinway, called Mountain Lakes home.
Were there any other pseudocelebrity types?
The area was first built as a park-like refuge for wealthy people from New York, and the early residents were involved in the theater. Arthur Stringer (Canadian screenwriter and author of “The Hand of Peril” and “Dark Soil”) and silent movie actress Mary Pickford, aka “America’s Sweetheart,” are said to have built a house at the top of Crestview in the 1920s. There were many captains of industry who lived here. It was very high profile for a small town, though it was never a celebrity community.
Right: The former sales office, operated on the Boulevard and Briarcliff Road, was used by developer Herbert Hapgood to meet with prospective buyers.
So, what’s in the names that we see around town?
The one that most are familiar with is Hapgood, as in the restaurant on Midvale Road. Herbert Hapgood was the developer responsible for building the multi-level stucco houses, known as Lakers. He was inspired by the arts and crafts movement and borrowed from Gustav Stickley’s craftsman-style architecture. He built about 600 houses before fleeing in 1923 for financial reasons. Many Hapgoods—about 450— are still standing today.
There’s also Van Duyne Road named for surveyor Lewis Van Duyne, who first envisioned the development. Righter, Grimes, and Ball Roads are all named for the area’s earliest settlers. These are all historical figures of the era, and people don’t realize that.
Frederick Castle Way is named for a war hero who moved here in the 1920s
and attended Boonton High School. Mountain Lakes had no high school until 1938, so students either went to Boonton or Morristown High School.
Frederick Castle was a West Point graduate and a general in the Army Air Corp. He took the lead in the Battle of the Bulge during Christmas of 1944. His plane was shot down over Belgium and he ordered everyone out. He didn’t want to hurt civilians, so he crashed the plane and was killed. He received a medal of honor, which is on display in the Mountain Lakes library.
The Boulevard is a hotspot for runners, walkers, and bikers who often come from neighboring towns. Is there any history there?
The Boulevard is what remains of the Morris County Traction Company’s Trolley Line. From 1910 to 1928, residents took the trolley from
Ranjan O. Bose returned to Mountain Lakes to raise his own family. Here, he is with his 19-year-old son Olin, a sophomore at Columbia University, and his daughter, Anya, 17, a senior at Mountain Lakes High School.
Mountain Lakes to Denville where they would then connect with a larger trolley system down Route 53 to Morristown.
What about the original train station, which is now home to The Station restaurant?
My dad would buy tickets there, and it was a rite of passage, commuting to New York—he would ride with my classmates’ fathers. All the dads worked in New York, but we’re not as much of a New York-focused town as we once were. But it was a big selling point when it came online in 1912.
What can you tell us about the Lakes that may give a reader or resident a moment to pause?
When I was growing up, there were certain legends, and one of them was that the government tested submarines on Crystal Lake. As a boy learning about World War II, I questioned how it was possible to get a submarine there. What actually happened was that Bell Labs was performing sonar testing for the Navy and that many Bell Lab executives lived in town and facilitated
FUN FACT
The original train station, home to The Station restaurant, was part of the Delaware Lackawanna and Western Rail Road Boonton’s Branch. It replaced the Fox Hill Station so that Mountain Lakers commuters could catch the train to New York without having to take the trolley to Boonton. In the 1970s, the Erie Lackawanna Railroad went out of business, and the train service was taken over first by Conrail and then New Jersey Transit. The station also closed in the 1970s and was taken over by the borough.
FUN FACT
A long-gone rail spur from Birchwood along Pocono Road to the Fox Hill Train Station carried harvested ice, which was stored in houses on the three lakes. Bonus fact: Fox Hill actually has nothing to do with the animal but instead pays homage to a Revolutionary War hero, John Fox, who lived at the bottom of the namesake hill in the 18th century.
the research. Crystal Lake was ideal because it was quiet and more rural in the 1940s. The lake was dredged to 14 feet near the dam for this purpose. If you’re walking across the dam that separates Crystal and Sunset Lake, you could see to the right a chain and a small cinder building. I always thought it was a boathouse for the home, but it was the guard house for the Navy. People walk by that every day and don’t realize that it’s a guard house for a top secret Navy operation.
Fox Hill seems to be a popular name around here. Can you tell us the story behind it?
What are now known as Birchwood, Crystal, and Sunset Lakes were originally known as Fox Hill Lake and were used to harvest ice before electric refrigeration replaced ice boxes. In 1912, Hapgood acquired the land containing the lakes from the Fox Hills Ice Company.
What else are you involved in besides the historic preservation committee?
