Teaneck in Bergen County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Cattails = Clay
Hibiscus palustris
| | Hackensack River Stories | |
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 19, 2008
1. Cattails = Clay Marker
CATTAILS = CLAY
The schooner John Schmults was in the brick trade for many years during the late 19th century on the Hackensack [River]. Clay deposits were extensive and prized by the Lenape and early settlers for pottery then brickmaking. The Dutch were taught to dig for clay where they saw cattails growing. Cattail (Typha latifolia) has almost disappeared from along the lower Hackensack due to the increased salinity since the construction of the Oradell dam.
[ Sidebar: ]
Hibiscus palustris
Oh, the marshlands of New Jersey:
Oh, the broad moors near the sea,
Where the salt winds off the ocean
Wander far and fast and free!
Oh, the tides in winding channels
Hidden in the meadow grass,
Where with hulls unseen, ghost vessels,
Gliding schooners bayward pass;
And the nodding and the lisping
Of the zephyr-haunted sedge,
And the mallows flaming petals
On the sluggish ditchs edge;
And the meadow lark, sky scaler,
Mounting up on tiny wings,
Flooding upper space with music
Largesse, free, but fit for kings;
And the fleecy flocks of cloudland,
Browsing oer their sunny leas,
And the flitting of their shadows,
Playing with each vagrom breeze!
Oh, the brave life of the marshes,
Jerseys moorlands, green and
this page online
And the brotherhood that crowns it,
Blowing wind and flowing tide!
Owen Terry
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.
Location. 40° 54.831′ N, 74° 1.787′ W. Marker is in Teaneck, New Jersey, in Bergen County. It is on Main Street (Old New Bridge Road), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Teaneck NJ 07666, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey, in Greater Newark, and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Brett Park / New Bridge Area (a few steps from this marker); These are the times that try mens souls . . . (within shouting distance of this marker); New Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named New Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Timeline of Events at New Bridge in the American Revolution (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named New Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named New Bridge Landing (within shouting distance of this marker); The Zabriskie House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line).
Another marker is no longer nearby. New Bridge Landing
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 19, 2008
2. Marker in Teaneck's Brett Park
More about this marker. The background of the marker contains a picture of the schooner John Schmults and of a Swamp Rose Mallow.
Also see . . . The Story of Our Valley, Chapter Four A Ton of Bricks. Patch website entry:
A blogger local to Bergen County has a series about the history of brick making there. (Submitted on August 15, 2012.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 912 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 12, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
