The Meadowlands History Project

Muskrateers of the Meadowlands: Videos

 
   Late last month, a bunch of long-time hunters and muskrat trappers from Little Ferry got together at a Carlstadt restaurant to talk about the old days, when muskrats and pheasants abounded.
   We were on hand to record their candid conversations. 

  

      The Muskrateers are:

   Top Row (l to r): Mel Lana Jr., Andrew Zappetelli, Joe Lana, Steve Royka, Larry Russo, Mel Lana, Pete Crecco, Bernie Sobolewski, George Stoft, Brian Smith, Greg Smith, Don Smith.
    Lower Row: Ronald Donaldson, Mario Mariani, Ray Kooman, Jimmy Frattarelli, Romalo Faustini, Larry Zappetelli

   Click "Continue reading..." to see short videos of trappers Don Smith, Bernie Sobolewski, Pete Crecco, Larry Russo, Ray Kooman and Roland Donaldson.

MOONACHIE: A childhood in the marsh

 

     Long-time Meadowlands resident Don Torino recalls:

    I moved to Moonachie from Hackensack when I was twelve years old, Although Moonachie was just a few miles from Hackensack it was a different world.
      One of my first Memories was having to stop our car on Redneck Avenue, waiting for the goats and sheep to cross the road.

    I also remember  watching horses trotting along Moonachie Ave. as they went into Teterboro Woods to ride along the beautiful trails they had used for many years.

   Click "Continue reading ..."  to read more of Don's reminiscences.