I’m an assistant scout master for Boy Scout Troop 41. My son’s Eagle Scout project was the installation of the
The trolley, operated by the Morris County Traction Company, ran from Denville to Boonton as a spur of the Denville/Morristown line from 1910 to 1928.
three historical marker signs on the Boulevard. I’m also head coach of Mountain Lakes Recreation Clinic track, junior and cross country teams. I’m class chairman of Mountain Lakes High School Class of 1976.
Are there other projects on the horizon for the historical committee?
in the ’20s. The stone is still there, but now there’s a new roof, and it’s being replaced with the original tiles.
FUN FACT
Bose is known for his historical commentary on several social media sites including Facebook’s: “You know you’re from Mountain Lakes if...”
We used to operate out of the community room in the library and all the archives were in a closet, but the historical preservation committee signed a lease with the Community Church and moved the archives there for digital cataloguing. Most people think of an archive as photographs, but we have papers, documents, and artifacts that are digitized and searchable so that people can easily find historical information on houses. We were also instrumental in applying for a grant, which secured funding from the county and state to restore the original roof on the train station. It was built in 1912 and burned
The borough is steeped in history, but is there anything notable that did change?
There are new traditions such as the annual Lunar Festival and Diwali, the festival of lights.
We talked quite a bit about history; who or what is responsible for your shutter bug?
My uncle gave me a camera after high school. I did a lot of photography during college, and then in the early ’90s, I was a videographer on the staff of Coach Doug Wilkins until his retirement. Now, I shoot events and sports around town as a public service to the community.
A big thank you to Mr. Bose for providing images to jumpstart our Instagram account. He will be a welcomed and frequent contributor.
BOOK NOOK
Fall Into Reading
These books are perfect for cracking into as the weather turns colder.
RECOMMENDATIONS COURTESY OF JENNIFER LYNCH, DIRECTOR OF THE
WITH BEACH READS and bathing suit season behind us, it’s time to fall into reading, preferably headfirst and with your nose in a book. According to Mountain Lakes Public Library Director Jennifer Lynch, these highly anticipated releases promise to be as colorful as the foliage.
PROTOCOLS
By Andrew Huberman
Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, host of the world’s leading health podcast, “Huberman Lab,” and tenured professor at Stanford School of Medicine introduces his new nonfiction book, “Protocols.”
This is an essential guide to improving brain function, enhancing mood and energy, optimizing bodily health and physical performance, and rewiring your nervous system to learn new skills and behaviors that can transform your life. The health-obsessed among us will appreciate Huberman’s sciencebacked strategies for living better on the daily. Keep an eye out for this title, which releases Sept. 9.
THE IMPOSSIBLE FORTUNE (THURSDAY MURDER CLUB,
By Richard Osman
The much awaited fifth book in
#5)
MOUNTAIN LAKES PUBLIC LIBRARY
the worldwide sensational series, the Thursday Murder Club, is finally arriving.
In this installment, we reconnect once again with our unexpected group of heroes: The boisterous Ron, intelligent Ibrahim, sweet Joyce, and cunning Elizabeth. All four 70-something retirees are recovering from the trials and tribulations of their last adventure when a wedding guest comes to Elizabeth for help. However, the waters are muddied when the guest mysteriously vanishes and his close associates look like the likely culprits. Can the gang come together and solve the puzzle before it’s too late? “The Impossible Fortune” hits shelves (and libraries!) on Sept. 30.
THE LONELINESS OF SONIA AND SUNNY
By Kiran Desai
In her first novel since winning the Booker Prize for 2006’s “The Inheritance of Loss,” Desai tells the spellbinding story of two young people whose fates will intersect and diverge across continents and years— creating an epic story of love and family, India and America, tradition and modernity.
Sonia, an aspiring novelist, and Sunny, a not-so-successful journalist,
once met at the behest of their grandparents during a failed matchmaking attempt. But when the pair unexpectedly cross paths again, they are instantly captivated by each other. With the future unknown before them, Sonia and Sunny take the leap and search for happiness together in a fracturing political and social world: Available on Sept. 30.
HEART THE LOVER
By Lily King
From the New York Times bestselling author of “Writers & Lovers” comes a magnificent and intimate new novel of desire, friendship, loss, and the lasting impact of first love.
In her senior year of college, the narrator meets two boys from a literature class, Sam and Yash, who invite her into their elegant and sometimes toxic world of raucous games and academic competition. They give her the name Jordan, and she quickly falls into both friendship and love with them. Decades later, Jordan thinks her past is well behind her. But a surprise encounter brings her right back to the days of her youth, where love, desire, and delusions were king. Find this book on shelves on Oct. 7.
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SOARING THE SKIES
THE EAGLE HAS landed, well almost. Mountain Lakes resident Ranjan O. Bose captured this majestic mid-flight excursion over Birchwood Lake.
Have a great image for Photo Op?
Submit your high-resolution shot to ellen.wilkowe@ wainscotmedia.com
